Frequently Asked Questions
- When do most top U.S. boarding schools open and close their applications?
Most competitive boarding schools open their online applications in August or September, and final deadlines usually fall in early January. Families often underestimate how early the preparation truly begins because the official deadlines represent only the final stage. Interviews, campus visits, recommendation letters, and standardized testing often take place several months prior. Schools like Andover, Exeter, and Choate expect families to complete interviews by late fall and submit test scores well before winter break. Preparing early allows families to craft thoughtful essays, schedule interviews, and gather strong recommendation letters. Starting the process ahead of time also reduces stress and ensures a more polished application that admissions officers will appreciate.
- When should my child take the SSAT or ISEE for the best results?
Most students benefit from taking the SSAT or ISEE between October and December. This timing allows for structured preparation starting in summer or early fall. A diagnostic test in spring helps determine whether your child should take the SSAT or the ISEE and identifies weaknesses early. Taking the test in October or November provides time for a retake if needed, which can boost overall scores and percentiles. Boarding schools prioritize applicants who demonstrate both readiness and growth, and early testing helps families show improvement. Taking the test too close to a January deadline can be risky, especially if score delivery is delayed or if a retake is needed. Early planning makes the entire process smoother and far more successful.
- Should students begin writing boarding school essays before portals open?
Yes. The strongest boarding school essays are drafted during the summer before application portals open. Students have more emotional bandwidth when they are not juggling schoolwork, sports, or extracurricular commitments. Beginning early gives them the chance to reflect on meaningful experiences, identify their strengths, and articulate why they are a good fit for specific schools. Early drafting also allows time for multiple rounds of edits without pressure. When portals open in late summer or early fall, students who already have complete drafts can focus on refining their responses and preparing supplemental essays. Admissions officers can easily tell when essays are rushed or overly edited, so starting early truly makes a difference in quality and authenticity.
- When should we ask teachers for recommendation letters and transcripts?
The best time to request recommendations is in early fall, ideally September. Teachers appreciate having several weeks to craft thoughtful, detailed letters that reflect a student’s academic habits, character, and classroom engagement. Asking too late, especially in November or December, creates unnecessary stress for teachers and often results in generic letters that do not stand out. Families should also speak with the school office about transcript and school report release timelines. Some schools require mid-year reports, and others need progress reports from the current school year. Starting early ensures all documents are submitted correctly and on time. Families should prepare a student résumé or brag sheet that highlights strengths and accomplishments to help teachers write meaningful recommendations.
