Narrow Your Choices.
The next thing to decide is whether you want to board or stay close to home and go to a day school. Then eliminate whichever schools don't match your needs. Next you need to create a short list because that initial list of 10-20 schools is not going to be practical to visit or apply to.
- Present your consultant with a list of schools you like.
- Discuss your list and get her advice.
- Reduce the list to 3-5 schools.
- Thoroughly review the pros and cons of each school.
Include One Safe School.
Your consultant should recommend that you include at least one safe school on the list. Make sure that you and your child are comfortable with the school. Your consultant knows that your child's chances of getting admitted are pretty good.
Include Competitive Schools.
Some schools are extremely difficult to get into. They are very competitive and can choose candidates from a wide pool of applicants. These are considered a stretch. Keep one on the list because you just never know. She just might get in. It's like applying to Harvard or Princeton: the competition for places at a highly sought-after private school is intense.
Fit Counts. Ranks Do Not.
When it comes to choosing the right school, fit counts and ranks do not. Match your child's needs with what the school offers. That's all that matters. Leaving a school and familiar surroundings and routines is traumatic enough. Your child deserves to enjoy her new educational experience to the fullest.
