August
Identify a list of schools that meet your criteria and request catalogs. If you choose, hire an educational consultant.
TIP
If you are changing schools, listen to feedback about the current school experience to know what’s working and what’s not. Pay attention to what the report card says. –Theodra Washington, managing partner with Metropolitan Educational Consulting Group
September
Schedule visits and interviews. Register for admissions testing (SSAT, WISC, WPPSI, ISEE) and arrange for test preparation (start about four-six weeks in advance). Review individual school admissions requirements and dates.
TIP
The WISC and WPPSI test cognitive abilities. You can’t study or prepare for those.
October
Visit schools and do interviews (practice interview skills beforehand if necessary). Complete teacher references. Verify admissions deadlines.
TIP
Give details in interviews. If the question is “What is your favorite subject,” the answer should go beyond, “math.” Encourage your child to elaborate: “My favorite subject is math. I was in a competition last month …” –Ann Dolin, founder of Educational Connections Tutoring and Test Prep
November
Complete the interviews and start the financial aid process if needed.
TIP
Play up what makes your child spark. If he loves marine biology, emphasize that. “There has to be another besides ‘video games’ to the question ‘what do you like to do in your spare time?’” -Leigh Ann Cahill, director at Independent School Options
December
Take standardized tests. Complete applications and financial aid forms.
TIP
Start the financial aid process early. Most schools accept them later, but the sooner you start the better off you are. –Washington
January
Submit applications and financial aid forms.
TIP
Be ahead of the game. Beat those application deadlines by at least a week to stand out. -Dolin
March
Decisions sent (boarding school admissions are often a bit later than day school admissions).
TIP
Let the schools know your decision. If your child has been wait-listed, examine your options. -Dolin
April
Your decision has been made. Contracts due, with deposit.
June
First “big” payment due.
