The end of summer typically brings a mix of emotions for parents. It can be bittersweet to let go of longer, slower days and family vacation time. It is also often a relief to get back into the more predictable rhythms and routines of the school year. And, if your family is preparing to apply to schools and embark on the next phase in your child’s educational journey, fall can be both exciting and a little daunting! 

Touring schools, imagining your child beginning a new chapter, and watching them grow toward this next stage brings a whirl of emotions. And if that weren’t enough to manage, there are also many logistical details to stay on top of throughout the admissions season. Regardless of whether your family is applying to independent or public schools, and no matter the age of your child, the application process is a lot to juggle. But, as with any complex process, it always helps to have a clear plan. Knowing what needs to get done when reduces stress and ensures that you don’t drop balls along the way. 

In New York, the independent school application process begins early, kicking off right as September gets underway, while the primary steps involved in the public school process typically begin in October. The good news is, you don’t need to do everything all at once! 

Take a deep breath and follow our step-by-step guide for managing independent school applications. And stay tuned for our upcoming guide to the public school process.

Your Independent School Application Check List

• Finalize your school list: If you began considering schools and taking tours in the spring, or even if you’ve just explored schools through their websites, you likely have a preliminary list in mind. Now is the time to finalize your application list. Remember, if you tour a school later in the fall and change your mind, you can always withdraw your application. It’s much easier to remove a school from your list later in the process than to add one, so it’s best to start with a robust group of schools. For reminders on how to identify the schools that will be a good fit for your child, check out our guidance on what makes a school the “right school.”     
• Set up your application accounts: Many of the independent schools use the admissions platform, Ravenna, to manage applications. Get a head start by setting up a Ravenna account, if you haven’t already. And keep in mind that not all schools use this system. So, be sure to review the admissions process for each school individually on their website, and set up any additional accounts necessary, based on your application list.  
• Organize your deadlines: Create a family admissions process calendar to keep all of your deadlines organized. Many New York schools are members of ISAAGNY and will follow their deadlines for primary admissions dates. However, each school will also have additional deadlines. For example, a preliminary application is often due before supplementary materials, like essays. It will also be important to keep track of your tour and interview appointments and any testing dates. And, for non-ISAAGNY schools, you will need to note their deadlines as well. Creating a shared family calendar will help to ensure everyone is in the loop, nothing sneaks up on you as you move through the fall, and you maintain a clear sense of what has been completed and what is left to do. 
• Write your application essays: Now is the time to begin drafting your parent application essays, if you haven’t started already. Review our guidance on telling your family’s story here. As for student essays, if your child is applying to a grade where these will be required, it’s a good idea to find out if their school will be supporting them with this process. If not, help them begin their drafts early, so neither you nor they are up against last-minute stress.    
• Schedule your fall tours: Once applications open, schedule your fall tours as soon as possible. For schools you already toured in the spring, you will usually not be allowed to tour again, so focus on the schools you have not visited yet. And remember, behavior counts on tours! This is not only a chance for you to get to know the school, it’s also the beginning of their relationship with you. 
• Stay on top of testing requirements: For older students, many schools require the ISEE or SSAT test. Be sure to register for any required tests and to request accommodations, if your child is entitled to them. Review our full breakdown of school admissions tests for detailed information. 
• Request transcripts and recommendation letters: While each application will provide a mechanism for sending transcript and recommendation requests, it’s a good idea to consult with your child’s current school ahead of time to understand how they manage this process and to ensure that you have made personal requests to any teachers you may be asking to write individual letters. The fall is a busy time for teachers, too, and making these requests early and graciously is respectful and ensures that they have time to write the best possible letter on your child’s behalf.

There will, of course, be more steps to consider once your applications are submitted. But, for now, these are the most important items to complete, ensuring that your child’s file will be complete by all school deadlines. Be on the lookout for continued guidance from Smart City Kids on everything from thank-you notes to navigating decisions. We are here for you every step of the way!

‍