By Sharon Decker and Julie Rosenberg of The Admissions Plan
It’s February in New York City. That means the days will be brighter a bit longer, the cold will begin to taper off, and private school notifications will appear in your inbox. Here are some suggestions to help you prepare for notification day.
Know the Dates
Most New York City private schools follow the 2023 ISAAGNY notification schedule, which is broken into divisions: Kindergarten on February 9, Grades 1st-8th on February 14, High School on March 1, and Nursery on March 2. Don’t get nervous if you do not wake up on the designated day to emails: many schools send their notification emails in the late afternoon hours.
Understand the Process
Admissions directors and their staff spend the months of January and February reading applications, also known as “going to committee.” Here is where all of your hard work over the previous several months pays off as they read your parent statements, look at supplemental essays and videos, review notes from interviews and play visits, analyze test results, and gain a holistic picture of your child and family. Rest easy knowing that you have given it your all, and remember that you and your child have done a wonderful job managing all steps of the process.
Prepare for the Outcome
There are three possible outcomes for your child’s application: a letter of regret, a place on the waitlist, or an offer of admission. If you receive a letter of regret, try not to take it personally. The schools you have applied to are highly competitive, and in many ways, the process is a numbers game. Don’t lose focus on how great your child is in so many ways, and how they will continue to succeed in the school that is lucky enough to get them as a student.
In the case of a waitlist or wait pool letter, make sure to read the directions very carefully. Schools are usually quite clear as to how they wish you to opt into the wait pool. Typically there is a form or an email reply to be submitted.
If your child has received one or more acceptances, once again, read the directions carefully. Pay special attention to the due date of the contract and make sure to sign and return it by the stated date. If you are choosing between multiple acceptances, revisit your notes on each school, check out the schools’ websites, and, if possible, speak with a current family. All of those things will help you determine which school will be the best fit for your child.
Perhaps Most Importantly… Breathe!
This can be an incredibly stressful time of year for all. Remember that you have done a great job every step of the way, ensuring that your child will find a wonderful academic home where they will grow and succeed.
These are just some things to consider when you are navigating the end of the NYC private school application process. Interested in learning more from The Admissions Plan? Call or email us at info@theadmissionsplan.com to find out how we can help.