Private School Admission Secrets: What Schools Really Look For
September 15th
1 year ago
Homeschool
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It is very hard to get into the best private schools in the United States. Knowing what these schools really look for in applicants can make a big difference. Private schools look at more than just a student’s grades when they decide who to let in. They do this to make sure that the student will do well in their unique environment. Here is what you need to know about the people who ask to go to private schools.
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Academic Excellence and Intellectual Curiosity
Academic performance is one of the main requirements for getting into a private school. Schools carefully look at a student’s transcripts and scores on standardized tests like the ISEE or SSAT to see if they are ready for their tough academic programs. But having a perfect academic record isn’t always important. Admissions committees also look for intellectual curiosity and a desire to learn. A student’s work on difficult assignments, thoughtful essays, or personal projects can show that they are interested in these things. Schools want to see students who are eager to do better in school and who are interested in what they are learning. -
Strong Extracurricular Involvement
Private schools like students who are well-rounded and active in activities outside of school. Schools want students who show commitment and enthusiasm outside of school, whether it’s in music, drama, sports, or another club. These extracurricular activities show that a student can balance schoolwork with other interests and still be a good member of the school community. Importantly, depth often beats breadth; being deeply involved in a few things can look better than having a long list of shallow things you do. -
Character and Personal Qualities
Admissions committees place a high emphasis on character and personal attributes. Schools want to hire students who have traits like honesty, leadership, resilience, and empathy. These traits are often assessed through personal interviews, recommendation letters, and essays. When students are being interviewed, they may be asked about their values, how they deal with problems, or what they like to learn. Being mature, able to think about how you’ve grown, and wanting to be a good member of the school community are all things that can make a big impression. -
Fit with the School’s Culture and Values
Private schools want to let students in who will not only fit in with the school’s culture but also add to it. This means finding students whose beliefs are in line with the mission of the school. For instance, if a school puts a lot of emphasis on community service, they will look for applicants who have shown they want to help others. You can show that you are a good fit by learning about the school’s values and talking about how your own goals and experiences fit with those values. -
Supportive Family Environment
Interestingly, a lot of private schools look at how the family lives as part of their admissions process. They want to make sure that parents agree with the school’s goals and will be involved and helpful members of the school community. Schools may want to see proof that parents care about education, will be involved in their child’s schooling, and are ready to work together with the school. Admissions committees may ask parents about family values and how they help their child with school during parent interviews. -
Interview and Communication Skills
The interview process is a very important part of getting into a private school. It gives students a chance to show how well they can communicate, who they are, and how well they fit in at school. It is very important to be able to say what you think in a clear and confident way. It’s important to be ready for the interview. Practice common questions, make eye contact, and show that you’re excited about the chance to go to the school. Parents should also get ready for their part in the interview process, since how they act and talk can affect how the committee sees the family. -
Prepare for Private School with Groza Learning Center
There’s more to getting into a top private school than just getting good grades and test scores. Students need to show off their skills, interests, and personal qualities in a complete way. At Groza Learning Center, we help students get ready to meet all of these different admissions requirements. We help students make a strong case for admission by focusing on doing well in school, doing meaningful activities outside of school, and showing good character.
Our personalized tutoring programs, expert advice, and dedication to student success will make sure that your child is ready to do well in every part of the process for getting into a private school. With Groza Learning Center by your side, you can be sure that you will get into one of the best private schools in the US.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Admission requirements vary by grade level, but typically include:
Lower grades (K–2): developmental assessments, play-based evaluations, teacher recommendations, and parent interviews.
Elementary (3–5): school transcripts, standardized tests, writing samples, and interviews.
Middle School (6–8): ISEE/SSAT scores, academic records, essays, recommendations, and interviews.
High School (9–12): advanced test scores, detailed essays, extracurricular portfolios, interviews, and sometimes shadow days.
Each school defines its own criteria based on mission and competitiveness.
Most private schools follow a fall-to-winter application cycle:
Applications usually open in September–October
Application deadlines fall between December–February
Interviews and assessments occur in January–March
Admissions decisions are typically released in March
Some schools offer rolling admissions until all seats are filled.
Yes—many private schools consider more than just grades. Admissions teams also look at:
Character and motivation
Teacher recommendations
Extracurricular commitment
Interview performance
Potential for growth
Schools that value whole-child development are open to students who show promise, even if they have uneven academic records.
Many private schools require entrance exams such as the ISEE or SSAT. Preparation strategies include:
Taking diagnostic practice tests
Reviewing test format and timing
Strengthening reading comprehension, vocabulary, and math foundations
Working with tutors or using reputable prep materials
Not all private schools require tests—some are test-optional or use their own assessments.
Private schools:
Funded by tuition and private sources
More curricular flexibility
Smaller class sizes
May have religious or mission-driven programs
Competitive admissions
Public schools:
Government-funded and tuition-free
Follow state curriculum
Typically larger class sizes
Must accept all students in their district
Each option offers distinct strengths depending on a child’s learning style and needs.
Consider the following factors:
Academic philosophy (traditional, progressive, Montessori, etc.)
Class size and student support
Extracurricular offerings
School culture and values
Location and commute
Faculty experience and student outcomes
Visiting campuses, attending open houses, and speaking with current families can help narrow your options.
Schools typically evaluate:
Academic readiness
Intellectual curiosity
Personal qualities (kindness, leadership, resilience)
Extracurricular involvement
Writing ability and communication skills
Family alignment with school values
Admissions decisions are holistic and rely on multiple components.
Very important. Schools assess whether families will:
Support their child’s growth
Engage positively with teachers and administrators
Align with the school’s mission
Contribute to the community
Parent interviews and interactions during the admissions process often influence the final decision.
Private school tuition varies widely—from $5,000 to $60,000+ per year, depending on the school. Funding options may include:
Financial aid (need-based)
Scholarships (merit or need-based)
Payment plans
Grants or community-based programs
Families are encouraged to apply for aid early, as funds are limited.
Competitiveness varies significantly.
Highly selective schools may accept 10–30% of applicants.
Mid-tier schools may accept 40–60%.
Some schools with rolling admissions are far less competitive.
Competitiveness depends on capacity, reputation, program offerings, and the number of applications received.
Yes. Many private schools offer specialized approaches, such as:
STEM-focused academies
Arts conservatories
Faith-based schools
Schools for gifted learners
College-preparatory programs
Character- or values-driven schools (leadership, service, etc.)
These schools cater to students with specific interests or learning profiles.
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