Private school admissions timeline: a month-by-month guide
When to research, test, apply, and interview for selective private schools — a clear month-by-month plan.
Selective private-school admissions runs on a fairly predictable annual cycle. Here's the shape — confirm exact dates with each school.
The cycle
- Spring–Summer (12–18 months ahead): research schools, note which test each requires, start test prep.
- Aug–Oct: register for the SSAT/ISEE, tour schools, attend open houses.
- Oct–Dec: take the test (you can often retake to improve).
- Nov–Jan: submit applications, essays, and recommendations; complete interviews.
- Jan–Feb: file financial-aid forms (SSS/PFS) — deadlines are firm.
- Mar: decisions arrive (~notification day); reply/enroll by ~April.
The big rocks
The two things families underestimate: starting test prep early enough, and the financial-aid deadlines, which are separate from (and sometimes earlier than) the admissions deadline.
Common questions
When should we start preparing?
Begin reasoning/reading/math practice 6–12 months before the test date so pacing and confidence are solid by test day.
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