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

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

Admissions 101: The Open House

Thoughts From Jacquie & Verona…

There’s no denying it, the independent and boarding school admissions process can be overwhelming: the to-do list looks endless, the multitude of components can be bewildering, and the number of hoops to jump through feels convoluted. But it’s important to point out that there’s intentionality behind every step along the way: each school is simply doing its due diligence to determine if your child will be successful in their community.

So let’s dive right in and take a look at this week’s installment: The Open House.

This Week’s Lowdown: The Open House

Last year, schools were forced to rethink Open House formats due to the pandemic, with many pivoting to virtual events out of necessity. This year, many have returned to in-person admissions events, but some continue to offer online options only, while some are offering a hybrid menu of virtual and in-person events. Be sure to check out each school’s website carefully to take full advantage of all the options available.

So let’s dissect the Open House to understand its purpose and what it looks like…

The overarching objective of these events is to give you the opportunity to meet teachers, students, and parents from the community so that you can ultimately determine if it’s a good fit for your child. Whether being held in-person or virtually, the Open House generally features:

• Words of welcome from the Head of School

• Informal opportunities to engage with teachers

• Classroom visits

• Parent and/or student panels

• Campus tours

KQ Tips

As you will most likely be attending several open houses, we encourage you to take notes at each one to ensure you don’t forget important details along the way. It also goes without saying that if your child is old enough, have them attend the events with you and ask them to do the same so you can compare notes afterward. For example, as you listen to speakers, reflect on the substance of their words to determine:

• Will my child be seen and known at this school?

• Will my child thrive here?

• Does this school provide value in terms of programming and extracurricular activities?

• Does this school place emphasis on nurturing a love of learning and expanding moral character?

A final word from KQ …

Don’t forget that KQ is here to help you devise your personalized admissions plan, from identifying the school list through working on essays, preparing for interviews, and ultimately determining the best fit for your child. We’re always just a phone call or email away.

We can’t wait to hear from you!

Written by Keating Quigley | Educational Consultants

Admissions 101: ISEE vs. SSAT

Thoughts from Jacquie & Verona…

There’s no denying it, the independent and boarding school admissions process can be overwhelming: the to-do list looks endless, the multitude of components can be bewildering, and the number of hoops to jump through feels convoluted. But it’s important to point out that there’s intentionality behind every step along the way: each school is simply doing its due diligence to determine if your child will be successful in their community.

So, if a school search is on your horizon, we’ve compiled a series of mini-blogs over the coming weeks. Each article will focus on a key element of the process and is intended to give you an overview of what’s involved and help you manage your time more effectively. For additional pointers, you can also read our previous blog, Starting an independent school search? Use the four Rs ... 

For the first installment in our mini-series, we invited Business Development Director at Summit Educational Group, Whitney Longworth, to help answer the perennial question that parents frequently ask us, “Which is better for my child: ISSE or SSAT? “ Here’s what Whitney had to say …

This Week’s Lowdown: ISEE vs. SSAT - Five Key Differences

While many independent schools specify which test they prefer in the admission process, you may be in a situation where you have the choice of taking the Secondary School Admission Test or the Independent School Entrance Exam.  Here are some key differences to help you decide between the two tests:

1. Vocabulary

Both tests have sections devoted to vocabulary through identifying synonyms.  A key difference is that the other half of the verbal section on the SSAT is devoted to analogies, whereas the ISEE has sentence completions.  If your student struggles with vocabulary, they might find that the sentence completions section on the ISEE is less challenging because of the additional context within the sentences.

2. Essay

Each test has a timed writing sample component.  The SSAT provides students with a choice between two prompts and is the first section on the test.  The ISEE only provides a single prompt and is the final section of the test.  If your student struggles with writing, it may be worth considering the SSAT since they will be able to complete that section first, instead of having to wait until after they have completed the rest of the test on the ISEE.

3. Math

Both tests have similar math concepts, but the Upper Level ISEE includes more advanced concepts, including trigonometry.  The ISEE also has a Quantitative Reasoning section that can be more challenging for some students.

4. Guessing Penalty

The SSAT has a guessing penalty; if you answer a question incorrectly, you lose a ¼ point.  Students need to practice and strategize whether or not they should guess on a question or leave it blank.  The ISEE does not have a guessing penalty; you simply receive points for correct answers. 

5. Opportunities to Test

Students are allowed to take an ISEE test once during a testing window.  The windows are August – November, December – March, and April – July.  Students can take the SSAT on monthly standard test dates, as well as through flex tests and computer-based.  If you are working with a tight timeline, the SSAT may be more convenient as your student will have more opportunities to test.

Still unsure about which test might be the right choice for your student?  You can have them take a practice test of each and compare their results and experiences. 

A final word from KQ …

When it comes to deciding how best to navigate a school search with your child, don’t forget that KQ is here to help you devise a personalized admissions plan that includes building the school list, essay support, preparing for interviews, and ultimately determining the best fit for your child. We’re always just a phone call or email away.

We can’t wait to hear from you!

’ISEE vs. SSAT - Five Key Differences’ Written by Whitney Longworth | Director of Business Development | Summit Educational Group

Whitney graduated cum laude from Connecticut College where she was a selected scholar for the Holleran Center for Community Action and Public Policy. She started as a test prep tutor with Summit Education Group before joining the team full-time. She enjoys collaborating with school and independent counselor partners in her role at Summit. Whitney is a frequent expert panelist and guest speaker at industry conferences.

Starting an Independent School Search? Use the Four Rs ...

There’s no disputing it: applying to independent schools is a bewildering process that requires a significant investment in time and effort. In fact, a recent survey released by the Enrollment Management Association (EMA), shows that more than 50% of parents rate their anxiety level about the experience as a six out of ten or higher. That’s a lot of angst right there!

So, what is the best way to start the private school admissions process? And is there a way to make it less onerous? My advice? While there’s no big ‘fix’ that will suddenly make the legwork disappear, I always recommend using the Four Rs of Reflection, Research, Reinforce, Regroup.

Long story short, if an independent school search is on the horizon, I encourage you to follow these simple steps over the summer months. If all goes well, you’ll be ahead of the curve and ready to take a deeper dive into the admissions process by the time September rolls around.

A few words before we begin:

• When building your initial list of target schools, be as disciplined as possible. This preliminary diligence will help determine which schools you can discard and which one to explore on a more detailed level.

• Also, if they are old enough, be sure to include your child in all conversations around the search. Their input and opinions will lead to ownership of the process, which will ultimately result in better outcomes.

Since COVID, school websites have become the primary focus of the initial phase of the school search. Consequently, schools have enriched their site content to provide families with a deeper understanding of student life, academics, and extracurricular activities without even setting foot on campus. This is a huge gift to prospective students and their parents, so use it wisely!

To jump-start the initial legwork, reflect on these questions as you peruse each school website:

• At this school, will my child be seen and known?

• Will my child thrive?

• Does this school provide value in terms of programming and extracurricular activities?

• Does this school place emphasis on nurturing a love of learning and expanding moral character?

You’ve followed all the advice in Step 1 and by now, you’ve compiled a list of idealized schools. However, it’s now time to zero in on what matters most and build the definitive list. A word of caution: websites may start to blur and blend together after a while. That is why it is important to scrutinize the content beyond the jargon and take copious notes to determine how it makes you ‘feel’. 

With this in mind, be methodical. Research the answers to these two questions as you explore websites.

• Does the school’s mission statement resonate with me?

• Am I curious to learn more?

You’ll be surprised at how your replies will validate first impressions and organize your thoughts even more.

Well done … You’re making excellent progress. Your finalized list is in sight, but you’re not quite there yet!

After the website, a school’s most powerful tool in attracting new students is word-of-mouth recommendations. So, it’s important to actively solicit third-party opinions to reinforce and validate your thoughts.

To that end, seek out feedback from current parents, students, and alumni. Ask probing questions about what it means to be part of the school community; listen carefully to their personal experiences and anecdotes, and consider how this information aligns with your personal values.

You’ve fine-tuned the parameters and criteria of your search, browsed every website, listened intently to your neighbors’ storytelling about XYZ School, and you’re now proudly in possession of your child’s list of desirable schools. What an amazing achievement - and the new academic year hasn’t even begun! 

Yes, there is still a lot of work to be done, but for now, give yourself a congratulatory pat on the back and regroup. The rest can wait until September!

If you’re still unsure about which way to turn, Jacquie and I are just a phone call or email away. Whether you’re looking for advice on which schools to include on your child’s school list, seeking guidance for the interview, or looking for more comprehensive support, we’re here to help you work through the complexities of the school search. In the meantime, have fun putting the Four Rs to good use!

Written by Verona Keating | Founding Partner | Keating Quigley Educational Advisors