For parents who have kids getting ready to start school or go to another school, you are probably feeling the weight of the school application process coming up. With so much to consider, from finding the right school to scheduling events, it's easy to get overwhelmed. However, there’s an easy way to keep the stress at bay: start the private school application process early. While it’s tempting to put it off until later, early preparation can make a huge difference in the quality of your experience and the outcome.
So let's delve into why starting the private school application process early is so valuable.
More Time to Learn About the Schools
One of the biggest advantages of starting the school application process early is having more time to research and learn about potential schools. Not only does this allow you to make a more informed decision about which schools to apply to, but you’ll also have more time to visit them at your own pace. By starting early, you can ask questions, look at the curriculum, and take a tour of the campus, which can help you make the best decision for your child. The schools you think you like best might not be on your final list. It takes time to get to know everything about a school.
More time to work on application essays
Filling out applications takes time. This is not something you can rush. You need to reflect on your family philosophy, your child and the reasons the school you are applying to is a good match. Writing a strong essay is not just about being a good writer. It takes a lot of thought and hard work to show the school why your child and your family are a great match for the school.
More Flexibility in Scheduling
Starting early also allows you to have
more scheduling flexibility. With more time on your hands, you can schedule interviews and tours at times that work best for you. This not only makes the application process less stressful, but it also allows you to have enough time to make sure you’re making informed decisions. Getting your applications done early and interviewing at your own pace allows you to put your best foot forward. If you wait until the deadline to submit your applications, you will not have much choice when it comes to scheduling interview and assessment appointments.
Less Stress
Applying to schools can be stressful for both parents and kids, but starting early can mitigate that stress. By starting early, you can avoid those last-minute scrambles, which can often lead to typos, mistakes, and missed deadlines. It's also a great way to avoid the anxiety that comes with rushing to finish everything on time. By being proactive, you'll be able to tackle the process on your own terms, leading to a much smoother and less stressful experience.
More Knowledge May Help Change Your Opinion
While some parents are fully confident that they know what they’re looking for in a school, others may be unsure of exactly what they want. Starting early can help you gain a better understanding of what options are available and what each school has to offer. By having more time to research and visit schools, you may find that you discover options that you hadn’t thought of before. This could lead to changing your opinion and finding the right school for your child.
More time to prepare for assessments/interviews
By starting early, both you and your child can prepare for meetings with the school. If your child is taking a standardized test, test prep can begin months ahead. This will give your child a big advantage. By not doing test prep in a rush, the material will really sink in and stick! You and your child can also prepare for interviews. You can make sure that you go in knowing all about the school and that you are prepared with good questions.
When it comes to starting the private school application process, there’s no such thing as too early. By starting early, you'll have more time to conduct research, visit schools, and get all of your materials together on time. Overall, this leads to a much less stressful and more successful school application process. So don't wait until the last minute, get started today, and give yourself and your child the best chance for success.