<p>This year I am applying to boarding school (6 schools) and I've been so confused on how to apply! are common apps like the SAO better than individual apps? do you have a better chance of acceptance from one over the other? and do you send the entire application (references, fee, essay, etc.) in at once or in individual pieces? Because i feel like if you sent them in individually there would seem unorganized. If anyone has applied to boarding school before, please go through the process with me I'm very confused. And lastly, when do you find out the essay topic? because on the seat common app website it just says "essay" under the list of things required to turn in, not the topic. Thanks so much in advance and message me for further advice!</p>
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<li>Completing either SAO or individual app is fine. Choose what you feel more comfortable to work on to complete. </li>
<li>Since teachers directly send reference letters to the schools and Test scores are sent directly as well, it’s not possible to send everything at once. No worries. Do send the student profile first early and then pay the fee to access essay questions (e.g. In SSAT SAO app). Then complete the student part of the application and send it early enough, that is, NOT on the deadline date. </li>
<li>In SAO app, once you complete the student profile with biographic info and pay the fee to one school, you can see the essay questions. All the schools are sent the same application. </li>
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<p>Thanks for your help! @payn4ward </p>