Boarding Schools 101 – Your Guide To Navigating Applications From Asia

YOUR APPLICATION: Boarding School Application Tips For Applying From Asia

Your application should represent you as a person; this should include your hobbies, passions, beliefs, and characteristics. Whether you choose to express yourself in extracurriculars, your essays, or your schoolwork is up to you, but in the end, you want to present a version of yourself that speaks to your true nature.

Key Points To Remember:

• SSAT score Remember to take this before you submit your application.
• Interview with an admissions officer from each school (the timing of when this happens may vary, but it is a required part of the process).
• A brief summary of yourself and your character, which may include answering essay questions on a portal or getting teacher recommendations
• Remember to submit your application on time!

NAVIGATING BOARDING SCHOOL APPLICATION PORTALS:

Choosing the right application portal is important because it can make the application process more suitable for your needs.

There are 3 different ways to apply to US boarding schools:

• SAO (Standard Application Online) - Click here
  • Standardize the student essays and parent statements, so saves hours and hours of writing time! Note that the SAO platform adds a service charge to each school’s application fee
• Gateway - Click here
  • This platform allows students to tailor their applications to each school. Each school will have its own prompts to answer, allowing you to express more of an interest and passion for certain schools.
• Schools’ Individual Website
  • You can apply directly!

CHOOSING THE RIGHT BOARDING SCHOOL:

Once you find out what boarding schools you got accepted into, it's time to make the toughest decision; which one will you study at for the rest of your high school career? Ultimately, you should trust your own senses and choose whichever school seems like you are going to enjoy the most.

However, here is a list of things to keep in mind when deciding; academic programs, class size, extracurricular programs, and community.

• When first applying to boarding schools, it is ideal for the student to apply to as many schools as possible if they are not sure as to what type of school they prefer.
• If you are touring a school before applying/being accepted, make sure to sign up early.
• Oftentimes, going to an Admissions“revisit day”, which is when schools invite prospective students and their families back to campus (or to a virtual event) to provide any final insights that may sway their decision.

WHAT TO BRING WHEN YOU GO TO BOARDING SCHOOL?

When leaving your home to live in a new, unfamiliar setting, it is always nice to make sure you pack essential and comforting objects. A good list to follow would be The Hill Schools packing list; while the list may vary a little for each school, the majority of things listed can be applied to all schools.

• Don’t Overpack. Your parents can always bring or order you more things, but it is difficult for them to bring everything back home.
• Make sure to add/bring some personal objects from home to make your room feel less foreign.
• Snacks are fun to have, but just remember that they do expire.