Summer Prep for the Fall Admission Season in Los Angeles

In Los Angeles, applying to private school can feel like stepping into a whirlwind. The Fall is filled with open houses, applications, essays, interviews, and decisions and it all moves fast. However, summer offers a valuable chance to slow down and lay the groundwork before the admissions season officially begins. Here are some ways you can prepare for the busy admission season in the Fall.

The best way to start is with reflection. The quieter pace of summer gives families space to think deeply about what they’re looking for in a school, not just in terms of academics, but in the kind of environment where their child will feel seen, supported, and inspired. It is an opportunity to figure out what type of education is the right match. Would a progressive or a more traditional approach would be best? Does your child do well with a structured environment or a more flexible type of classroom? Other things to consider when selecting a school are diversity, arts, and athletics. Families should also consider the community, the size of schools as well as which grade levels they offer. Los Angeles has a wide variety of options, and summer is the time to start narrowing the focus to what truly matters for your child and your family. This will enable you to compile a list of schools that align with your child’s interests and your family’s values. By creating a list of schools that match what you are looking for in the summer, your family will be ready and organized for everything happening in the Fall.

Start Early in the Summer and Create a Plan for Admission

The private school application process is multifaceted and time-consuming, so starting early gives you a significant advantage. After you have a list of schools that are a great fit, use the summer months to research schools thoroughly by reading their websites, understanding their educational philosophies, and noting application requirements and deadlines. Fill out inquiry forms at all the schools you are interested in so you will get into each database and start to get admission information. Sign up for events at each school as soon as the dates are posted.  Fall open houses and tours fill rapidly.  It is important to register as soon as the dates are announced so that you can visit early in the application process. Ideally you want to visit each school before you apply so you can determine if it is the right match for your child and your family.

Stay Organized and Manage Deadlines

Keeping track of application deadlines, test dates, interview schedules, and required documents (transcripts, recommendations) deadlines is vital. Use a calendar or spreadsheet to organize all important dates and tasks.

Prepare for Standardized Testing

For students applying to private middle and high schools in Los Angeles, standardized tests such as the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) or HSPT (a placement test for Catholic Schools) are often required. Summer is the perfect time to begin test preparation, whether through practice tests or tutoring. Starting early allows your child to become comfortable with the exam format and content, increasing their confidence and performance. Tutors can help your child focus not only on content, but also test taking strategy. Don’t forget to sign up for a test date in the Fall!  Finding a date that works for your family in a location that is convenient is sometimes tricky!

Start Working on Application Essays

Summer is also the ideal time to start drafting the parent statement. Almost every school asks parents to describe their child—who they are, how they learn, and what kind of environment they need to thrive. This essay matters. It’s your opportunity to speak from the heart and help admissions teams understand your child beyond grades and test scores. Working on it over the summer, when you’re not juggling school drop-offs or work deadlines, allows for a more thoughtful, less rushed process.

Students applying to secondary school will also be asked to write essays on their applications. Summer is a great time for them to start drafting their responses.  With no homework or extracurricular activities, students have time to focus on what they want to share about themselves and what is important to them about their next level of education.  It is valuable for middle school and high school applicants to take advantage of this slower time in the summer in order to craft strong essays.

Starting early and staying organized are the keys to turning what can be a hectic season into a smooth and positive experience. By using the summer to research schools, register for events, prepare for tests, and work on applications, parents in LA can approach the Fall private school application season feeling confident and calm. This proactive strategy not only improves your child’s chances of admission but also makes the process more manageable and rewarding for the whole family. For more information about to prepare for private school admissions during the summer, contact Lisa Marfisi.