Admissions

Many parents feel they know a boarding school because they have spent time on its website. They have "liked" the school's Facebook page and followed it on Instagram. They also watched all the videos the school posted on its YouTube channel. They and their child are convinced that the school is a good fit for them and their requirements. So why bother hopping on a plane, renting a car, booking accommodations, and taking all that time to visit the school?

The answer is simple. You need to visit any school you are considering sending your child to. The school will insist on it because they want to meet you in person whenever possible. While virtual tours and online information have become more sophisticated in 2026, nothing replaces experiencing a campus firsthand, meeting faculty and students, and observing the school's culture for yourself.

Your educational consultant may have given the schools glowing reports. Your great uncle has always fondly spoken about his years at one of the schools on your shortlist. He has given generously to his alma mater. One of your colleagues has a daughter at another school on your shortlist. She loves her school's equestrian program. But that's their opinion.

You and your child need to set foot on each campus on your shortlist, scope each one out, and use your judgment about whether your child will be happy there for three or four years.

Before scheduling your visits, Boarding School Review's guide to Questions

If you are thinking about a boarding school for your child, you will probably end up exploring the TABS site. The site has many useful features, among them the Admission Application Form.

What's involved?

The Boarding Schools Admission Application aims to simplify the application process. Back in the 90s, each member of TABS had its own application process and forms. As a result, if you applied to three schools, you had three completely different sets of applications to complete and submit. TABS identified the forms which most boarding schools commonly used. Thus was, the Boarding Schools Admission Application Form created.

The manner in which individual boarding schools use the admission application package is up to them. The application package consists of the following forms:

• General Information
• Applicant Questionnaire
• English Teacher Recommendation Form
• Math Teacher Recommendation Form
• Head/Principal/Counselor Recommendation Form

Some boarding schools will use the entire set of forms. Others will just use the Recommendation Forms. And so on. Check with each school's admissions office to find out how they want their application prepared.

What's next?

• Download the forms. You can also view the forms online. They are all in Acrobat's PDF format, which is viewable using the free Acrobat Reader.
• Determine the forms for each school you are applying to by contacting the admissions offices.
• Determine the additional forms individual schools may require as part of their admissions application package.
• Make a list of admissions application deadlines.
• Make a list

Back in the 80s, when our daughters applied to boarding schools, the process was entirely paper-driven. The schools sent us thick envelopes full of forms we had to complete. Then, we mailed the completed applications to the schools. Thirty-five years later, I am happy to report that most schools' application processes have gone digital. That makes things so much easier.

These days, there are essentially four ways to apply to boarding schools:

1. Complete the application forms which the school has on its website.
2. Complete the common application, which you can find on the SSAT website.
3. Complete the common application, which you can find on the TABS website.
4. Complete the paper application forms you downloaded or received from the school.

Applications on Individual School Websites

If you are applying to just one or two schools, then it might make the most sense to simply go to those schools' websites and complete the applications right there. Many schools allow you to complete the main application form online. You will still have to download teacher recommendation forms and requests for school transcripts, as well as address and put stamps on the envelopes required.

You can also pay the application fee online with your credit or debit card. But, if you choose to use the school's application forms, remember those are specific to that school. They cannot be used for applications to other schools. That's the fundamental difference between applying on a school website versus using one of the typical applications.

I wish that during the 15 years I worked in boarding school admissions,I had kept track of how many students I interviewed. I imagine it’s a greater number than I would even guess. I loved to interview students and have that time to really get to know them -- who they are, what they hope to do, what they are looking for, how they might fit in at my school, and what they bring with them. Sometimes, it was very clear to me that a student was nervous -- perhaps it was their first time in an interview situation. So I would start with, “Are you nervous?” It’s amazing how identifying that fear could somehow easily dissipate it as well. From there, we could talk comfortably with one another and explore what we wanted to explore. Many of the students I work with in boarding school guidance have not been interviewed before this point, which makes sense given their age. I like to guide them beforehand with how they might be more prepared -- both in terms of what they might be asked in an interview and what they might ask, as well as how to make a good impression.

This video looks at Miss Porter's School in Farmington, Connecticut.

What should I wear?

I’m glad you asked! This is one of the first things I ask my students who are planning their visits!

Your husband has just called to say that he got the promotion. The increase in responsibilities and money makes the move exciting. But it's July. And you will be relocating across the country. What are you going to do about the children's schooling? They have just finished 8th and 10th grade in the local public schools, which are in a really fine district. It's too late to apply to a private school, right?

This scenario gets played out in thousands of households all over the globe. If your spouse works for a multinational firm, chances are that he will have to spend some time abroad. It's also certain that your children will have to move in the middle of an academic year. Business never seems to pay heed to school calendars. Business is business and has a mind of its own.

So, is it too late to get your children into a private school? Absolutely not. And, frankly, if you have any idea that future moves may be in the offing, you need to consider seriously settling your children into boarding school. The stability of boarding school will help insulate your children from the stress and strain of moving.

Admissions After the Deadlines

Truthfully, you will probably not be able to get your children into one of the very selective, highly competitive boarding schools UNLESS you or your spouse attended one. It would certainly be a long shot, and all the planets would have to be aligned, but