Most boarding schools open applications in late summer or early fall, with deadlines in January. Interviews and testing usually happen several months earlier, so do not wait for portals to open before preparing. Families who begin in spring or early summer can complete diagnostics for SSAT or ISEE, draft essays at a comfortable pace, request […]

Centralize your process. Build a single master timeline that includes diagnostics, test dates, interview windows, essay drafts, recommender requests, and submission deadlines for each school. Compile transcripts, awards, writing samples, and test reports in a single shared folder so everything is neatly organized. Hold short weekly status meetings to track progress and unblock tasks. Use […]

Yes. Interviews help schools gauge communication skills, self-awareness, and overall fit. A confident, genuine conversation can tip a marginal file upward when grades and scores look similar. Prepare a short personal story, examples that show leadership or kindness, and two or three thoughtful questions about the school’s culture or programs. Practice with a mentor or […]