I’m applying to 7 of the 10 TSAO schools. I’m not sure whether I’m too early or late. I have done part 1 of gateway application. I have also submitted my application fees. I have most of my interviews already scheduled. What is a good timeline? I haven’t seen many specific ones and was wondering if there are specific dates I should finish things by.
1 Like
I’m in the same place as you! I’m new to the application process but personally my timeline preparation is this:
Interviews: about one every 7-10 days
SSAT: November, if I do bad then January/Late December and if that’s bad then don’t turn them in (covid) :grimace:
Application: Gateway: start thinking about what to write for the essays now, probably finish them by December or Early January. Will finish all portfolios before December, as well as a fleshed out, well-planned resume
(*Note: I probably won’t even pay the application fees until mid-December, but I will have the essays written out and ready for a quick copy-paste, as they let you see the prompts early)
Recommendations: I’ve already told my teachers about applying, but I haven’t asked for any recommendations, planning to do so in November/Early December
Financial Aid: Definitely do this as early as possible, just to get it out of the way.
If you want, we can message each other throughout (I’m not an expert though xD)
Hopefully that outlines the bulk of my applications, also I would like to hear others’ perspectives too.
1 Like
@pearlescentrose the guidance department told me to start recommendations in early november because college recommendations are due the same time. we can totally PM if you want!
@lilyesh ohh okay
I just wanted to find a later time because due to Covid and stuff, the teachers barely even know us as people, so it’s kind of hard to write a whole recommendation letter, but I do understand why they would do that!
@pearlescentrose I totally understand where you are coming from. It is difficult with Covid. I am in school everyday, so it isn’t that bad for me, but I understand your situation is probably much different to mine. As long as you are getting them done on time! May I ask where you are applying? I’m applying to Lville, PEA, PA, Hotchkiss, Loomis, Hill, and Choate. I am taking the SSAT in october and will probably retake it if I do poorly. Good luck!
I’m not entirely sure what my timeline is yet, but here’s what I’m thinking:
October: Finalize school list, schedule interviews, first draft of essays for most
November: Edit essays, make a portfolio/resume maybe?, interviews, ask parents to do the parent statements
December: Ask for recommendations/transcripts/graded essays, financial aid, finalize essays, more interviews
To be honest I don’t see myself taking the SSAT this year because I’m going to try to stick with test-optional schools and send in my score from last year.
Recommendations need to be asked for NOW. I cannot stress this enough kids. If you wait until December teachers will not be happy. Asking now doesn’t mean they complete them now, it means they know in advance that a rec needs to be done and they can plan ahead. Teachers at my kids’ middle school would not write recommendations if you asked in November or December.
Also they don’t write a letter. They fill out a form and then they can add thoughts. The form has a bunch of questions and they rate you “one of the best I’ve taught” etc.
@one1ofeach I have a question about that. I’ve notified and asked for them to complete my recommendation letter, but should I send them the form now, where they still barely know me, or send them the form later, when they get to know me more? I don’t want to rush the teachers into completing them quickly and want them to know more about me before doing the recommendation, as we are in a pandemic.
I’d give them the form now, and ask them to check in with you if they have questions by December, and suggest a deadline a week before the actual deadline.
Also, for the ones who don’t know you yet, ask if they need anything from you - consider providing a cheat sheet to them of your highlights.
@CateCAParent Another question, if I ask for them to fill out the form, should I ask for them to fill out the same form to all the schools that I’m applying to, or one for each school? I’m not sure how Teacher Recommendations work, so if I can get some advice now, it would be great! :))
We did solely Gateway apps. My recollection (could be wrong) is that all of them were online. We had to send them a single link, and each bs had its own form.
General rule of thumb, if someone is doing you a favor, make it as easy and as pleasant as possible for them. So really clear directions, deadlines, a summary of important info about you, and an expression of gratitude are essential.
When they are done, a thank you note and a little gift is a nice touch.
I agree with everything @CateCAParent has said. Especially the part about making it easy for the teacher. @pearlescentrose If you aren’t sure how the recommendations work you need to spend some time online figuring it out. By which I mean, reading all the directions in all your applications. When we applied we had to use a mix of school specific and gateway (or whatever the other platform is called SAO?) so teachers had to fill out two forms I think.
I assume schools will know that with so much zoom school going on teacher recommendations aren’t going to be the same as they have been in the past.
For those of you applying and have questions about timelines there will be a virtual boarding school admissions event coming up. I believe @ a dozen schools are going to be represented. It’s going to be hosted by Great Boarding Schools. Here is the link below!
@StudentExchange Sorry, isn’t that for colleges? This is a prep school forum.
I haven’t even contacted ONE teacher and it’s Dec 12…deadlines are in a month AGH