Application Components Overview

Module 3.2: Application Components Overview

Unlike college admissions, where the "Common App" is universal, private high schools are split between different platforms. Knowing which platform your target schools use is the first step in organizing your strategy.

1. The Gateway to Prep Schools ("Gateway")

• Who uses it: Primarily the elite, historic New England boarding schools (Exeter, Andover, Deerfield, Hotchkiss, St. Paul's, etc.).

• The Structure:

  • Candidate Profile: One form sent to all schools.

  • Essays: Gateway usually has its own set of essay prompts that are shared, but individual schools often have "Supplemental" essays unique to them.

  • Recommendations: Teachers fill out one form that goes to all Gateway schools.

• Strategy: This is the most rigorous platform. The essay prompts tend to be deeper and more philosophical.

2. The Standard Application Online ("SAO")

• Who uses it: Hundreds of boarding and day schools nationwide.

• The Structure:

  • Simplicity: It is extremely streamlined. You fill out one biography, one set of student essays, and one set of parent answers.

  • Distribution: You can send that single packet to 50 schools if you want.

  • Supplements: Some competitive schools (like Lawrenceville) accept SAO but require an extra writing supplement.

• Strategy: Because it is so easy to apply, schools that use SAO often get inflated applicant numbers. You must work harder to demonstrate genuine interest (via the interview or emails) because the application itself is generic.

3. Ravenna / SchoolAdmin / Custom Portals

• Who uses it: Many competitive Day Schools (especially in NYC, DC, and California) and some boarding schools.

• The Structure: These are often school-specific or regional systems.

• Strategy: These portals are great for tracking status. They often have checklists showing exactly when a teacher recommendation was received.

The Critical Components Breakdown

Regardless of the platform, every application includes these 5 "Buckets":

1. The Biodata (Candidate Profile)

• Name, address, family info.

• Tip: Ensure the email address you use here is the one you check daily.

2. The Essays (Student & Parent)

• Student: Usually 3-5 short answer questions (250-500 words).

• Parent: A "Parent Statement" focusing on the child's strengths and weaknesses.

3. The Transcript

• Current year grades (first semester/trimester).

• Past two years of final grades.

• Note: You do not send this. Your school registrar sends this directly to the high school.

4. Recommendations

• English & Math: Mandatory. Must be from the current year teacher (unless applying very early).

• Principal/Counselor: Mandatory character reference.

• Special Interest: Optional (Coach, Art, Music). Only send this if you are truly elite in that area.

5. Standardized Test Scores

• SSAT, ISEE, or TOEFL.

• Note: You must log into the SSAT/ISEE website and "designate" the schools to receive scores. It does not happen automatically.