A few thoughts I’ve had since my daughter started the application process for entrance this fall to a few BS, in late February after the regular deadlines.
- Don't. As in, if you can avoid it, avoid it. It's a huge effort to undertake when you feel like you're racing against the clock and frankly most prep schools/BS won't have a dedicated admissions officer checking in with you or corresponding with you as you send in the materials. They are cordial enough to answer questions you may have along the way, but they won't take you or your application seriously until it's been submitted. That being said...
- Follow through. Don't make this decision lightly, and complete your application as soon as possible to submit, as often there are no hard deadline dates in this 'late application' period. The sooner your application is in, the quicker it's off your plate and for some schools with rolling admissions, the quicker you'll get an answer.
- Do your research first before all else. Does the school you're interested in accept late applications? Is it rolling admissions or is there just a secondary period of admission consideration? When will you get an answer (very important, in case you have other personal deadlines and need to commit to a school by a certain date)? If you need financial aid, is it likely that there will be anything left in the school coffers to offer you after the regular admission period? Frankly, you shouldn't waste the precious little time you have to apply nor should you waste the school's time.
- If you feel like you're being blown off by an admissions office, chances are strong that yes, you are being blown off by an admissions office. Try not to take it personally, and make sure your child understands it usually has very little to do with him/her and the quality of their application. The school could be in a situation where their yield came in high after the first round of applicants and subsequently they are now facing over-enrollment. If that is the case, late applicants likely won't appeal to them at all. (Yes, I realize this could be a different story if the late applicant has some pull with the school in another way.) Your child could be perfect in every way for the school but if the school is over-enrolled, there's nothing you can do to change that.
- Go for it. (I know this contradicts reason #1 lol) If this is something your family and child feel strongly about, and you've found schools that accept late apps, start the process. There are plenty of reasons families have applied late to these schools and yours won't be the last. Circumstances change and the admissions offices know this. And finally....
- Keep your expectations manageable and err on the low side. It's a long shot to apply anywhere after the regular round or applications and try to understand that at the end of the day it's a numbers game for these schools. Always is. Try to have a 'Plan B' before you even apply (local day school, homeschool, etc). If your child doesn't get in this round, hopefully you can apply again in the fall!
If you read this post, thank you for indulging me. Can you tell I’m anxiously awaiting school decisions??? Luckily my daughter and I have a solid ‘Plan B’ if she doesn’t get into the school she’s hoping to get into this fall. We are a bundle of nerves going into these last couple of weeks in May, which probably means we won’t hear until mid-June LOL :-*
