Back in the 80s, when our daughters applied to boarding schools, the process was entirely paper-driven. The schools sent us thick envelopes full of forms we had to complete. Then, we mailed the completed applications to the schools. Thirty-five years later, I am happy to report that most schools' application processes have gone digital. That makes things so much easier.
These days, there are essentially four ways to apply to boarding schools:
1. Complete the application forms which the school has on its website.
2. Complete the common application, which you can find on the SSAT website.
3. Complete the common application, which you can find on the TABS website.
4. Complete the paper application forms you downloaded or received from the school.
Applications on Individual School Websites
If you are applying to just one or two schools, then it might make the most sense to simply go to those schools' websites and complete the applications right there. Many schools allow you to complete the main application form online. You will still have to download teacher recommendation forms and requests for school transcripts, as well as address and put stamps on the envelopes required.
You can also pay the application fee online with your credit or debit card. But, if you choose to use the school's application forms, remember those are specific to that school. They cannot be used for applications to other schools. That's the fundamental difference between applying on a school website versus using one of the typical applications. After you complete a common application, you can select the schools to which you would like to send an application. The software will send the information to the schools which you have chosen.
The SSAT Standard Application Online
The Secondary School Admission Test organization has developed a Standard Application Online (SAO), which most of its member schools accept. This simplifies the application process since the SAO includes all the forms most schools use: Student Information Form, Student Questionnaire, Parent Statement, Teacher Recommendation Forms (English, Math, School Head/Counselor), and Academic Record (Transcripts). Best of all, the SAO is included at no extra charge when you register to take the SSAT test.
When you use the SSAT Standard Application Online, you only need to request one set of teacher recommendations and transcripts. The SAO software will send those confidential documents to the schools that you have selected. Naturally, some schools require you to complete additional forms. The SAO knows which schools require those extra forms or supplements as they are called. The bottom line here is that you can save time and stay well-organized by using the SSAT's Standard Application Online whenever you can.
This video discusses the SSAT Standard Application Online (SAO).
The Boarding Schools Admission Application Form
The Boarding Schools Admission Application Form offers a convenient way to apply to more than 200 boarding schools. These schools will accept all of the TABS application forms, or some of them, depending on the way each individual school handles its respective admission procedures. As with the SSAT's Standard Application Online, some schools will have additional forms they want you to complete. The system knows this and will alert you when additional forms are needed.
The application fees vary from school to school. They range from zero to $150.
This video offers some tips for admission to boarding schools.
The Paper Application Process
When schools require you to complete and submit paper application forms, they will give you an admissions packet with all the required materials. Some schools, such as The Academy of the Holy Family, Baltic, Connecticut, will ask you to download and print application forms that they have on their websites. I recommend that you obtain the forms or download and print them as soon as you can.
Print all information neatly using black ink. If the application form requires an essay or a long answer to a question, do a rough draft of your response first. Then, copy the final, corrected version onto the application form. Louisa Zendt offers some valuable advice about the admissions process,
Tips
1. Start the application process well in advance, certainly no later than the end of October. This gives you almost 2 months to complete your applications. Remember that two significant holidays occur in November and December. Nothing much gets done during those special times when families gather, and schools close down. So, don't leave your applications to the last moment. The Teacher Recommendations should be in the hands of your child's teachers no later than mid-November, if not earlier.
2. Request the academic transcripts and the principal's recommendation as soon as possible. The earlier, the better.
3. Applying to schools assumes that you have visited the schools. It makes more sense to do that BEFORE you apply. Use our Application Calendar to help you organize your school search process. But in the rare situation where you have not visited a school, try to get that done before the Thanksgiving holiday break.
4. Set aside some quiet time for your child to write her essays. Ensure the television is off and her phone and tablet are in your possession. She should have no distractions while she writes her essays.
5. Likewise, don't rush through the Parent's Statement. Reflect on what the school wants to hear from you and give it your best shot.
6. If you are an international student, read the requirements for international students on each school's website. These requirements will differ from school to school, so do not assume that what one school asks for applies to other schools. You will have to take the TOEFL examination. Allow adequate time to prepare for and take this examination. The school will give you the documents that you need to apply for a U.S. Student Visa or F-1 Visa. Apply for the visa as soon as you can. Some U.S. consulates are booked months in advance for visa interviews. Bear that in mind as you apply to American schools.
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