A typical private day or boarding school application consists of:
- Student statement
- Student questionnaire
- Parent questionnaire
- Student interview
- Parent interview
- Standardized test scores
- Teacher recommendations (English and Math)
- Two-years of school transcripts
- Family information sheet
- Portfolio of extracurricular activities.
Do they really read and review everything? Yes, they do! Admissions officers are well practiced at reviewing details in applications as well as observing non-verbal cues that communicate a student and family’s character. Especially, the very selective private schools where the acceptance rates can be as low as 13%.
The private school admission process is not formulaic. Many parents make the mistake of assuming that admissions is based on formula. By continually visiting private schools, we have observed that each admissions officer has their own way of evaluating applications and understand the unique individual admissions policies and nuances of each school.
In addition to the above criteria, especially at the top private schools, admissions committees also consider a student’s character, family dynamics and how all the above components are interrelated to display a comprehensive view a student’s entire admissions profile. They are also looking for students who are going to be positive, active and engaged members of their unique community. They want to accept students who will do well and thrive in their school community and culture.
We are admissions advisors who visit colleges and therefore who know what admissions officers and committees at different schools expect and don’t want to see in your applications and essays! Our insider-knowledge gives you and edge and helps you avoid mistakes on your application and essays BEFORE you press submit.
“Admissions is a competitive sport! Why gamble with uncertainty?” – Dr. Paul Lowe.
Dr. Paul Reginald Lowe is the managing director and lead admissions expert at Pinnacle Educational Center Admissions Advisors Group’s Boarding School Admissions Consultants , an affiliate of Private School Admissions Advisors. Dr. Lowe specializes in providing exclusive concierge-type admissions advisory services for U.S. and international students who are interested in applying to top U.S. boarding and private schools. Dr. Lowe helps U.S. and international students gain admissions into top U.S. boarding schools even after they have been wait-listed and rejected. Dr. Lowe and his team of admissions advisors also visit prestigious and elite private schools, where they have the unique opportunity of interacting one-on-one with heads of schools, directors of admissions and senior admissions personnel.
Dr. Paul Lowe - Admissions Expert 