Timeline for Preparing High School Applications
To help families plan effectively, the application timeline is divided into four categories based on the competitiveness of the schools: elite private schools, good day schools, middle-range boarding schools, and easier-to-enter schools.
1.) Elite Private Schools (Top Boarding Schools)
When should you start preparing?
- 6th–7th Grade :
- Focus on academic excellence (maintain top grades across all core subjects)
- Begin English development (reading, writing, vocabulary building)
- Build a basic understanding of the U.S. education system
7th–8th Grade :
Take official English proficiency tests: TOEFL Junior or TOEFL
Start intensive preparation for SSAT or ISEE
Begin leadership development and extracurricular activities (sports, clubs, volunteer work)
- 8th–9th Grade :
- Full application preparation year
- Take official TOEFL and SSAT exams
- Finalize the school list: categorize into “Safety” / “Target” / “Reach”
- Prepare personal essays and obtain teacher recommendation letters
- Fall of 8th or 9th Grade (September–December):
- Submit applications (most deadlines are between December and January)
- Complete required interviews
- Spring (March–April)
- Admission decisions announced
Enrollment contract signing and deposit submission
📝 Note:
Top-tier boarding schools rarely accept late or incomplete applications. Early and meticulous preparation is essential for success.
2.) Good Day Schools
When should you start preparing?
- 7th–8th Grade (Grade 6–7):
- Take TOEFL Junior or TOEFL tests
- Develop leadership skills through school activities and volunteering
- 8th–9th Grade (Grade 7–8):
- Full application preparation year
- Complete official English proficiency testing
- Prepare personal essays and obtain recommendation letters
- Fall, Winter, Spring of 8th or 9th Grade:
- Rolling admissions: Submit applications as early as possible (ideally between November and February)
- Complete school interviews
- After Submission:
Admission decisions are usually released within 1 month of submission
Enrollment decisions and deposit submission soon after
3.) Middle-Range Boarding Schools
When should you start preparing?
- 7th–8th Grade (Grade 6–7):
- Take TOEFL Junior or TOEFL tests
- Develop leadership skills through activities and volunteering
- 8th–9th Grade (Grade 7–8):
- Full application preparation year
- Complete English proficiency testing
- Prepare personal essays and recommendation letters
- Fall, Winter, Spring of 8th or 9th Grade:
- Rolling admissions: Submit applications early (November–February recommended)
- Complete school interviews
- After Submission:
- Admission decisions are usually released within 1 month of submission
- Enrollment decisions and deposit submission shortly after
4.) Easy Schools (Schools with Relatively Easier Admission)
When should you start preparing?
- 8th–9th Grade (Grade 7–8):
- Prepare simple academic documents and personal statements
- Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer of 8th or 9th Grade:
- Rolling admissions: Submit applications as early as possible (November–February ideal)
- Complete school interviews if required
- After Submission:
- Admission decisions typically released within 2–4 weeks after submission
- Enrollment deposit required to confirm placement
📌 Important Notes
- Elite Private Schools require early, intensive, multi-year preparation (at least 2–3 years in advance).
- Good Day Schools, Middle-Range Boarding Schools, and Easy Schools still require early planning to avoid last-minute stress and ensure smoother acceptance.
- Rolling admissions means the earlier you apply, the better your admission chances.
🎯 Strategic preparation + Smart school selection = U.S. high school success!