Independent School Fair 4 People of Color

Taking the Plunge: Application tips

OK, you’ve decided you are going to apply to a few schools for your student. You will quickly notice that the schools share some deadlines and have some different deadlines (especially for financial aid). It can be helpful to put all of these deadlines on your home calendar or create a document with all of the pertinent deadlines. Here are some helpful tips to meet the deadlines and not feel overwhelmed.

• Testing. Many schools require an entrance exam; most middle and high schools require the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam). Once you have decided you are making an application to a school, setting up the required testing should be your first step. You can register and pay for the ISEE online at www.iseetest.org. There are often fee waivers for the test through a particular school if you need one. Registration need to occur three weeks before the exam.

Many people ask about preparing for the test. It is wise to give your student a chance to experience what kinds of questions they will encounter. The test itself measures skills in a much different manner than the WASL or other standardized tests. So getting a feel for the exam is very valuable. ISEE has a number of sample tests and booklets that can be ordered for a nominal fee. This basic preparation is well worth your student’s time.

• Do the applications in pieces. Using your deadline calendar, complete the basic application for each school first, mailing it in with the application fee. Sending in the basic application without the supporting materials gets the process started, and also allows the schools to contact you to arrange student or parent interviews. If application fees are a challenge for your family, contact the Financial Aid administrator at that school to request a fee waiver.

• Essays and interviews. For young children, there will be observation days required for your student to complete the application process. Once you submit the basic application, contact the school to reserve a date for an observation day or interview. Some schools observe or interview just the student; other schools also interview the parents/guardians. The true purpose of this is to get to know the child better and their readiness for the school community. The parent interview is often another way for the school to learn about the student and compare your comments to what they observed. Try to relax as much as possible on these days – your student will pick up on your anxiety.

Essays are usually required for middle and high schools. Schools compare these polished home essays (they should be like the student’s best schoolwork) to the essay prompt the students write on in the ISEE. Home essays should be the student’s own work and should have edited and revised. Admissions offices can tell when a parent has helped too much, so ask your student questions about what they wrote so they can clarify their main points.