My application is submitted….Now what?
It’s January. You just logged into your online portals or got off the phone with admissions offices to make sure all required materials are submitted before deadline. Check. For most private schools, especially boarding schools, you will likely not hear much from them until March 10 when decisions are shared.
The big question on your mind…what can I do now? Here are some Do’s and Don’t’s.
DO: be responsive to outreach! I can’t stress this enough. Communication is golden! Responsiveness sends a positive message of intent and interest. As much as possible, the applicant (student) should be the one communicating. DO NOT: communicate too much.
DO: set up a campus visit if you were NOT able to visit. Campus visits are not a requirement at most schools and for many families it is not feasible due to distance, finances, or schedules. Schools completely understand the limiting factors around visits. That said, campus are visits do play a very important role for both the school and the applicant. It is possibly the #1 way to demonstrate your interest in the school. A virtual interview, say, may leave doubt in the mind of the school - does this family really like us? Avoid this at all costs! Visits are also a way for the family to get their feet on the ground. Do not underestimate the impact of gut feel. If you have already conducted a virtual interview, there is no need for another. This visit is a campus tour — a chance to get a sense of the school’s culture and personality away from manufactured websites and brochures. Read my blog on interviews and campus visits for more information. DO NOT: visit a school for a second time. No need.
DO: Send a Thank You email. A lot of people helped along the way - the interviewer, the office coordinator, the tour guide. Your student should send a quick email to say Thanks. Ideally, personalize the message. Maybe there was something that came up in conversation - you realized you were both dog lovers or share a passion for reading - this is an opportunity to recall that. A chance to remind the interviewer or tour guide about your time together. DO NOT: over do it! One solid email is all it takes. Any more gets to be too much.
DO: Submit a financial aid application. If you have not done so already, you likely have another week or two to complete. Even if you do not think you qualify for aid, you never know! Check out my blog on financial aid for more details.
DO: Share new information with the admissions office. If you feel there is something important to share…I am stressing the word IMPORTANT here…absolutely forward this along to the admissions office. You made the select baseball team for the spring, you received academic honors in your latest report card, you were elected to student government, you got a new SSAT score from January showing improvement, a new personal best on your 100M fly. This information is not in your application materials to date. DO NOT: send an email saying “HI” or wondering how your application is reading; send unnecessary materials; report cards from previous years not requested from the school, honor roll certificates from 3 years ago, an essay from English class that you received a 88% on. Anything “too much” may backfire on you.
DO: check back in with coaches/band leaders/heads of art departments. (This is assuming you have made contact during the admissions season.) These are for activities for which you have a proficiency above simple participation. Activities you are passionate about pursuing in future years. During the admissions season you would have been asked to submit material to the appropriate people - video of you playing soccer or trumpet, samples of art work, letter from your swim coach with personal best times, etc. THIS IS ENTIRELY OPTIONAL! Do not feel obligated to submit this information. Most students applying to private schools do not submit these materials. DO NOT: overdo it. Once the coach/leader/teacher acknowledges they have what they need you have done your part.
