From Application to Acceptance: 6 Tips for Private School Success

Tip 1: Research Schools That Fit Your Child’s Needs

This may go without saying, but you would be surprised how many families apply to a private school without knowing a thing about the school in the first place! Each private school has a focus with which it works best for it’s students. This can be in the form of a:

• Smaller Learning Environment
• Subject/Career Focus
• College Preparation
• Montessori Environment
• Religious Learning

This is by no means an exhaustive list either! It’s worth exploring each type of private school and understanding what type of environment your child thrives in! If your student enjoys Engineering classes, it could be worth looking into a STEM focused school. Another common experience is a student feeling overwhelmed in a larger classroom. The smaller learning environment can be the right option then! Each student is different in their preferences so open a line of communication and see what kind of experience they’d prefer!

Tip 2: Start the Application Process Early

Every private school has some sort of application process. For some, they may only require the application itself. Other schools may require the student to attend a student interview/tour. Understanding the process for the schools you’re interested in is extremely important! As an example, here at Tenney School Live, we require students to attend a virtual interview with our principal. This allows us to learn a little bit about the student, and gives the student the opportunity to ask any questions they may have. In addition, we also ask all new families to complete our online application. Many schools, including ours, will ask the families to provide report cards and standardized test scores for the student applying.

A school may also require the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) which gives the admissions panel an idea of where the student falls in relation to other students at their grade level. While this is the most popular standardized test for private schools, many will still accept PSAT, SAT, ACT, MAP, and more! Once again, always check what the your school’s admissions page says about the application and required testing.

Tip 3: The Student Interview

As mentioned previously, most private school applications will require the student to come in for a student interview. This process is when students get the opportunity to see the school, ask questions, and learn about the student life. It’s natural to feel nervous prior to the interview, so we recommend students review a list of sample interview questions. Generally schools will ask:

• What’s your favorite subject in school and why?
• What’s your least favorite subject in school?
• What kind of hobbies do you have?

Schools ask these questions to get a better understanding of the student and their preferences. It’s super important to answer each question authentically and truthfully too! Another good way to get an idea of the types of questions being asked is to take a peek at the private school application. The application should have some essay questions that may mirror what’s present in the student interview. The final aspect about the student interview is showing interest in the school! If a student seems disinterested in the program or school, it can result in a negative experience in the interview!

Tip 4: Prepare a Strong Academic and Extracurricular Portfolio

When an admissions panel is reviewing a student’s private school application, they like to see diversity in the student’s life. A student who is able to maintain good grades and participate in after school activities shows the school that they are well-rounded. Schools will also prioritize a strong academic standing, but schools that are more selective may want to see participation in other activities as well. All of the following could be considered for your extracurricular portfolio:

• Clubs
• After School Sports
• Job
• Activism
• Student Government

Tip 5: Craft a Standout Essay

During the private school application, the school may ask a number of essay questions. A school’s admission panel will often use these essay questions as a way to gauge a student’s interest. If a student shows that they put time and effort into their essay, the admissions panel may look more favorably upon them. Really taking the time to answer each essay question in depth will yield standout results! For each essay, it’s generally recommended to keep the word count above 500 if possible.

In the case that a school doesn’t have a essay portion as part of the application, it’s important to still write a personal statement. This statement can be presented with the application, and shows the committee the drive and dedication the student has for getting accepted.

Tip 6: Stay Organized and Communicate Proactively

Once submitting the application, it’s important to stay on top of the other required steps. Many schools provide a checklist that shows the parents which items are needed before the school can make a decision. Most schools will ask for:

• School Tour
• Student Interview
• Last 2 Years of Report Cards
• Standardized Test Scores
• Teacher Recommendations

Keep in mind that the school may also have a admissions deadline which requires all of the items to be submitted prior to then. Staying on top of the reminders and asking questions when needed is essential to standout from the rest of the pack. On top of this, try to get things submitted early! This will show the dedication you have to the admissions panel during the application process.

Time to Crush That Private School Application!

Now that you’ve learned how to make your private school application stand out, it’s time to put these tips into action! While each step helps your student shine, combining all of them will give you a real advantage over the competition. If you have any questions about the tips we’ve covered, don’t hesitate to reach out at info@tenneyschool.com. And if you’re looking for a personalized education experience, be sure to explore our online private school at Tenney School Live!