Middle School

Events Understanding the Independent School Admissions Process: Kindergarten through Middle School DATE AND TIME On Demand Free Watch Now ABOUT THIS EVENT While many families are aware that the college application process is comprehensive and multi-faceted, far fewer anticipate a similar process for admission to k-8 independent schools. Although there are significant differences, many younger students will still need to complete testing, interview, and submit an application for kindergarten, primary, and middle school admissions. Join IvyWise WiseStart™ Counselors Cheryl and Nat as they explain how students and families can identify the best-fit independent school for their goals and needs and successfully navigate the application process.

Events Early College Prep and the Importance of Executive Functioning Skills DATE AND TIME On Demand Free Watch Now ABOUT THIS EVENT As the college application process becomes more and more competitive each year, it has become increasingly important for students and families to lay the groundwork for college prep beginning during elementary and middle school. In this webinar, IvyWise’s WiseStart™ Counselor Christine and Executive Functioning Coach Lorenza explain how building a strong foundation of executive functioning skills at a young age, identifying the right primary and secondary schools for your children, and receiving early guidance sets a student up for future success in the college application process and beyond. Attendees learn how they can best prepare their children for the future, with tips for each grade from kindergarten through eighth grade.

Events Class of 2028 College Application Primer With Former Admissions Directors DATE AND TIME On Demand Free Watch Now ABOUT THIS EVENT As the Class of 2028 finishes up eighth grade and looks ahead to beginning high school, now is the perfect time to start thinking about how to make the most of their next few years. Join IvyWise college admissions counselors for a deep dive into the college application process and how you can set yourself up for success in high school. Attendees learn about selecting the right courses, developing their personal profile, and identifying the best-fit extracurricular activities and summer plans.

By Cheryl, WiseStart™ School Placement Counselor The independent school application process is multifaceted as schools attempt to gain a more well-rounded view of prospective students. However, it’s important to keep in mind that you and your student are interviewing prospective schools just as much as these schools are interviewing you. It’s important to do a little research and come prepared with questions so you can make each meeting with a prospective school as productive as possible.

We say this all the time: the earlier you start on college prep the better. But how early is early? The reality is that colleges look at everything from 9th grade on – meaning students need to show up to day one of high school ready to go.

Watch our expert WiseStart™ counselors discuss the importance of early college prep and how parents can help younger students prepare for success in high school, college, and beyond.  Watch now As the college admissions process becomes ever more complex and competitive, parents often ask, “When should we start?” While my colleagues and I work in age-appropriate programs with students in all high-school grades, there is value in laying a strong, early foundation.

By Cheryl, IvyWise WiseStart™ Counselor  Congratulations! You’ve made the decision to apply to an independent or boarding school. There’s a lot to consider in this process, and often families are unsure of how this process works and what to expect.

For students who are in eighth or ninth grade, college seems so far away, but this spring is actually a great time to set the foundation for your future college admissions journey as you make the most of your present college prep. The choices you make now will have the immediate benefit of making your high school years enjoyable and challenging, but they will also help you to build a strong profile that will make you a competitive college applicant. The most important thing to know is that colleges do not have one type of student that they are looking for, instead, they want to see applicants who have different passions and interests.

Most savvy college applicants these days are finely tuned into the fact that it takes a lot more than being an accomplished, high-achieving student to gain a coveted acceptance to the nation's top institutions. But how exactly do you develop the best applicant profile? What can you do over your four years of high school to define your niche, find that hook, and, most importantly, become the best version of yourself that colleges will be excited to snatch right up?