If your child is considering applying to top U.S. boarding schools, it’s essential to be well-informed about the application process. This article outlines five crucial factors to consider before you begin your journey. 

1. How many schools should we apply for? 

We advise limiting applications to around 4-5 schools, as the process is very demanding. For instance, Hotchkiss requires candidates to complete five short answers of 150 characters, two essays of 300 words each, a longer 500-word essay, and a 350-word parent essay. 

These prompts often explore your motivations for applying, your understanding of the school, your contributions to the boarding school community, and your personal achievements, strengths and weaknesses. Some questions are a bit more challenging, such as Milton’s question about a recent book, podcast, or documentary that you found meaningful. 

Given these requirements, managing more than five applications can be overwhelming. You must also maintain stellar grades, stay engaged in extracurricular activities, conduct thorough school research, prepare for interviews, and study for the SSAT. If you are planning to apply to more than five schools, be prepared to seek significant support to navigate the process successfully.

2. Do I need to go on campus visits?

The simple answer is yes; visiting campuses is essential. Considering that your child will be leaving their family to board as young as 14, it is crucial to ensure that you, as a family, like the campus, food, dorms, students, community, and culture. 

Your visit demonstrates to the school that you are committed and serious about the application process. Many schools also conduct in-person interviews during visits, providing a valuable opportunity for you to connect with your interviewer and ask questions about life at the school.

However, not every family can organize a campus visit. Virtual interviews are offered as an alternative, but if you choose this route, make sure to participate in all available virtual events to compensate for the experience you miss during an in-person tour. Look for virtual open days, campus tours, information days, and in-person info evenings in your area. For example, Andover hosted an evening reception in Hong Kong this October, allowing prospective students to speak directly with the Dean of Admissions. Engaging in these events can enhance your understanding of the school and help you make an informed decision.

3. What do I need to score on the SSAT?

The score you need on the SSAT largely depends on the schools you’re applying to. A minimum score in the 93rd percentile is typically expected for top institutions like Andover and Exeter. Schools that may prioritize athletics, e.g. Deerfield, might have a slightly lower threshold.

Many schools publish data regarding their SSAT scores. For instance, Taft reported that “last year, the median score for admitted students was the 87th percentile” (as of November 1, 2024). Keep in mind that these figures can fluctuate from year to year and that you are being assessed alongside other local applicants. For example, other candidates from Hong Kong may have higher-than-average test scores. As Admissions Consultants, we use historical data from previous student acceptances as a guide.

It’s also important to note that the SSAT writing section, while not scored, is sent to admissions officers along with your score report. This allows them to assess your writing skills and ensure consistency in tone with your application essays, confirming that the work is genuinely yours.

Students often take the SSAT more than once; it’s common for our students to attempt it twice. If necessary, we encourage preparation and retaking the test to achieve the desired score.

4. What are schools looking for in my interviews and essays?

When preparing for interviews and writing essays, it’s essential to demonstrate your genuine interest in and fit for the school. Research the course catalogue, and explore both on-campus and off-campus programs, unique offerings, and study-abroad opportunities. Additionally, review the school’s mission and values to see if they align with your personal beliefs and, as a parent, consider whether they reflect your family values. 

Schools are also looking to weed out candidates who are motivated by the “wrong reasons” for attending boarding school, such as feeling forced by parents or viewing the school merely as a stepping stone to a specific Ivy League. Instead, candidates should evidence their role in the application process, to show emotional readiness and initiative, such as the desire to seek new opportunities, a different curriculum, independence, or the chance to pursue sports at a higher level than what’s available in Hong Kong.

Remember, the interview is also your opportunity to assess the school. You’re investing significant time and resources, so it’s essential to determine whether the school meets your standards as a parent and is genuinely a good fit for your child.

5. When should I start preparing my application? 

Suppose you hope to start at Boarding School in Grade 9 (the typical entry point) in September 2025. In that case, you should begin preparing your Gateway application around the beginning of G8/Y9—September/October of the year before you plan to move. 

Start by selecting the schools you are interested in and filling out Part 1 of the Gateway application. Completing this will grant you access to school-specific portals (Exeter, Andover, and Milton each have their own applicant portals). Parts 2 (parent and student essays) and 3 (school reports and recommendations from your principal and English/Math teachers) are due by January 15 of the same year you plan to enter.

Additionally, it’s important to visit schools and campuses before applying. Therefore, if you are serious about attending boarding school, consider starting your research and planning at the end of G7/Y8 so you can visit the U.S. during the summer between G7-8/Y8-9. Otherwise, you may have to visit during the G8/Y9 school year, which can be stressful and may impact your academic performance (which will affect your chances at top schools!)

We assist students with various aspects of the application process, including researching schools, interview preparation, developing an SSAT timeline, and supporting both student and parent essay writing. We also support your conversations with your current school counsellor, help choose the appropriate people to write your teacher, personal, and special interest recommendations, and provide guidance on specific needs such as Sports CVs and preparing multimedia submissions for musicians or artists.

Quantum Prep is an education consultancy that focuses on placing their students at the best colleges or universities. We boast of diverse results. In addition to the traditional rap sheet of prestigious university acceptances, our consultants like to highlight the different paths they have sent students on. All of our students are different; we are proud of our one-on-one tailored approach towards university counselling. Contact us for a complimentary 30-minute initial meeting, where you can get tailored individualized advice on how to put your best foot forward. Read our reviews to see what our clients think of us.

By Emma Keoy, Admissions Consultant

Published 06-11-2024