There are several elements to the boarding school application process and each must be given attention and completed in order to present a complete package. Staying organized is of the utmost importance. Use checklists in the resource area or write your own in order to keep up with each section. The first piece is the application itself.
The Application
When I went to boarding school applications were on paper and most people used each individual school application. The landscape has certainly changed. Today you can apply online directly to an individual school or use the Boarding School Common Application, entering your information just once. The common application is accepted by many schools and is not looked down upon by admissions officers. The application can be filled out online or printed from the website and filled out by hand. Filling out a version by hand and then transferring the information to the online version can work well and allow the student to work on it wherever they'd like. The common application gives the added benefit of entering information just once and submitting the form to multiple schools. Take time and care with the application and triple check for typos, grammatical and spelling errors. If submitting a paper application make sure it is smudge and stain free and not folded or wrinkled. To help your child avoid becoming overwhelmed, have them approach each section separately and attempt to complete one section before moving on. They can answer general questions first then move on to the essays.
The Essay
The essay is all important as it can give someone a true glimpse into a student's world. They should choose a free choice topic carefully concentrating on personal story telling. Using the common application of course means that everyone is answering the same questions. It is essential that the student puts his or her personal stamp on their essay. Their answer should reflect their values, experiences and intelligence. The essay is where students should spend the most time if they need to or choose to make a plan of attack. They should set aside time to brainstorm topics or an answer to the chosen topic. The next step should be creating an outline and then on to a first draft. Getting started is often the hardest part of essay writing, but using a voice recorder device to free talk about their subject can be a huge help.
Transcripts are filled out by an official of your child's school. If it comes with your admissions materials, you should give it to the guidance office to complete as early as possible. Some schools send this form directly to your school after receiving your application. Grades and transcripts are of course important because these are stacked up against other applicants when making admissions decisions in addition to your other materials. There is some leeway, but a C average student with a stellar essay will not sway the admissions officers much. To pull up any grades that are troubling speak with teachers and find out what your child can do for extra credit or to redo a paper or project. Transcripts should be submitted on time in the format requested by each individual school.
Admissions Test Scores
At most schools, you have to submit SSAT scores. Test scores are a standard way of measuring a student's ability to do college prep-level work. Test scores can be sent in after the initial application and due to the timing of tests that is most likely to happen. Start buying test prep books or classes early. Have your child really use and practice with them so that they are prepared when the actual test day comes. Have them take the test early enough that they can retake it if need be. The final scores should be submitted by or preferably before the deadline in addition to the application.
Letters of Recommendation
Many private schools ask you to submit one or more letters of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, or other adult who knows your child well. When asking someone to write such a letter, be sure to do so well before the deadline. In fact start as early as possible. A favorite teacher may be inundated with request and unable to focus or to get the recommendation back in time. Also the less other students he or she is writing for the more likely that the letter will be specific and unique. I don't remember what I did for high school, but for college I applied early in September and therefore had my English teacher's full attention for letter writing. Ask your child which teacher knows and likes them best. Consider their writing style by looking at any letters they have sent to you. Some people write facts and don't elaborate. This is not a good recipe for recommendations. Just like everything else in your package you want the recommendation to speak to who your child really is.
Interview
This is required or recommended by some schools. Even if it's not required, it's a good idea to set up an interview because it creates a chance to make a personal connection. This someone that your child interviews with will have a voice in deciding whether or not they'll be offered admission. Arrange for an interview as soon as you know that your child is firmly interested in a school. Interview slots fill up quickly especially for late fall before the snow starts on the east coast and in the Midwest. Also you and your child can tour the school if you do an on campus interview. Putting a face and personality to a name can be a great advantage. That being said I never even saw my high school or college campus before I arrived for orientation day. I also never spoke to a school official beforehand. I have; however, conducted interviews as an admissions prefect and liked a student even more because of an interview. If you're too far away for an on-campus interview, try to arrange to meet with an alumnus in your community.
The Whole Package
Your entire application should create a consistent portrait of who you are and highlight what you'll bring to the school. The more pieces of the puzzle that support your brand message, the more confident the admissions committee will be in their decision to admit your child. If the essay or interview conflicts information on other forms, you may cause them to have doubts about accepting your child. This is one of the 65 tips--be consistent with your brand. If all the parts of your application are filled out honestly and carefully, with an attention to your child's individuality and accomplishments your child will come across in the best light possible. Above all make sure that these elements are submitted by deadlines and in the correct format.
Kacey Henley is the owner of boardingschooltips.com, a website dedicated to empowering parents and their children during the boarding school admissions process. This interactive site contains tips, strategies and articles about choosing a school and helping your child stand out above the competition. For more information, article request or FAQ's visit http://www.boardingschooltips.com
No comments:
Post a Comment