Time Line for the School Search Process

The countdown to the applications' deadlines in mid-January continues. We have less than four months left to get everything done. During that time the major holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas occur. This leaves you precious little time to get everything done. So let's review our list of things which need to be done.

1. Visit schools and do interviews.

You began the school visits last spring. Now it's time to wrap up any last minute visits you have planned. If you put them off much longer, you will run into the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

2. Review each school's admissions requirements.

There's too much at stake here. Take time in October to review each school's admissions' requirements. While they all are pretty much the same, there will be some slight differences. Pay attention to each school's specific requirements so that your child's admissions folder can be put in the 'completed' pile and sent to the admissions committee for review and action.

3. Verify and list admissions deadlines.

Make a list of the deadlines. It is important to submit your application well before the deadline if at all possible. Barring that, stick to the deadlines without fail.

4. Test preparation.

Make sure your child spends 15 minutes a day working some part of the admissions test. Practice will not make perfect but it will give her confidence when she takes the actual test.