Highlights from Finding the Right School and Navigating the Application Proccess

Did you miss our Ashley Beck event?  Check out the highlights below:

Highlights from “Finding the Right School and Navigating the Application Process”Presented by Ashley Beck- Assistant Director of Admission at the Episcopal School of DallasOctober 1, 2013 Finding the “right” school for your child·      The “right” school vs. the “best” school
·      Do your homework, many choices in Dallas
·      Narrow down your school choices to a workable number
·      Other than unconditional love and a safe, happy home environment, education is the greatest    gift you can give your child
 Define your “Fundamental and Ideal Requirements” before you begin your search Examples of topics that can be fundamental or ideal:o   Small vs. Large environment
o   Traditional vs. progressive curriculum
o   Co-ed vs. single sex
o   What special programs are important to you? – enrichment programs, community service, leadership programs, college placement or outplacement, etc.
o   Is a diverse community important to you?
o   Is a religious component important to you?
o   Are the grade levels offered important to you?
 Information to Obtain from Schoolso   Mission and Accreditation
o   Educational philosophy and curriculum
o   Faculty qualifications and experience
o   Co-and extra-curricular offerings
o   College guidance or out placement
o   Typical class size (ratio can be misleading)
o   Level of parent involvement
o   Key entrance years for new students
o   Admission criteria, process and timing
o   Tuition, other costs and financing options
 The Application Timeline
o   No two independent schools have exactly the same mission, therefore, the application process and criteria will vary
o   Common applications for ISAS schools are very helpful and user-friendly – Prekindergarten through grade 12
o   Application timeline:
o   September/October/November/December
§  Complete and submit initial application forms
§  Attend Previews and Open Houses
§  Complete your parent statement
o   October/November/December/January
§  Individual and/or third party evaluations (CATS)
§  School visits
§  Current school/MDO information- turn in
o   February
§  Schools are completing files and making decisions
o   March
§  Admission decisions mailed in mid-March
§  Two weeks to respond
§  Accept, Wait Pool, Regret, Defer
o   April/May
§  Your turn to get more information, take advantage of this opportunity!
 Applicant Group Visit Do’s and Don’ts (applies to individual visits as well)§  Do
o   Good night sleep
o   Hearty breakfast
o   Comfortable clothes
o   Remain low key and calm
§  Don’t
o   Break from normal drop off routine
o   Promise reward afterward
o   Dress in “Sunday” clothes
 Additional resources:            National Association of Independent Schools www.nais.org            Independent Schools Association of the Southwest www.isasw.org            A Guide to Dallas Private Schools www.dfwprivateschools.com            Collaborative Academic Testing Service www.catstexas.com            School and Student Service for Financial Aid www.nais.org/financialaid/sss