How to prepare you and your student for the Admissions Process
Exploring independent school options is a new process for many families. The admissions timeline for schools is much earlier than the public schools and since each school is independent, have slightly different requirements and deadlines. This can feel overwhelming for adults and kids as they first start looking at schools. Here are a few tips that should help you feel on top of the process and will help your student feel more comfortable with what will be asked about them.
How to start your search
Late summer or early fall is a great time to begin looking at schools. Have a discussion with your family about what your priorities are. Location, reputation, transportation, diversity, financial aid are some of the factors very important to families.
The best place to start is the Pacific Northwest Association of Independent Schools (PNAIS) website at www.pnais.org. This is a helpful site which allows you one portal with which to check out many schools in the area. You can search for schools, by city, state, grade levels and other variables. Do several searches and see what turns up. Cast your net wide at first; this will help you be able to find similarities and differences. Most of the time you will be able to request some materials from the school’s website.
On the road: Visiting schools
Once you have surveyed school options based on your priorities, the next step is to go and visit. Schools have Open Houses, tours, and Information Evenings to promote their school and welcome families to explore their school. The PNAIS website maintains an Open House calendar and the dates are posted there and on each school’s website. Visiting 4 or 5 schools is a good idea before submitting applications.
From a school’s perspective, this is when they are being interviewed. The goal is to give families just a snapshot of what it is like to be a family at their school. Some Open Houses are geared more for kids, some more for adults. Some schools only do tours; some have several events for prospective families. Take time after each event and reflect with your student: what was appealing, what didn’t you see and needs follow-up, and how did your experiences differ? Most families decide whether or not they are applying to a school shortly after their Open House experience.
Gboungue,
It is too late for this year as the fair is on this coming Tuesday. You have the potential to participate next year if you are a member or affiliated member of the Pacific Northwest Association of Independent Schools (PNAIS). All you have to do is let me know your interest in doing so. If you are not and would like to consider becoming a member, please go to http://www.pnais.org.
All the best
Douglas
Soledad,
This event happens one time per year. Unfortunately, I don’t have any of the materials from all 33 schools that participated in the fair. However, you do have the opportunity to visitthe website those schools by clicking on the links on the right side of this site. Also beneficial to you would be reading the admissions and financial aid sections as they will assit you in finding the school that will be best for your child. I hope this helps you in your search. If you have any questions you can email me at douglas.leek@lakesideschool.org.
All the best,
Douglas