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:
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:
