What are U.S. private schools looking for in the Proctored Writing Sample?

They’re looking for clarity, structure, and insight. The Proctored Writing Sample gives schools a window into how your child writes when they don’t have help. Admissions officers want to see if your child can clearly address a prompt, organize their thoughts, and demonstrate basic grammar and spelling skills. But more than that, they’re interested in how a student thinks. Can they form a coherent argument? Can they reflect on an experience meaningfully? It’s less about perfection and more about communication. Our prep helps students sharpen their natural writing voice so they can perform at their best, even under a ticking clock.