<p>Ok so it's a definite, I will be applying for boarding school. When do I get started? I'm aware the first step in the process is the inquiry form. When should I send that in? Also any tips for the application process would be greatly appreciated. Feel free to pm me with any advice, I really need it!</p>
<p>I applied for boarding schools this past year, and if I had to give you one piece of advice it would be this: START AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE. Don’t delay your essays, teacher recs, school reports, etc. I would send in the inquiry form now, and start on the application once it comes out. School work will definitely come in the way, and you will find yourself not working on your applications – so start as early as you can. Don’t push it all until winter break (to the point where you’re completing one application per day hehe). Give the rec forms to your teachers as early as possible so they don’t feel rushed to give it back to you. Starting as early as you can gives you a head start on ideas for your essays and short answer questions. Well that’s all I got for now, but feel free to PM me if you have any questions!</p>
<p>Definitely agree with FutureExonian15!! </p>
<p>It doesn’t hurt to send in the inquiry form; it doesn’t even matter if you’ve finalized your list of schools. (I sent in 10, applied to 5) Basically they just give you a catalog/course booklet and give you more information about the school and applying, so it’s not a commitment to apply or anything (at least for the schools I looked into).</p>
<p>Also, again, do everything as soon as possible, don’t wait till the last minute!</p>
<p>Actually, I would not give the recommendation forms to your teachers “as soon as possible.” You want to actually make sure they’ve gotten to know you, so that they can write about you as an individual. Most of the forms have to be given to a current teacher, so unless you happen to have the same teacher two years in a row, I’d wait until later in the fall. I think we did it right before Thanksgiving.</p>
<p>I agree with the prior posters - send in inquiry forms now. You don’t have to apply to the school. You don’t even have to apply to a school where you interview. My son requested information from 11 schools, interviewed at 8 and applied to 6.</p>
<p>Look at your fall schedule and start to think about setting up interviews. Many schools require the interview before you finish your application. Some will interview locally with an alum or via Skype if you can not visit the school.</p>
<p>See if you have days off from school you can use if you are close enough. Do you need a Saturday appointment? Some school have limited weekend spots, so they fill fast. Do you live a distance from some of your schools and want to schedule several over a long weeknd? You don’t have to answer here - just giving you things to think about.</p>
<p>Wait until November to give your teacher recommendation forms, but for optional ones (some schools ask about a coach or non-teacher), think about who might be a good person to ask.</p>
<p>Everything else can be done soon. You don’t have to write your essays over the summer - some will say it is better to wait - but you can see what they are when they are sent/posted. Schedule the SSAT soon too - some centers fill up faster than others.</p>