WiseStart™

Events Understanding the Independent School Admissions Process: High 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 independent and boarding high schools. Although there are significant differences, many younger students will still need to complete testing, interview, and submit an application for high 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 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.

After many conversations and much soul searching, you’ve decided to enroll your child in a private day or boarding school. This is a big decision with many moving parts, so it’s important to start the test preparation and application process as early as possible so that you (and your child) don’t get overwhelmed. At IvyWise, we advise families to start preparing for the private day or boarding school process the spring and summer before they a plan to apply.

With the increasing number of applicants applying to independent day and boarding schools, admissions committees have started adapting additional testing tools to the application process. One tool that’s growing in popularity is the Character Skills Snapshot, which was developed by the Enrollment Management Association, makers of the SSAT standardized test. The Character Skills Snapshot is designed for students entering grades 6-12.

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.

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-12 independent and boarding schools. Although there are significant differences, many younger students will still need to complete testing, interview, and submit an application for middle and high school admissions. The requirements surrounding independent school admissions vary extensively based on the age of your student and the schools on their best-fit list.

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.