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As the independent school admissions cycle comes to a close, the following questions typically arise. Please feel free to contact us for questions This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

“Are we too late to apply?”

No, it is quite common for families to seek better options as the end of the academic year approaches. As parents are faced with re-enrollment, continuing down the same path becomes less appealing, prompting applications. Schools know this, and many account for it by leaving spaces.

"But are there are any spaces at “good” schools left?”

The real questions are:

· “What are you unhappy with at your current school?”

· “What do you seek in a new school?”

Once these questions are addressed, a determination can be made if suitable schools will be enrolling students between now and the end of summer. And yes, selective schools will enroll a limited number of students.

“Should we consider boarding school?”

Boarding schools can provide excellent academic, athletic, extra-curricular, and social experiences. The facilities have never been nicer, and with technology students have never felt “closer to home”. Many families are surprised at the wide variety of boarding options ranging from single-sex to coed, sizes of 100 to 1,200 students, secular to Catholic/Episcopalian/Jewish, informal dress to coat & tie, etc.

“How does the application process work at this time?”

Schools will expedite the process. Families should contact admissions, visit campus (if possible) and submit an application. Once an application is complete, schools will usually render a decision within a few weeks or less. Standardized testing may be waived, and/or alternative testing/observation incorporated, depending upon the situation.

“My child is on the waiting list? Is there any hope?”

Most waiting list movement has happened. This is not to say that further movement is impossible, but it is less likely, especially after May 1. If you are re-enrolling at an independent school and remaining on a waiting list, be sure to check your enrollment contract and know what amount you would be liable for should your child be granted admission at the waiting list school. Waiting lists tend to shrink once families’ enrollment contracts have been signed.