As a private school marketer, I closely work with families during the admissions process and have seen the dos and don’ts of admissions. In 2024, private schools have become a popular alternative to public schools, while many parents are having difficulty navigating the competitive admissions process. Private school acceptance strategies vary from school to school, but in general requires preparation, effort, and a honed strategy. In this article, I’m going to cover 6 tips that are proven to help with private school acceptance. So, let’s discuss my 6 proven tips for private school acceptance:
Tip 1: Starting Early
Seemingly obvious at first, many families wait until November or December to begin the admissions process. While this is still prior to the average deadlines, it puts pressure on you during the process. With many schools having a limited number of spots, schools may begin to put a priority on students and families who applied ‘ahead of the curve’. So how early should you start? I recommend starting a year early! This gives you time to do research on each school you’re interested in, attend open houses/information sessions, and start preparing the necessary documents.
In general, most private school admission deadlines happen in January, but like everything, it varies from school to school. I highly recommend you look for schools now, and begin noting these important deadlines. These deadlines are:
- Scholarship application deadline
- Application deadline
- Decision date
- Common reply date
Tip 2: Understand Admissions Requirements
Each school is different in what they require during admissions. Here at The Tenney School, during admissions we ask you:
- Schedule a tour
- Schedule a student interview
- Submit an application
- Provide the last 2 years of report cards
- Provide recent standardized test scores (ISEE, PSAT, SAT, ACT, Map, etc.)
- 2 teacher recommendations
While our requirements may not be the same as other private schools, many will still ask that you do an interview and take the ISEE. It’s important to prepare carefully for which ever standardized test the school may require. For this reason, many parents will look into a prep course for the ISEE or SSAT. Another note is to make sure your student meets the academic requirements. While not every school emplaces these, many have strict GPA requirements, and will automatically deny students which don’t meet their threshold.
Tip 3: Showcase Academic Excellence
When chasing a private school acceptance, it’s important to place importance on academic excellence. Many schools prioritize this above all else. In addition to providing report cards and standardized test scores, it’s a good idea to mention:
- Honors Classes
- AP Classes
- Dual Credit Classes
- Awards Earned
- Letters of Recommendation
Each one of these can and would help you in improving your private school application.
Tip 4: Highlight Extracurricular Activities
Private schools generally like to model themselves off colleges and universities. As a result of this, they like to see that a student is ‘well rounded’. What this means is that a candidate not only excels academically, but also participates in other non-academic activities at school. These can range from:
- Sports participation (varsity or junior varsity)
- Leadership roles
- Student government
- Volunteer Work
Showing one or multiple of these qualities on your application will help your chances of a private school acceptance. While not every school will treat extracurriculars as a high priority, it’s always a great thing to highlight regardless.
Tip 5: Ace the Interview
Most of, if not all private schools will require a student to come in and interview with the admissions team. In some cases, this may include the principal or head of school as well. Like every interview, this is a great opportunity for the student to get to know the school and culture. It’s a good idea to prepare for the interview by researching the school. This allows you to better answer questions that they may ask. It’s extremely important to display enthusiasm as well. It’s okay to be nervous, but arriving with a smile and excitement goes a long way in acing that interview! Finally, don’t be afraid to ask questions! Interviews are a two-way street, and it’s recommended you ask questions as they arise!
Tip 6: Write a Strong Admissions Essay
The final tip I want to highlight is the importance of writing a strong essay. Private schools may require applicants to write essays on a variety of different topics. This gives the student the opportunity to really standout from other applicants. It’s important to be honest and truthful too! To stand out, I recommend:
- Choosing a compelling topic that highlights personal growth, interest, or goals.
- Follow the school’s essay guidelines closely.
- Proofread carefully for grammar, structure, and tone.
You’re Ready for That Private School Acceptance!
Now that we’ve covered all 6 tips, you’re officially ready to tackle the private school acceptance you’re chasing! While each school is different in their admissions process, following all 6 tips will increase your chances of an acceptance ten-fold! Finally, if you’re in need of a private school with a one-to-one learning environment – look no further! The Tenney School specializes in grades 5 – 12, and is the perfect option for students with anxiety, are gifted, or are simply wanting a smaller learning environment! If this sounds like the right fit for your family, inquire today for more information!
Frequently Asked Questions
The Tenney School offers individualized, one-to-one instruction for students in grades 5 through 12. Our curriculum is designed to meet the unique academic needs of each student, whether they are in middle school or high school. We focus on preparing students for success in their current grade level while also setting them up for future achievements in college and beyond. Our small class sizes and personalized learning approach ensure that students in every grade receive the attention and resources they need to excel academically.
The Tenney School has maintained accreditation through Cognia (formerly the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools) since 1979. The accreditation process is repeated every five-to-six years. The last School Accreditation Engagement Review of The Tenney School was successfull completed in February 2022.
The Tenney School earned an Index of Education Quality (IEQ) score of 318.5 from Cognia on the last review. This IEQ is well above the average school IEQ (278.34 – 283.33).