Frequently Asked Questions
- How competitive are top U.S. boarding schools?
Top U.S. boarding schools are very competitive. Think of it like college admissions, just a few years earlier and younger students navigating the process. Schools like Phillips Exeter, Choate Rosemary Hall, and Deerfield receive thousands of applicants each year but can only accept a fraction of them. Students who get accepted aren’t just qualified because of their high grades and test scores. They displayed characteristics like intellectual curiosity and leadership that predict their success and positive contribution to the school community. For example, a student who volunteers for a social project can stand out just as much as a straight-A student who spends most of their time inside the library. Each boarding school application is reviewed holistically, meaning the content of essays, recommendation letters, and interviews matters a lot. While the admissions process can be intense, the good news is that there’s a wide range of excellent boarding schools across the country to choose from. With early preparation adn the right guidance, you can find a boarding school that is a perfect fit for your child’s needs and your family’s goals.
- Are interviews mandatory for all boarding school applicants?
Yes, most schools require interviews as part of the holistic evaluation process. Some allow virtual interviews, especially for international or out-of-state applicants. Still, we recommend attending in person. It’s possible to schedule the campus visit and the interview on the same day, as long as you inform the admissions office in advance and let them know you’ll be traveling and need to book your flight. By going through all this effort, you show the school that you are serious and genuinely interested in attending. This could give significant boost and strengthen your child’s application. But don’t make the mistake of coming unprepared. Some families take interview preparation for granted, thinking that the questions are going to be practical and easy to answer. Remember that the interview is the first time that the admissions committee will see your child in the flesh, out of paper, grades, and test scores. So come prepared, but be relaxed and maintain composure. Practice answering common questions beforehand and share real experiences. After all, interviews are not just a part of the admissions process, but an opportunity to let your child’s personality shine.
- What’s the biggest mistake families make during the application process?
One of the biggest and most common mistakes families make, even before navigating the admissions process, is choosing a boarding school based on prestige rather than fit. It’s easy to be attracted to big names like Exeter or Andover, but will your child really thrive in those schools? Sure, they may get in, especially if you’ve got expert admissions consultants to help you. But is your child going to be happy there? Remember, it’s your child’s future we’re talking about. What truly matters is finding a boarding school where your child will feel supported, challenged, and genuinely happy. We want them to be ready and prepared for college, not traumatized by their high school experience.
Another common mistake is starting too late. Between essays, teacher recommendations, interviews, testing, and all the other in-betweens, the preparation and entire admissions process takes time, and rushing can make everything feel stressful and produce less authentic materials. Some families also over-edit their child’s essays, which can make them sound more like an adult than a student. Admissions officers can tell when it’s not a student’s voice.
So the best approach is to start early, stay organized, and focus on letting your child’s real personality shine through.
- How can international students improve their chances?
International students can improve their chances of getting into top U.S. boarding schools by demonstrating strong academics, clear communication skills, and a genuine interest in American culture and school life. Admissions officers love students who are not just excellent learners but also eager to share their culture and adapt to a new community. Strong English skills, especially in writing and interviews, can make a big difference, so practicing conversational English early helps a lot. It’s also important to understand each school’s testing and visa requirements, since some ask for TOEFL or SSAT scores. International students who go the extra mile to attend open houses and interviews in person really stand out. Most importantly, international students should highlight what makes them unique and what they can contribute to the diversity of the school community.
