It’s College Essay Season: Let’s Get It Done!

Hands up if you have a high school junior at home who is about to embark on their college essay journey and is furiously contemplating what to write!

While this can be a daunting process for many, at KQ, we remind our college applicants that this critical piece of writing is an opportunity to showcase their individual personalities and potential, have some fun - and stand out from the crowd. That is why we advise students to invest time in crafting a solid and memorable essay that reflects the essence of who they are. 

Getting started… 

Here are seven helpful tips for students preparing to pen an effective college essay:

1.  Be genuine and original: Colleges want to understand the applicant's personality. We, therefore, encourage students to write about topics they are passionate about and reflect their personalities, interests, and values.

2. Use a strong hook: Whether it is a personal anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or a quote, we urge students to begin their essays with a strong ‘hook’ that grabs the reader's attention from the get-go and draws them in. 

3. Show, don't tell: Instead of simply ‘telling’ the reader about them; we counsel students to use descriptive language and vivid details to showcase personal experiences and emotions. 

4. Be specific: We cannot stress enough the importance of illustrating individual strengths. However, we always tell students to provide concrete examples and details to support arguments and reinforce their thesis or story.

5. Stay focused: Going off on tangents is a major 'no-no,' so we caution students to be concise, stay focused, stick to the topic, and avoid getting sidetracked.

6. Edit and revise: Producing a piece that flows well and is free of errors is paramount, so we drive home the need to edit and modify the essay multiple times. We also recommend students have someone read it to provide objective feedback.

7. Be vulnerable: Above all, we encourage students to be unafraid of letting their voice and personality shine through.

Elements to Include

When it comes to structure, student should be mindful to include the following components in their college essay:

• Introduction: Begin with a strong hook that grabs the reader's attention and provides context for the rest of the essay.

• Personal story or anecdote: Share a personal story or anecdote related to the topic or theme to help the reader connect personally.

• Reflection: Reflect on a personal experience or story to explain how it has influenced or shaped the writer.

• Personality traits and values: Discuss individual personality traits and values that are important and how they relate to the topic or theme of the essay.

• Accomplishments and achievements: Highlight some accomplishments demonstrating strengths and potential. Don’t be afraid to brag (within reason)!

• Goals and aspirations: Discuss future goals and aspirations and how they relate to the topic or theme.

• Conclusion: Wrap up with a firm conclusion that makes a strong impression on the reader and leaves them wanting more.

Lastly

To summarize, we constantly remind students that the key to turning out a strong college essay is to:

• Dig deep, stay focused and don’t lose sight of the theme.

• Find a voice: be authentic by bringing personal experiences to life.

• Always demonstrate growth.

• Use descriptive language: provide vivid details.

• Solicit opinion: ask trusted people to provide feedback.

KQ is here to guide you!

So, if your student is looking for guidance with their college essay, email or call us. Our College Essay Specialist, Anne Connerty, has many years of expertise behind her, and is always happy to help!

Written By Keating Quigley | Educational Consultants

Rolling Admissions: There’s still time

Each year, right about now we receive calls from concerned parents. The most common refrain is, 'My child started the school year on a positive note, BUT….' 

Lurking behind the BUT lies explanations of how their child is not feeling challenged at school, they have lost their love of learning, their grades have dropped precipitously, they feel invisible, they have fallen between the cracks, or they are experiencing social-emotional challenges.

Other times, we hear from parents who recently learned they are relocating and as a result, are scrambling to figure out their child's educational options for the coming school year.

No matter the circumstances, parents ask if a move to a private day or boarding school is even feasible at this late stage in the academic calendar. Our answer to this question is invariably a resounding maybe. To move this maybe to the yes column, we encourage parents to ask themselves these probing questions:

• What factors are in play?

• What is their child's learning style?

• Is this the right move for their child right now? And in the longer term? 

• Are the schools on their list in sync with their personal philosophy of education?

• Should they wait until next year in order to have more options?

So, if you are considering submitting a late application to an independent day or boarding school, read on for an overview of the rolling admissions landscape to get you on your way. 

First off, what are rolling admissions?

Rolling admissions is a process certain independent day and boarding schools use to enroll students after the initial round of acceptances is complete, allowing them to fill any remaining spots quickly and efficiently.

Schools typically review rolling admissions applications on a first-come, first-served basis and expedite applications accordingly. This practice can be beneficial to families who fall into the categories above. 

Each school may approach rolling admissions differently, so we impress on parents the importance of researching the specific policies of each school under consideration. Furthermore, we point out that while the rolling admissions timeline can be shorter, candidates are still required to complete the same components as first-round applicants (i.e., inquiry, application, interview, student visit day, testing, student essays) before a file can be reviewed. To this end, the Admissions Committee still needs to convene to assess each candidate before making a decision. 

The pros & cons

Like any admissions process, there are benefits and pitfalls involved in rolling admissions. Below are some of the most common:

Pros:

• Flexibility: Rolling admissions allows families to apply to schools even after the first-round deadline has lapsed.

• Shorter decision lead times: Rolling admissions can result in quicker admissions decisions.

• Reduced stress: Families often enjoy a more personal, streamlined admissions experience.

Cons:

• Available spots: Some schools may have already met enrollment goals for the coming year, making it less predictable that spots will be available in their child's grade.

• Competition: Students compete for limited spots, which can be challenging if the school is particularly selective.

• Limited possibilities: Not all schools offer rolling admissions, which can ultimately limit enrollment options and impact the educational 'fit.' 

What about financial aid?

Private schools with rolling admissions may offer financial aid to eligible families. Here are some factors to bear in mind:

• Available FA funds: Financial aid budgets may already have been allocated during the first round of acceptances. We, therefore, encourage parents to be transparent about their need for support from the get-go. 

• Apply early: We recommend applying for financial aid as early as possible to give the school more time to review the application and determine aid eligibility.

• Understand the process: Each school may have a specific process for awarding financial aid, so we urge parents to read the school's instructions carefully and follow them closely to ensure the application is complete.

• Be realistic: Not all families will qualify for financial aid, and the amount of aid awarded may vary depending on income, assets, and family size. 

So how do i move forward?

While it is definitely not too late to consider an independent day or boarding school application for this fall, we encourage parents to consider the following before committing to the rolling admissions process:

• Be able to articulate the reasons behind the decision to apply. 

• Understand the child's needs.

• Does the school offer the right fit for the child and family?

• Check with each school to understand specific policies and availability. 

• Is it best to apply now for the fall or wait until next year?

• Does the school still have financial aid dollars available?

If you answer all of these questions and still want to move forward with the process, please email or call Keating Quigley. With years of expertise behind us, we are always happy to listen, advise and guide you!

Written By Keating Quigley | Educational Consultants

It's Decision Time. Are You Ready?

Over the past several months, we have worked with students of all ages from the United States, as well as far flung places such as Mumbai, who now have applications pending at over 40 different independent day and boarding schools. It is impressive that families broadened their school search and have considered so many diverse school options.

As we head into mid-February, many of our students are anxiously waiting to hear from the schools on their list over the coming weeks. Starting this week, Fairchester and some New York day schools will release admissions notifications, while boarding school decisions will be sent on March 10th. 

As we sail into the final phase of the school selection process, here are some thoughts to consider in anticipation of your child’s notification. Now is a good time to:

• Talk about their preferences

• Discuss what the transition to their new school community will look like

• Prepare them for a possible waitlist or deny situation

• Advise them to be discreet when discussing decisions with friends.

When it comes to your child’s admissions decision, let’s take a look at the three possible outcomes: accept, wait list, or deny.

Acceptance

• Acceptance at your first choice school - The student is accepted at their school of choice, they accept the place, and send regrets (ASAP) to the other schools that accepted them. This is particularly important if your child sent a 1st choice declaration letter to the school.

• Multiple Acceptances - The student is accepted at several schools and is unsure of where to go. COVID permitting, many schools offer a chance to revisit and attend classes for a day. Students should only revisit those schools that they are seriously thinking of attending. And remember to stay focused on ‘best fit’ in all discussions with your child!

Wait List

• If your child is offered a spot on a school's wait list, it means that they are qualified to be accepted by the school, but there were more qualified applicants than spaces available. You may opt to wait for a space to open up, or you can decline the wait list status if you have other preferred options. Let the school know either way as soon as possible. If you choose to wait, be aware that you will have to wait a month or more to see if spaces open up. 

Deny

• There are a limited number of spaces at all schools and admissions denials almost always inevitable. Remind your child of the multiple variables involved in when a school makes an admissions decision. And be sure to emphasize the competitive nature of the school admissions process.   

And Finally…

It has been a pleasure getting to know the KQ Class of 2022. Good luck to all of our students - and to anyone applying to independent schools! As always, we are here to guide you through the decision-making process should you need help. 

Written By Keating Quigley | Educational Consultants

Choosing the right early childhood program: why is it so important?

By Malina Marshall, experienced early childhood educator at Whitby School, Greenwich, CT. Malina has dedicated her professional career to keeping up with best practices in Montessori and early childhood education.

To all you young parents out there who proudly sent children off to school for the first time in September, I wonder how many of you envision the long road ahead?

Do you just think about the milestones of moving on to the next stage and ultimately graduation? Or do you also consider the many steps in the lead-up to that glorious event?

Similarly, I ask: do you place emphasis on your child’s early, formative years, or do you just assume that someday your children will be successful graduates?

To answer the latter question, I believe that many parents are unaware of the importance of finding the right early childhood program or understanding the impact that a good preschool program can have on their child’s future success.

Let’s put it this way… As difficult as it may be to imagine what life will be like in 15 or 20 years, consider how your decisions today will impact your toddler’s success and happiness in the future. Many parents are proud alumni of colleges. In social circles, we hear adults credit those four years with their professional success. Rarely though do they credit the nursery school that they attended. But in light of research conducted by neuroscientists in the field of early childhood development, it is clear that we should no longer take these early years for granted.

Neuroscience Findings

According to the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, the brain is most active in its early years. In fact, during the first three years of life, it establishes 700 new connections every second.

Reinforcing these findings, scientists have discovered that the impact of the first three years of life have have a profound effect on developing minds and bodies. In fact, the brain is the only organ that is not complete at the time of birth – 25% of its final volume. But by age three, it is already at 85%. As a result, it is widely accepted that your child will not learn as much later in life as they are learning now, so time is of the essence for this age group to ensure proper brain formation.

These findings speak loudly. Most parents know and understand the value and benefit of quality sleep and proper nutrition for their children. What many do not know is how every experience contributes to their child’s brain development. Every moment in the day shapes who they become later in life.

Windows of opportunity

There are windows of opportunity in child development. World renowned Italian physician and educator, Maria Montessori, called them “sensitive periods,” or the time in a child’s life when the most optimal neurological wiring occurs.

As an adult, you may have experienced difficulty learning a new language. This is because brain plasticity and the ability to change behavior decrease over time. By the time we reach adulthood, our brains have already made billions of neurological connections, which can make it more challenging to rewire itself in the acquisition of a whole new language. This is not the case for a curious three-year-old, however, whose brain is absorbing new information and learning at the speed of light.

So, bearing in mind that children’s curiosity dissipates as they grow, I strongly encourage parents to pay close attention to the early childhood experience they expose their child to. In order to maximize this window of optimal brain development, it is of paramount importance to get it right early.

Sadly, a common school of thought in today’s society is that children need to be quiet, sit patiently, and listen carefully. In stark contrast to this viewpoint, American anthropologist, Margaret Mead, upheld the opinion that children must be “taught how to think, not what to think”.

So, how do parents place their children in the best environment to learn, grow, and prepare for life? The answer is in a quality preschool program where young children are given opportunities to:

• learn through meaningful activities

• move and learn

• explore using their natural curiosity

• practice social skills and emotional control

Otherwise said, in order to ensure that a child’s passion for learning continues through life, it is essential to find an environment where they can learn how to think.

But what Does a Quality Preschool Look Like?

When researching preschool programs for your child, here are some things to look out for…

Ideally, the number of chairs in the classroom will be minimal, giving young bodies the space and empowerment to dress up, play, run, pretend, jump, and bounce. We live in a society that often values education where children do not move, rote memorization is encouraged, and critical thinking skills are stifled. Instead, children should be allowed to be and do as their bodies inherently want them to: move, explore, investigate, and try new things.

Parents therefore need to consider the method of learning that is encouraged and how they can be included in that learning. As your child enrolls in an educational program, be mindful that you are also beginning your own educational journey.

Your engagement in the school community will directly impact the quality of the education that your child receives. We know that there is a high correlation between parental involvement and student motivation, so you will want to choose a place that supports your journey too.

Finding a home away from home

Children must feel like their preschool is a home away from home. If they feel comfortable in their educational environment, they will take advantage of experiences and as a result, learn better. The right preschool program will also share many of the values you teach at home, and will encourage and reinforce the same messaging to your child.

In summary, optimal learning occurs in an environment that brings out the best in children. A good fit for a child’s early childhood education is the preschool program that offers a quality learning journey and also provides opportunities for parent engagement. The right program also fosters curiosity and engages children to create a passion for learning that stays with them throughout life.

Written by Malina Marshall | Early Childhood Educator, Whitby School, Greenwich, CT

Admissions 101: Acing the Student Interview

Thoughts From Jacquie & Verona…

There’s no denying it, the independent and boarding school admissions process is overwhelming. The to-do list is endless; the multitude of components is bewildering, and the number of hoops you have to jump through is exhausting. Over the past few weeks, we’ve been posting regular blogs on how to break down the school search into bite-size chunks and make it more manageable.

This Week’s Lowdown: The Student Interview

For the final installment, we invited Sarah Scoville, who is an Associate Director of Admissions at Salisbury School, CT, to provide insights on how to help your student prepare for the school admissions interview. Over to you, Sarah…

Acing Your Interview: 7 Tips from a Prep School Admissions Officer

Preparing for a school admissions interview can seem daunting. Here are seven tips to help prepare for the big moment.

1. Practice - Practicing will make you more comfortable when the time comes to interview. Sit down with a parent or friend and have them pretend to conduct an interview. Let them come up with questions to ask you on the spot. They can give you feedback on your answers, body language, etc. 

2. Do Research - You should be familiar with the school before you sit down for your interview. Be sure to take a look at the school’s website to brush up on basic facts and to get a feel for each school. You should have a good idea of why you are interested in the school, what you like most about the school and why you feel the school could be a good fit for you. 

3. What to Wear - Whether visiting a school campus in person for an interview or connecting with an admissions officer virtually from the comfort of your home, be sure to dress the part. Be sure you are looking clean and neat; you want to show you’re serious about applying and want to be considered a top candidate.  

4. Check Your Technology and Background - If you are conducting your interview virtually, there is nothing worse than having a tech glitch during an important virtual event. Before your scheduled interview time, make sure you double-check that you have the log-in or meeting information on hand and that your audio and camera are working properly. It's important to find a quiet space for your interview conversation (try to avoid a barking dog or noisy sibling in the background). And, make sure you check the backdrop behind you.  Is it too bright and as a result, we can't see you? Is it too dark? Try to place your camera at eye level and position yourself so you have a pleasant backdrop with gentle lighting.

5. Be Yourself  - Your admissions officer wants to get to know you, the real you. Talk about the things you like to study, your hobbies, your interests, your goals, and the new experiences you are looking forward to. Don't memorize prepared answers to then give to your interviewer. Having a genuine and honest conversation is the best way to learn if you and the school are a good fit for each other.

6. Ask Thoughtful Questions - It’s important that you prepare some engaging questions to ask your interviewer. You want to demonstrate that you have done your research and that you are invested in getting a strong sense of the school’s culture and community.  Don’t just ask a question as simple as “how big is your student body?”, dig deeper. 

7. Follow Up and Stay Connected - Because families may be unable to get to school campuses this fall to experience a school community in person, it is perhaps more important than ever to maintain a personal connection with a school. Be sure to send your interviewer an email after your conversation. This is a great time to ask to connect with a current student, faculty member, program director or coach. Making those personal connections with various community members will be critical as you look to learn more about each school.

The interview is a valuable piece of the boarding school application process and a great way to learn more about a school. Good luck! 

A final word from KQ …

Thanks, Sarah, we appreciate your input! As always, KQ is just a phone call or email away. Consider contacting us to prepare your student for the interview. Our specialists can also work with you to craft a compelling parent statement or with any other aspect of the admissions process. 

We can’t wait to hear from you!

Written by Sarah Scoville | Associate Director of Admissions | Salisbury School

Sarah hails from Philadelphia, PA, and graduated from Haverford College in 2009. Following her graduation, she began her career in education at New Canaan Country School (CT).  Sarah has also taught at Brookwood School (MA) and Cardigan Mountain School (NH). In 2014, Sarah joined the admissions team at Salisbury School, an all-boys boarding school in Connecticut.  In addition to her work in admissions, Sarah has served as an advisor, coach, and dorm parent. Sarah lives on campus with her husband, their two children, and two labs. Click here to connect with Sarah!

Admissions 101: The Parent Statement & Interview

Thoughts From Jacquie & Verona…

There’s no denying it, the independent and boarding school admissions process is overwhelming. The to-do list is endless; the multitude of components is bewildering, and the number of hoops you have to jump through is exhausting. That’s why we’ve compiled this mini-blog series to help you break the school search process into bite-size chunks to make it more manageable. So let’s dig in…

This Week’s Lowdown

In our third post of the series, we take a look at two critical components of the school search process: the parent statement and the parent interview.

The Parent Statement

The objective of the parent statement is to help the admissions team learn more about who your child is and what your family dynamic is at home.

As you prepare to put pen to paper, here are some tips on how to portray the best version of your child and your family in the application statements:

• Firstly, don’t be afraid to brag: this is your child’s time to shine!

• Give specific examples of how and why you are proud of your child

• Share anecdotes that give insights into your child’s personality, traits, and accomplishments: the more you share, the more the admissions team will understand who your child is. But be careful not to overdo it!

• Illustrate the growth you have seen in your child over the years

• Expand on how this growth has shaped their character.

The Parent Interview 

Admissions Directors aim to make the parent interview as relaxed as possible and will do their best to ensure the conversation feels like a casual chat. Bear in mind, however, that the objective of the meeting is to:

• Learn as much about you and your child

• Show that you ‘know’ your child

• Decide if your family is a good ‘match’ for the school

With this in mind, we strongly encourage you to do a brainstorming session ahead of the meeting to:

• Reflect on why you are applying to the school

• Describe your child’s learning style

• Articulate why your child is a good fit

• Make sure your messaging as parents is on the same page

In addition, be sure to prepare some questions for the admissions officer that show you have done your research and understand the school’s mission but are hungry to know more! 

KQ Quick Tips

• You are your child’s strongest advocate, so be sure to weave examples of their personality and achievements into the statement and/or your conversation with the admissions officer  (e.g. community service; artistic talents; athletic ambitions; leadership roles, etc.)

• This is your opportunity to show how proud you are of your child, so have at it (within reason, of course)!

• One more thing, at the interview, don’t forget to smile, relax, and be yourselves!

A final word from KQ …

As always, we are just a phone call or email away. Contact us for help with your application. Our specialists will work with you to craft a compelling parent statement that helps prospective schools get to know your and your family. We can also help with interview prep or any other aspect of the admissions process.

We can’t wait to hear from you!

Written by Keating Quigley | Educational Consultants