application letter to be a boarding student

10 Tips for Writing a Boarding School Application Essay

• 10 years ago
• Write with passion and honesty. Make sure the subject you choose to write about is one you are truly interested in or passionate about. Make sure it is something you believe in.  
• Before writing your essay think about what you are going to write, outline it and organize it so that it flows correctly and make a strong statement.   
• Use your writing style and let the reader really get to know your personality from the essay.  
• Spend time to construct a well-written essay. Make sure that you are using good grammar and proper punctuation. Don’t forget to use spell check, but also proof your essay to make sure the words you want are the words written. For example, did spell check give you “sense” when you meant “since?”  
• Get into some detail. You really want the reader to feel your descriptions.  
• At the same time, don’t go overboard on the descriptions! Be concise and stick to the requested word limit, if one is provided.  
• If you are writing about the school to which you are applying you should probably get the name correct . That might sound funny, but if you’re using a similar essay for multiple schools, it can be easy to miss changing the name!  
• If you write the essay after your tour and/or interview, write about something specific that happened during your visit to the boarding school.  
• Make sure it is typed with good spacing (1.5 or double).   
• Proof, proof, proof. Proofread your boarding school application essay yourself, then have someone else proofread it.

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NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS Randolph-Macon Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

How To Apply

Your future starts now.

So you’ve decided that boarding school is right for you? Now it’s time to make it happen.

How to Apply

Once you have your shortlist of schools that you’re interested in, it’s time to start the application process. That will consist of campus visits, interviews, entrance exams and applications.  There’s a lot to do, and we’ll help you stay on track every step of the way.

Share your email with TABS and receive everything you need to know about attending boarding school.

Thank you for signing up to receive updates from The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS). Check out the boarding schools close to your home by downloading our 2020/2021 School Directory now.

Admissions Process

You’ve narrowed down your top choices. Next up? Complete the necessary applications for each school.

Application Process

Understanding the boarding school application process is important, no matter what school you decide to attend.

Wherever you decide to go to school, make sure you find out exactly what tests are required to get in.

Expenses & Aid

There is no greater investment than your child’s education. And it’s important to know that there are financial aid options available to help you fund their future.

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Resources for Academic Success

Looking for more information to help you find your direction towards academic success?

Welcome to our blog - a resource of top tips and strategies for ambitious students and families!

Studying law has traditionally been seen as the purview of the academically elite, and the practice of it even more so. To gain a place on such a competitive course at a top UK university, how should you choose the subjects which will maximise your chances of success? How much work experience or extra-curricular debating and MUN is sufficient? If you fail to secure a place on your desired law course, what options do you have? Read on to find out!

Grades and teacher recommendations are the primary ways schools evaluate students' academic readiness in the US boarding application process. However, SSAT provides another data point for students to increase academic confidence. When deciding whether to send your SSAT scores to a boarding school, there are a few things to consider.

Recommendations are crucial when applying to US boarding schools. They provide valuable insights into who you are as a student and a person. A strong recommendation can showcase your strengths and potential, while a weak one can raise concerns. Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your academic abilities and character to ensure a strong recommendation. Schools typically require recommendations from your current-year English Teacher, Math Teacher, and School Counselor. Some schools may allow or require additional recommendations, such as one from an area of interest or a personal recommendation. A personal recommendation from someone who knows you well is better than a general one from someone with power or prestige.

When selecting the right boarding school for your child, it's important to do your research. For many families, the process typically begins with the school's website. Most boarding school websites show happy students engaged in classes and activities. They feature impressive buildings and unique programs. Most have a small faculty-to-student ratio and offer impressive pathways to the top US universities. Families often come to us excited about what boarding schools provide and need clarification about how to tell them apart, making it challenging for them to come up with a school list or define their top choices once they’ve applied. Here are a few things we recommend considering in your search for the right fit.

While academic performance is undoubtedly important, other factors can also play a significant role in your application. Two of the most important aspects that admissions officers seek are leadership and school involvement.

You have written a compelling personal statement, passed any aptitude tests or written assessments with flying colours, and reached the infamous Oxbridge interview stage. Congratulations, but how are you going to ace your life’s most important thirty minutes to date, and what should you do when you are presented with seemingly irrelevant questions in an Oxbridge interview? As cliché and obvious as it may sound, Oxbridge are looking for someone with the academic potential and being the best, if not at least one of the best, in their chosen course. Therefore, any apparently unrelated questions that you could have been asked in the interview are in fact, subject specific.

Whichever university you apply to, there is always the practical need for university budgeting besides admissions planning. Read on to find out how you should kickstart university planning in ways that would allow you to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Are you noticing any signs of stress or anxiety in your child as they prepare for their upcoming US boarding school interview? It's understandable for them to feel a bit nervous, but there are things you can do to help ease their concerns. Encourage them to practice their interview skills with you or a trusted friend or family member. Remind them to stay calm and confident and to be themselves during the interview. Reassure them that their hard work and achievements have already gotten them this far and that the interview is another step in the process. With support and guidance, your child can approach their interview with a positive attitude and a sense of preparedness.

5 Tips for Getting Great Recommendation Letters for US Boarding School

Here are five tips to help you get great letters of recommendation:  

• Choose recommenders who know you best. At the start of school, remember that in just a few months, your teachers will write your boarding school recommendations. It's crucial to form good relationships early in the school year. Admissions officers want to get a sense of who you are as a student and person, so it's important to choose recommenders who can speak to your academic abilities and character. This could be a teacher, coach, or mentor who has worked with you closely.   
• Ask Teachers & coaches who have challenged & pushed you to be your best self. You want your recommendation letters to highlight your strengths and potential, so choosing recommenders who can speak to those qualities is important.   
• Be an active learner. Remember that your teachers will write your boarding school recommendations in just a few months. Be engaged in class, ask questions, and contribute to the school community. Remember, any disciplinary action or poor behavior will likely appear in your recommendations.   
• Ask in person. Students, rather than parents, should ask teachers for recommendations. It can be intimidating, but teachers are there to support you and want to see you succeed. Don't hesitate to ask for their guidance and recommendations when needed. It's all part of the learning process and will ultimately benefit you in the long run.   
• Give your recommenders time & information. Be sure to give your recommenders all the information they need to write a thoughtful, detailed letter. This includes your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities.

Follow these tips, and you'll be well on your way to getting great boarding school recommendation letters. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact us. We're here to help! Click here to schedule an initial consultation with our US Boarding School Counseling team.

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Similar Letters

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• Express your intentions in writing the letter / application.
• Make sure that you mention your qualifications and other supporting facts as to why you are eligible for admission to the school.
• End on a positive tone.

SAMPLE LETTER

[Letter Date]

[Subject: Normally bold, summarizes the intention of the letter] -Optional-

Dear [Recipients Name],

I am writing to express my desire to enroll in your prestigious school for this coming school year. I believe that I am highly qualified and deserve to go to your honorable school because (list down the various positive qualities that you have here). Also, you will find that I have excellent academic records from my previous school. Please find attached my records for your perusal. I look forward to hearing from you about this matter.

Sincerely, [Senders Name] [Senders Title] -Optional-

[Enclosures: number] - Optional - cc: [Name of copy recipient] - Optional -

Application letter for school admission. Sample letter.

Further things to consider when writing application letters to schools

Application Letters

Application letters are letters that you write to formally request for something from authority, apply for a job, or join an institution. Effective application letters will give a detailed explanation for your interest in the specific item, company, or institution. They showcase your abilities and strengths and illustrate your experience. In most cases, people write application letters to express their interest in receiving a position, attending an institution, or when applying for a visa, for instance. In all scenarios, application letters must be accompanied by the relevant documents. Application letters are the perfect tool to demonstrate something of your personality. Therefore, you should write in a professional tone setting a clear outline that allows the reader to scan the primary data quickly. Introduce yourself and briefly explain your intent and reason for the application. Address the letter with a title or name of the recipient. If your application is for a job or to join an institution, for example, you need to highlight your experience and qualification; if you are applying for a travel visa, make sure to state a clear intention for your travel. End with a positive tone and invite the recipient to contact you.

Letters to Schools

Letters to schools are letters written to institutions designed to provide learning environment and spaces to pupils and students. There are many times when you may feel the need to write to a school administration. Maybe you want to recommend a student or employee or want to apply for an academic program. Perhaps your child has a disability, and you want to make sure that he/she is receiving special education services. Whatever the issue, putting your thoughts in writing avoids confusion since it provides you and the recipient with a record of your request. It is, therefore, crucial to keep a copy of any letter you send. All letters to schools must use the standard business letter style. Start your letter with the proper address and salutation. Introduce yourself and explain the reason for your letter clearly and concisely. Depending on the content of your letter, provide any documentation that gives the recipient reference to the case or clarifies your concerns. Keep the tone polite, respectful, and professional. Close by thanking the recipient for his/her time and with a note of anticipation of positive feedback. Sign off and proofread the final draft before sending it.

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Admission request application in boarding school.

Admission Request Application in Boarding School . Sample application for admission in boarding school.  S chool with hostel facility  also known as boarding facility. Necessary changes can be done according to requirement.

To, The Principal, Xavier’s High School, Hindpur, India.

Subject: Admission request in boarding school by mother

Respected Sir/Madam,

My son has completed his schooling up to class 8 from xyz school. We have to move from Delhi to Mumbai as his father job demands posting to different cities. We really want him now to settle at one school and complete his studies at one institution and as your institution provides accommodation too so this institution would be great idea. Your institution has a very good reputation and well known for its advanced methods of teaching. He is a very intelligent kid and has been securing scholarships due to his discipline. We shall be thankful to you for admitting our son to your boarding school.

Yours Sincerely,

Ms. Alia Kapoor 25th October 2018

Application for Admission in Boarding School by Father

Subject:  Admission in Boarding School by Father

I am writing this letter for admitting my daughter into your boarding school. She is a very civil kid and participate in every sport day. She has completed her 6th Class recently. I came to know that this boarding school is famous for its intelligent method of teaching and every student is much disciplined and well behaved. I really want her to be successful in future that is why I am choosing this boarding school for her further studies. I am sure that by living here and studying in such a professional way, she will get hold of his own life quickly. I will be grateful if you grant him admission in your boarding school.

Mr. Arjun khanna, 26th October, 2018

Admission Request in Boarding School by Brother

To, The Principal, Delhi Public School, Bhopal, India

Subject: Admission Request in Boarding School

It is to inform you that my little brother has just finished his class 5th in a private school. I got to know about your boarding school from a very reliable source that you organize a lot of quizzes and fun events for the kid which are the part of learning and shape kids future in a way that the get to know what their passion is. Our parents died in a car accident and since then I am earning and have to move cities to cities for work. I believe that your boarding school would be exceptional for my brother’s studies. It would brighten his future to study in high esteemed institution. Please grant his admission in your boarding school.

Yours Faithfully,

Mr Gulati, 26 th November, 2018

Application for School Admission with Boarding Facility

To, The Principal, Loyola High school, Hindupur, India.

With high esteem it is stated that I am a writing this letter for the admission of my sister in your boarding school. I am a married woman and my only sister has no one to look after her beside me. She is a very hard working and dedicated student. She just completed her 7th Class. I want her to continue her studies at your reputable institution so she can shape her future herself in better way. My friend son’s is already studying in your boarding school so I am satisfied that she will be safe here and get quality education as she deserves. Please permit her admission.

Yours Sincerely, Ms. Anushka Arjun,

Admission Request in School with Hostel Facility

Respected Sir,

Respectfully it is stated that I am writing this letter for my cousin’s admission in your prestigious boarding school. His whole family died in a car accident 2 months ago. It has been very critical for all of us to bear such a big loss. I have taken his education process in my hands. I looked for a lot of boarding schools but your boarding school feedback made me contented. He has finished his 4th class recently and I want to get him admitted in your respectable institution. As your institution polishes student strength and abilities that enables them to be successful in future. Please send admission form for further procedure of admission.

Thanking you i remain.

Yours Sincerely, Ms. Anisha Malhotra,

Admission Request Application in Boarding School from Parents

[Your Address][Your Email Address] [Your Phone Number] [Today’s Date]

[School Name] [School Address] [City, State, Zip Code]

Subject: Admission Request for Our Child

Dear Admissions Committee,

We hope this letter finds you in good health. We are writing to express our sincere interest in enrolling our child, [Child’s Full Name], for the upcoming academic year at [School Name], a prestigious boarding school known for its commitment to academic excellence and holistic development.

[Child’s Name] is a dedicated and enthusiastic student who has consistently demonstrated a strong passion for learning and personal growth.

Below are the details of our child:

• Full Name of the Child: [Child’s Full Name]
• Date of Birth: [Child’s Date of Birth]
• Gender: [Child’s Gender]
• Current School/Grade: [Current School Name and Grade]
• Parent/Guardian Names: [Your Names]
• Contact Information: [Your Contact Information]

We have taken the liberty to review your school’s curriculum, extracurricular activities, and the overall environment. It is evident that [School Name] aligns with our educational values and goals for our child. We are particularly impressed by your dedicated faculty and the strong sense of community that your school fosters.

Furthermore, we understand that [School Name] maintains a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community, and we believe our child’s presence will contribute positively to this environment.

We are excited about the prospect of [Child’s Name] becoming a part of the [School Name] family, and we eagerly anticipate your response.

If you require any further information or wish to discuss this application, please feel free to contact us at [Your Email Address] or [Your Phone Number].

[Your Names]

Application for Boarding School

[Your Address] [Your Email Address] [Your Phone Number] [Today’s Date]

[Boarding School Name] [Boarding School Address]

Subject: Application for Admission to [Boarding School Name]

I hope this letter finds you in good health. I am writing to express my strong desire to seek admission to your esteemed [Boarding School Name]. Having thoroughly researched and considered my educational options, I believe that [Boarding School Name] offers the ideal environment for my academic, personal, and character development.

Please find below my application details:

• Full Name: [Your Full Name]
• Date of Birth: [Your Date of Birth]
• Gender: [Your Gender]
• Current School/Grade: [Name of Current School, Grade/Class]
• Parent/Guardian Names: [Names of Your Parents/Guardians]

I have been a dedicated and enthusiastic student throughout my academic journey, consistently striving for excellence. In researching [Boarding School Name], I have been impressed by the school’s commitment to academic rigor, a holistic education approach, and the nurturing of leadership skills.

I kindly request your consideration of my application for admission into [Grade Level] for the upcoming academic year [Year]. I am eager to contribute positively to the school community and benefit from the unique opportunities and experiences that [Boarding School Name] provides.

I am prepared to complete all required application forms and fulfill any admission criteria promptly.

Thank you for considering my application. If you require any additional information or wish to discuss this application further, please feel free to contact me at [Your Email Address] or [Your Phone Number].

[Your Full Name]

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Boarding Schools Expo Australia

For families considering boarding school

Destination Boarding... from wherever you call home

Our top tips for scholarship and bursary applications.

January 17, 2023 By Ruby Riethmuller

Edited by Amanda Ferrari Boarding Schools Expo Australia

It may seem simple but is often overlooked: don’t be afraid to ask.

In the lead-up to becoming a new boarding family at a school, you consider it a real privilege that your child has been given a spot and you’re often immersed in completing a myriad of forms and getting ready for all the opportunities.

For many families, the financial commitment of boarding school can put a grey cloud above the whole situation, but it doesn’t necessarily need to.

Most schools have funds available to ensure diversity in their cohorts through investing in prospective and current students with the offer of scholarships and bursaries. While it may not be easy to find on a school’s website you can definitely find out via Boarding Schools Expo Australia’s website where there is a comprehensive list of each school’s offerings and closing dates for applying.

The Australian Boarding Schools Summit available on demand via Boarding Expo 365 had an entire segment dedicated to the financial implications of sending a child to boarding school – there’s some absolute gold in that. Watch it.

Just know that there is no shame in asking for financial support. The worst a school can say is ‘no,’ though even then, I would respectfully challenge it.

Position your child as their authentic self – resist the urge to create a ‘box ticking’ application.

Focus on your child’s true character, their values, the things they love doing and are interested in, the things that bring them joy, the things that challenge them and the way they interact with family, peers, teachers and other members of the community.

If the school asks for a personal statement written by your child, please let them write it.

Schools can tell almost instantly when parents have tried to write the letter from the perspective of a 12-year-old. Whether they write about how much they care about the climate crisis or John Deere tractors, let their individual flare convert to paper so the school can get a genuine understanding of your child.

Make sure you focus on what your child will bring to the school, not just on how they will benefit from the experience.

You may need an accountant for the finer details for some scholarships & bursaries.

Your accountant may need to provide details on your personal financial position for certain types of bursaries. There are many bursaries and scholarships that are provided to families who otherwise would not be able to send their child/ren to the boarding school of their choice. Things like your assets and liabilities; your profit and loss; your statement of position. All things your accountant will be across. Ask the school you’re enquiring to about their requirements for financial assistance.

Ensure your application is specific to the school you’re applying to.

Just like applying for a job, you want whoever’s reading the application to know that you’ve done your research.

They don’t want to know how much your child wants to be a boarder as much as they want to know how much your child wants to be a boarder at their school.

Within your application some of the things you could address include :

• How your child’s personal values and your family values align with the school values;
• How the teaching style will compliment your child’s natural learning ability;
• How the physical environment and facilities will be of benefit to their growth;
• What kind of leadership opportunities you feel your child would embrace;
• What school-specific events or activities you believe they would want to be involved in;
• Why your child would take pride in being a student at the school.

Talk about the process and the financial commitment with your child.

Where appropriate, don’t be afraid to involve your child in the conversation.

It can be a good opportunity to make them aware of the financial sacrifice of sending a child to boarding school without making them feel fearful or guilty.

Having an ‘adult’ conversation about it with them may make them feel better-informed and trusted with the information.

For more information check out our Australian Boarding Schools Summit 2022 panel discussion, But how are we going to pay for it? Now available on-demand at Boarding Expo 365 (our Virtual Expo open 365 days). Jen Cowley OAM speaks with representatives from education foundations, Indigenous scholarship providers, investment companies helping you plan and the schools themselves.

PANEL: Alana Moller – Federal President of the ICPA, Waverley Stanley – Yalari Director, Alistair Edmunds – EdStart, Jo Grinham – The King‘s School

For Schools

• Exhibitor Area
• 2024 Exhibitor Registration
• Boarding 365 – annual subscription 2024
• Profile your school on our Directory
• Advertising Opportunities

Boarding Schools Expo

• 2024 Boarding Expos
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• Get to Know Your BSE Team
• Share your Decision Process
• Share your Boarding School Experience

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• Choosing a Boarding School
• Blog – Articles and stories about Boarding

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How to Write the Parent Statement for Private School

Three things you need to know

Adrian Samson / Getty Images

• For Parents & Educators
• Choosing a Private School
• Homework Help
• College Admissions
• College Life
• Graduate School
• Business School
• Distance Learning
• Psy.D., Organizational Psychology, Rutgers University - New Brunswick
• B.A., History and Literature, Harvard University

Most applications to private schools require parents to write about their children in a parent’s statement or by filling out a questionnaire. The purpose of the parent's letter is to add dimension to the candidate’s statement and help the admissions committee better understand the applicant from the parent’s perspective.

Parent statement is your chance to provide a personal introduction to your child and share details about how your child learns as well as what their interests and strengths are. The following are a few simple steps that will help you write an effective parent letter.

Think About Your Responses

It can be difficult to step back and consider your child objectively, but you need to do exactly that. Think about what your child’s teachers have said over time, particularly the ones who know them well.

Reread report cards and teacher comments. Think about consistent themes that emerge from the reports. Are there comments that teachers have consistently made about how your child learns and acts in school and in extracurricular activities? These comments will be helpful for the admissions committee. 

Consider also your own observations of your child as well as what you hope your child will get out of their private school experience.

Real children aren’t perfect, but they can still be great candidates to private schools. Describe your child accurately and openly. A full, real, and descriptive parent’s statement will show the admissions committee that you are being honest, and when they will read about the amazing sides of your child, they will be more likely to believe them.

If your child has had serious disciplinary actions or other issues in the past, describe them. Let the admissions officers know what happened and draw positive lessons from it. The school is looking for a real kid—not a perfect pupil.

Showing that your child and your family are capable of dealing with setbacks might be even more valuable than presenting a flawless picture. Of course, describe your child’s strengths and don't only feel the need to be negative—but everything you write should be truthful.

Also, helping the committee members understand your child with their strengths and challenges will help them make the best decision for everyone. Your child will be most successful if they attend the school that fits them best , and describing your child candidly will help the admissions committee decide if the school and your child are the best fit for one another. Children who succeed at their schools are happier and healthier and stand in better stead for college admissions.

Consider How Your Child Learns

The parent’s statement is a chance to describe how your child learns so that the admissions committee can decide if they are likely to benefit from being at the school. If your child has moderate to severe learning issues, reveal them. Many private schools grant students with learning issues  accommodations or changes in the curriculum, so that they can best demonstrate what they know.

Students with mild learning issues might be able to wait until they are admitted to the school to ask about the school’s accommodations policy, but students with more severe learning issues should ask about the school’s policies about helping them beforehand. You may also have to do some research into what kind of resources the school offers to help your child—before they attend the school. Being open and honest with the school will help you and your child find the school where they can be happy and successful.

How to Organize Your Letter

Parent statements for private schools are typically composed of three parts: description of your child, description of your family, and the alignment of your values with the school values. The first two or even all three may be blended together, as through descriptions of your child, the nature of your family and your values will come through.

Sometimes, school websites offer useful prompts to guide your letters, and if that is the case, you should definitely make use of them. Some of the frequent questions are:

• What do you hope for your child to accomplish with the help of our school?
• Has your child ever had any intellectual, emotional, or behavioral evaluations? If so, describe their contexts and results.
• In what situations does your child thrive? Describe your child as an individual, with their hopes, values, goals, aspirations, strengths, and weaknesses.
• Has your child been through any adversity? Describe the context and how they navigated it.
• What has your role been in your child's education?
• Does your child require any academic or other support or accommodations?

Ideally, your letter would respond to these questions as thoroughly, yet as succinctly as possible.

The simplest way to go about this is to choose three to five aspects of your child's personality that you would like to highlight and compose the statement around them. Include illustrative anecdotes that will also portray a little about your family life. If it comes naturally to you, feel free to make these funny or quirky, as you are ultimately trying to stand out from the rest of the applicants.

As mentioned, you should also make a point of familiarizing yourself with the school's values and objectives and show in your letter how connected these are to your family. The more natural this is the better. All in all, as long as you provide the admission officers with an honest snapshot of your family and your child's nature and potential, your letter will hold its ground.

Article edited by  Stacy Jagodowski

• 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Applying to Private School
• What Do Private School Admissions Committees Look For?
• Choosing the Best School for Your Child
• How to Fill Out the Standard Application to Private School
• Interview Questions for Private School Admissions
• Private School Admissions Guide
• How to Prepare for Private School Interviews
• 5 Common Private School Interview Questions
• Private School Application Essay Tips
• The Private School Waitlist: What to Do Now
• UC Personal Statement Prompt #1
• Reasons Why You Should Consider Private School
• Private School Teaching Job Search Tips
• Is Private School Worth the Money?
• How Do Private Schools Determine Aid?
• 5 Things to Avoid at the Admission Interview

Sample Parent Statement for Private School Admissions

We love sharing practical tips about crafting parent statements on the Admit NY blog - check out our five top tips for writing parent statements here , and our expanded guide to parent statement structure here . 

Sometimes, though, the most helpful way for parents to conceptualize their parent statement is to read a sample. Look no further! Here’s a great sample parent statement that addresses all of the key points that private school admissions officers are looking for.  

Note that this is a fictional parent statement describing a fictional student. 

Sample Parent Statement for High School Applicants

Prompt: please tell us about your child and why you believe [school] would be a good fit for him/her..

Morgan’s most defining quality is that he does not do anything halfway. This has been the case ever since he was a young child: if he started a complicated LEGO set or a science fiction book, he just had to get it done and wouldn’t rest until he did. Morgan lives for the genuine sense of accomplishment that comes along with a job well done, and that commitment carries through his personal life and his life as a student. Morgan is committed to being there for his friends through thick and thin, and is frequently the first one to call or visit a friend when they’re having a difficult day. At school and in extracurriculars, Morgan dives wholeheartedly, and usually with a smile on his face, into each project he takes on and won’t give up until he achieves the result he’s looking for. 

Morgan’s commitment to participating fully in each area of his life, and achieving his goals, was gravely tested during the last year and a half of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like all of us, Morgan struggled for a beat in the early weeks of the pandemic with the sudden distance from his friends and shift to remote learning. But Morgan was quickly back in the saddle, strategizing how to continue doing his best given the changing circumstances. Morgan took the lead on organizing weekly friend hangout sessions with several of his classmates, and the group steadily expanded to reach almost 20 students connecting on Zoom for upwards of two hours each Thursday evening. While many other students resigned themselves to severely limited academic progress in the spring of 2020, Morgan wouldn’t accept it. He emailed his teachers and met with them virtually to plan the best way to maintain his progress toward the goals he’d set at the beginning of the semester. Throughout it all, Morgan was upbeat, sunny, and focused on making the most out of a difficult situation. We were incredibly proud of the way his core commitment to living life to its fullest shone through even in the world’s darkest moments. 

The academic pursuits that Morgan was particularly passionate about keeping up during the pandemic were his math and science classes. Morgan is deeply invested in STEM, and has a natural aptitude for numbers and scientific thinking. Math, particularly algebra, is very satisfying to Morgan; it might be because the sense of accomplishment that comes along with solving a difficult algebra formula mirrors that sense of accomplishment Morgan enjoys when he brings any sort of project to completion. 

While math and science are Morgan’s favorite subjects, he is a well-rounded student with strong skills in English. Morgan has been a voracious reader since first grade, and it was difficult to provide a steady enough stream of books during the pandemic to satisfy his increased capacity for reading. (Once again, the satisfaction of turning the last page on a long, fascinating book is one of Morgan’s sincere joys.) One of the creative ways that Morgan brought his friends together during quarantine was a monthly book club. While the students were already reading a couple of classic novels in their English class, they decided that they wanted to venture into science fiction reading as well. Morgan and one of his best friends researched a variety of sci-fi novels, organized them into a selection for each month, and led a monthly book club meeting to discuss their favorite parts. We eavesdropped a little on one of these meetings and heard the boys enthusiastically debating which would be “cooler,” settling on the moon or on Mars, based on a storyline in their most recent novel. 

Outside of school and his monthly book club, Morgan is committed to athletics. In his first weeks of middle school, Morgan decided that he wanted to join the cross country team. Morgan had never been seriously involved in sports before, and frankly we (his parents) are not particularly athletic! But a few of Morgan’s friends loved their sports teams, and Morgan was interested in trying something new. So, he began attending cross country practice after school almost every weekday. At first, Morgan didn’t really like running. He was struggling to get through the team’s longer runs, and doing anything halfway is not Morgan’s favorite thing. Progress seemed far off, and we thought that Morgan would ultimately quit cross country. But all of the sudden, Morgan started seeing improvement. In true Morgan fashion, he took the initiative to pick out a running book from the library and read it in three days flat, immediately implementing some improvements to his running stride. Within two months, Morgan was able to finish longer runs, and started inching up the leaderboard at team meets. These days, Morgan is a casual but enthusiastic runner. He knows that he isn’t destined to be the fastest athlete on the team, but he finds real fulfilment in constantly seeking to beat his personal record. After finishing a particularly fast run along the West Side Highway with a friend last week, Morgan got home sweaty, panting, and smiling, and said “I think I’m finally getting the hang of this!”

As Morgan approaches the search for a high school, he is as committed as ever to participating fully in the process and not doing anything halfway. He hopes to join a community of similar students, who are ambitious, kind, passionate learners, and interested in a diverse variety of subjects and activities. Morgan has always enjoyed building relationships with his teachers so we are also seeking a school where teachers are approachable and accessible. Morgan also appreciates an environment where he and his peers are encouraged to take initiative and craft their own projects. For all of these reasons (and many more), we believe that [SCHOOL] would be a great fit for Morgan. With a close-knit and engaged student body that participates in a wide variety of classes and clubs, Morgan would have no problem finding STEM friends, running friends, and reading friends. He would love [SCHOOL]’s independent study program; developing an innovative project idea, recruiting friends to join him, and executing the project all the way through completion are all Morgan’s unique strengths. We feel confident that if Morgan attended [SCHOOL], he would graduate with a broad portfolio of successes that reflect the school’s commitment to helping every student harness their passion, and Morgan’s commitment to doing his very best. 

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December 1, 2023

How to Write a Letter of Continued Interest

Was your child deferred after the Early Decision/Early Action round of admissions to the Class of 2028? Or what if your child is waitlisted after the Regular Decision round of admissions? Either way, the student’s call to action is the same: they need to submit a powerful letter to the school that placed them in limbo. Some call it a Letter of Continued Interest. Others call it a Letter of Enthusiasm . No matter what one calls it, that letter must go in pronto.

What Are a Student’s Chances After Being Deferred of Waitlisted?

Historically, about 10% of deferred and waitlisted students earn admission across all highly selective universities. Of course, in certain years, an elite university will admit more deferred and waitlisted applicants than in other years, but the 10% rule is a general rule of thumb. That said, in the spring of 2020, elite universities reached deep into their waitlists , admitting an unprecedented number of students. Why? Because when so many admits deferred their enrollment by taking gap years due to the pandemic, the schools had to fill seats. In short, you never know how many deferred or waitlisted candidates a school will admit in a given year.

Is It Better to Be Deferred After the Early Round or Waitlisted After the Regular Decision Round?

There is no meaningful statistical difference in a student’s chances of admission after being deferred compared to being waitlisted. And it’s not as though all elite universities annually release the number of students they admit after deferrals or even the number of students they accept off the waitlist. Do some schools release the data on occasion? Yes, but the data has holes. Some years, colleges don’t even turn to their waitlists. In short, don’t get lost in the data; make sure your child is putting their best foot forward with the school that delayed rendering their decision.

What is a Letter of Continued Interest?

Most students know they should submit a Letter of Continued Interest after being deferred or waitlisted. They just don’t know how to go about writing it. But, in general, a Letter of Continued Interest is a note that students submit to the schools’ admissions offices which kicked the can on their final admissions decisions. It’s a letter designed to express that they still wish to attend if admitted. Whether deferred or waitlisted, the approach is the same: students should send a letter.

Why Should Students Send a Letter of Continued Interest?

In our experience, students who do nothing after being deferred or waitlisted significantly decrease their odds of earning admission. When admissions offices don’t hear from these students, they’re likely to think that the student has sour grapes after not getting in or is no longer interested in attending. It’s not the kind of message a student should send if they genuinely want to get in. In short, doing nothing is not the answer .

Should Students Send a Letter of Continued Interest to Every School?

Students should submit a Letter of Continued Interest to every school to which they hope to earn admission. If a student applied Early Decision to a school that deferred their candidacy, this school should  absolutely  receive a Letter of Continued interest. After all, this student earmarked their valuable binding commitment to this institution. Why cut bait now? 

And it’s not just if a student applied Early Decision. If a deferred student applied Early Action to any of the three Ivy League schools with non-binding policies, they should submit a letter. The same goes for any highly selective university for deferred and waitlisted students — unless the student has already earned admission to a college they would prefer to attend over the one that delayed rendering their decision.

But students must keep in mind that if they are going to send in multiple Letters of Continued Interest, they must specifically tailor each to the individual college.

Does a Letter of Continued Interest Really Help?

Submitting a powerful Letter of Continued Interest gives a student the best chance of admission after being deferred or waitlisted. Put it this way: if a student doesn’t put in the effort, they’re all but giving up on getting into that school.

Do the Letters of Continued Interest of Ivy Coach’s Students Really Help?

Over the last 30 years, about 40% of students who have first come to us as clients after being deferred or waitlisted ultimately earned admission to the schools that delayed rendering their decisions. And, yes, this same statistic holds for students we work with after they’ve been deferred or waitlisted from Harvard.

This statistic compares to about 10% of deferred or waitlisted candidates across highly selective universities. So do most students who come to us after being deferred or waitlisted ultimately get in? No, and we want people to know the cold hard truth. All we can do is give these students the best chance of getting in — and if that doesn’t suffice, then Ivy Coach is not the right fit.

What Should Students Include in a Letter of Continued Interest?

A Letter of Continued Interest should be a love letter to the school. It should be chock full of specific after specific of how a student hopes to contribute their singular hook — whatever that singular hook might be — to the institution’s programs, institutes, culture, traditions, activities, and more.

If a student did not frame their narrative compellingly in their initial application, which is all too common, it’s a chance to reframe their narrative. But the letter cannot just be a Personal Statement. It must contain specifics that only apply to the college that placed their application in limbo. It should be a portrait of the student actively engaged on the campus, contributing their singular hook (not well-rounded pursuits).

Of course, the secret sauce of Ivy Coach’s Letters of Continued Interest is indeed a secret family recipe — and it’s rather delectable.

How Should a Letter of Continued Interest Be Formatted?

A Letter of Continued Interest should be a formal letter. We like students to put the finishing touches of the note on themselves (e.g., the addresses, dates, signature, etc.) so it’s in their unique style.

To Whom Should a Letter of Continued Interest Be Addressed?

The letter should — when possible — be addressed to the student’s regional admissions representative. The regional rep is the person who likely read their file. If a student is unsure of the name of their regional rep, they can either look it up on the admissions office’s website or call the main line of the admissions office to ask.

And to those students who wish to address their letters to the dean of admissions, as Julia Roberts said in  Pretty Woman , “Big mistake. Big. Huge.” Students should not go above the head of their regional rep. That is an improbable strategy to inspire the admissions office to want to root for that student. Yikes!

How Long Should a Letter of Continued Interest Be?

A Letter of Continued Interest should be about the length of The Common Application’s Personal Statement (or 650 words). Think of it as a page or a little over a page. It should not be only half a page. And it should not be two pages.

What Should Students Not Include in a Letter of Continued Interest?

Despite what you read online, a Letter of Continued Interest should be free of brags or updates. That’s for the school counselor to relay to the admissions office. Inserting brags and updates in the Letter of Continued Interest will generally render the student less likable. It should also not contain a list of schools to which the applicant has already gained admission, as that will only lead admissions officers to dislike the student strongly. And it should  not  begin with, “My name is…” A Letter of Continued Interest should  not  be uncreative!

How Should Students Submit Letters of Continued Interest?

We encourage students to upload their Letters of Continued Interest to their portals. We also encourage students to send their letters via email to their regional representative. Students can do both — that’s perfectly fine.

When Should Students Submit Letters of Continued Interest?

After a deferral or a waitlisting, we encourage students to submit a Letter of Continued Interest within just a few days. Why’s that? Because we don’t want admissions officers thinking these students developed sour grapes. We also believe in the primacy effect of social psychology: admissions officers tend to remember those who wow them first.

Waitlisted candidates should  always  get that letter in right away. For deferred candidates, there are, however, exceptions. While we would prefer deferred candidates submit that letter a few days after their deferral, if a college didn’t release the decision until December 20th or after, we wouldn’t want the letter to get lost over the holidays. In that case, we prefer the student to submit the letter around January 10th. That said, if the student learned of their decision around December 10th through 16th, they should submit that letter well before the holidays.

High School Counselors Often Incorrectly Recommend Delaying Submitting Letters of Continued Interest

While we’re aware that many high school counselors recommend that deferred students submit a Letter of Continued Interest in mid-March, it’s not the correct advice in our book. Yes, admissions officers return their attention to the deferred pool around two weeks before releasing Regular Decision notifications . But these letters are uploaded to their portals. They will remain in their files for review at that time — and they’ll also be read soon after the deferral when the student’s application is still fresh in the admissions officers’ minds.

How Else Can Students Increase Their Chances After Being Deferred or Waitlisted?

Decades ago, a student famously pitched a tent outside an admissions office, hoping to increase his admission odds after being waitlisted. In the morning, the dean of admissions smelled the bacon the student was cooking on a burner. True story. More recently, a student took out a bus advertisement , imploring the admissions office to let him in — another true story. But don’t even consider it! Such strategies are  doubtful  to increase one’s odds of admission and will more than likely backfire.

After being deferred or waitlisted, a student should submit a compelling Letter of Continued Interest. We’re all for the student then bringing that letter to their school counselor so their school counselor can make an advocacy call on their behalf, armed with how the student presented themselves in the letter. And we’re sometimes ok with an additional letter of recommendation — provided it’s from a teacher in a core subject or professor who directly supervised the student’s research. But that is  all  a student can do.

Should Students Regularly Reach out to the College that Waitlisted or Deferred Them?

Beyond submitting the letter, anything else the student does risks drowning out the power of that Letter of Continued Interest. It risks annoying admissions officers. We’re all for  the high school  annoying the college. But we’re not for the student annoying the college. No tents. No bus ads. Don’t be a gadfly!

Is Writing a Letter of Continued Interest Worth It?

Submitting a Letter of Continued Interest gives a student the best chance of getting in. Does it give them a great chance? No . And if anyone should say they have a great chance, we’d encourage that student to run, run fast, and run for the hills, as no one can give a deferred or waitlisted student a great chance of admission. At Ivy Coach, all we can do is give a student their best chance possible of admission.

Frequently Asked Questions About Letters of Continued Interest

When are deferred applicants reviewed.

Admissions officers typically return their attention to the deferred pool around two weeks before Regular Decision notifications go out (around mid-March).

Are Deferred Applicants Ranked?

No, highly selective universities do not rank deferred applicants.

Are Waitlisted Applicants Ranked?

Yes, many elite universities rank their waitlists. But, no, it’s impossible to discern where your child falls in the pecking order.

When Do Colleges Turn to Their Waitlists?

We’ve had students earn admission off waitlists within a few days of being waitlisted. We’ve also had students move into their dorm rooms only to learn they got off a college’s waitlist. They promptly then move out. Even if a college says they will finalize their waitlists by a specific date, if they need to fill a seat after that date, they’ll fill that seat!

What Can I Do If My Child’s High School Counselor Won’t Reach Out to a College on My Child’s Behalf?

That’s unfortunate but not uncommon. In the spirit of equity, some school counselors assert that lobbying for students is unfair. We disagree. It’s their job to lobby for students. Other high school counselors will undoubtedly be doing so. The counselors who refuse to make advocacy calls are thus often putting their students at a competitive disadvantage.

How to Proceed with Ivy Coach’s Help After Being Deferred or Waitlisted

If your child was deferred after the Early Action/Early Decision round or waitlisted after the Regular Decision round, reach out to us as soon as possible by completing our free consultation form . We’ll then be in touch in short order to outline our services.

You are permitted to use www.ivycoach.com (including the content of the Blog) for your personal, non-commercial use only. You must not copy, download, print, or otherwise distribute the content on our site without the prior written consent of Ivy Coach, Inc.

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Parent Statements For Private High School Admissions

Christopher Coleman

December 2, 2020

When writing Parent Statements for private high school admissions, you must remember : you’re not writing your child’s resumé. For the purposes of this article, pretend that you are no longer a parent of a boarding school applicant. Instead, you are a boarding school admissions officer. Your job is to review applications and identify the applicants that are the best fit for your school from a large applicant pool. As a boarding school admission officer, you will read each page of every single admission application, which is standard operating procedure. 

In reviewing admission applications, you will read Parent Statements for private high school admissions . They will, hopefully, provide you with further information about the applicant. See, teacher recommendations primarily describe an applicant from an academic perspective. Transcripts will paint the picture of how much care the applicant puts into his or her studies. An activity list will explain how the applicant spends time outside of the classroom. What completes the applicant’s profile is information about them from the parents’ perspective, a unique vantage point that can provide very important information…or not.

As an admissions officer, Parent Statements can influence you in one of three ways: excite you, frustrate or bore you, or make little impression on you at all. 

What Should Entail Parent Statements for Private High School Admissions?

For whatever it’s worth, I am the parent of a child who is both a boarding school graduate and a college graduate. I have experienced both sides of the admission process, so I know the position in which you are in currently. 

Now, you might be thinking, “How can Parent Statements be anything but helpful and wonderful as they are written by kind, caring, and loving parents who only seek to support their children’s candidacies, Christopher?” In composing Parent Statements for private high school admissions , the writers  are only being, well, parents. More often than not, though, a parent’s point of view might come off as too promotional or lacking in objective insights. Translation: parents embody the statement made famous by Malcom X in that they wish to help their children gain admission to a school “by any means necessary,” touting their child as the second coming of Marie Curie, Serena Williams, or Stephen King. In reality, even though they are written with good intentions, these types of Parent Statements hurt their child’s application the most.

Let’s be honest. Parent Statements rarely make or break the success or failure of an admission application. Only in very rare cases has an applicant been accepted or denied admission solely based on the weight of a Parent Statement. So, it is best for parents to provide honest and objective information that will determine what kind of impact your child could make if he or she were to join that school’s community. 

Examples of Parent Statements

With that said, we’ll use the prompt and Parent Statement copied below as a sample for what ingredients should go into successful Parent Statements for private high school admissions .

Prompt: Please share with us the values you've instilled in your child and how our community might benefit from those values/lessons.

Response: We’ve taught our son Jimmy the value of volunteering and that not only does it benefit others, but that volunteering can also be a benefit to himself. Following our suggestion, Jimmy chose to volunteer on Saturdays at our neighborhood’s community center. He tutors younger kids in math and science. While the community center director has explained to my husband and me that Jimmy seems to be in a “happy place” whenever he tutors. The director also pointed out that Jimmy has a lot of fun interacting with the other children. My husband and I also noticed an increase in Jimmy’s grades since he started volunteering. You know what they say, the best way to learn is to teach.

Even more, Jimmy has also found that helping others is a practical way to further his own interests. During summer break, Jimmy loves to go fishing, but knows that he cannot go to the lake behind our house without being accompanied by an adult. My husband and I work during the day Monday through Friday and have lots of chores and errands on the weekends. So in previous summers, we have not had much time to take Jimmy fishing. To solve this issue, Jimmy taught his grandmother how to fish and goes fishing with her almost every day!

Experiencing firsthand the benefits of helping out others has made a positive impact on Jimmy’s life. My husband and I believe that as a student at your school, Jimmy would be likely to join or supervise a community service project or choose to become a peer tutor.  

Assessing the Example

Using the above example, here is how you, as an admission officer, should assess it:

• Clean writing. There are no spelling or grammar errors and the sentences should flow together. You should expect to compose several drafts for each of your Parent Statements. Take the time in between each draft so that you read each draft with a fresh perspective. 
• Answer the prompt. In directly answering the prompt, the Parent Statement provided a load of information about Jimmy. It pays for parents to brainstorm their child’s positive personality traits prior to responding to each prompt. These descriptors can act as a guide and give direction to the answer.
• No GPAs or academic accolades were found in this response.   I understand being proud of a child’s academic performance as a parent. However, the admissions officer will gain an understanding of that through academic transcripts and recommendations. Your job is to give further perspective on your child. Jimmy’s grades improved as a result of his behavior, but the grades themselves were not included.
• Tell a story…but not a novel. First and foremost, everyone likes a good story. Why do you think we watch movies and read books? The above example provides insight into Jimmy’s personality and his character. His academics have improved since becoming a tutor. He derives joy from helping and interacting with other children. He likes to fish. His family has set rules that Jimmy follows. One also learns that Jimmy is a problem-solver and has a positive relationship with family members from older generations. Lastly, by teaching his grandmother to fish, he now can participate in an activity he enjoys. The implication in all of this is that, if accepted, these are the qualities that Jimmy has to offer any school.
• Parent Statements do not have to be as dry as legal documents or tax forms or be as tedious to read as assembly directions for an Ikea dresser. Adding interesting details or humor to a Parent Statement will benefit its readability.
• Imagine a stack of Parent Statements stretching from your living room’s floor to its ceiling. As you are still reading this article, you are still an admissions officer. If your school requires each applicant’s parents to write five Parent Statements and during the course of an admission cycle you need to read 853 or more admission applications, you might just end up reading thousands of Parent Statements. From that perspective, you become quite eager to read Parent Statements that neither bore you, are majorly hyperbolic nor leave you with little to no insights into the applicant.

I hope that this blog has provided you with the basics towards building great Parents Statements for private high school admissions . When writing them, remember to think like an admission officer and not as a parent. If you were reviewing an admission application, what kind of Parent Statements would you find enjoyable to read and most insightful into an applicant’s personality? Did the Parent Statement you wrote meet those two criteria?

My best advice to you: Parent Statements are only meant to tell the parents’ side of a child’s story, not all of it. Put the care and attention into telling your side of your child’s story and do it well, leaving a positive impression.

Tags : Parent Statements for private high school admissions , boarding school admissions , private high school admissions , parent essays , how to write parent essays

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 4 amazing recommendation letter samples for students.

Letters of Recommendation

How important are recommendation letters in a college application? According to William Fitzsimmons, dean of admissions and financial aid at Harvard, they are "extremely important."

If you're a student, examples of great letters of recommendation can help you understand how to get strong letters yourself from your teachers. If you're a teacher, the examples in this guide will inspire you to support your students strongly as they apply to college. Keep reading for four excellent letters from teachers that will get anyone into college , along with expert analysis on why they're so strong.

Important Note: Are you looking for job recommendation letters? If so, check out my great post here!

First, let's understand the role of recommendation letters in your application.

Why are Recommendation Letters Important?

The majority of admissions officers at four-year colleges, especially private schools, emphasize that their process is holistic . They seek to gain a sense of the student as a "whole person," rather than focusing on pieces of who she is based solely on grades and test scores. Since they rarely meet the student in person, the recommendation letters, along with the student's own personal essay, play a huge role in illuminating her intellectual and personal qualities.

That's why recommendation letters from teachers, especially those who know their students well, carry a great deal of weight in applications. A letter that expresses a strong vote of support, as well as highlights a student's impressive academic and personal strengths , can have a powerful effect on that student's chances of admission.

Let's look at some samples of strong recommendation letters, one from an English teacher, another from a physics teacher, the third from a history teacher, and the final one from a math teacher. Then we'll break down exactly why these letters of recommendation are effective.

The first example recommends Sara, a senior who loves to write and read poetry.

Sample Letter #1: Sara the Poet

Dear Admissions Committee, I had the pleasure of teaching Sara in her 11th grade honors English class at Mark Twain High School. From the first day of class, Sara impressed me with her ability to be articulate about difficult concepts and texts, her sensitivity to the nuances within literature, and her passion for reading, writing, and creative expression- both in and out of the classroom. Sara is a talented literary critic and poet, and she has my highest recommendation as a student and writer. Sara is talented at considering the subtleties within literature and the purpose behind authors' works. She produced an extraordinary year-long thesis paper on creative identity development, in which she compared works from three different time periods and synthesized cultural and historical perspectives to inform her analysis. When called upon to give her thesis defense in front of her peers, Sara spoke clearly and eloquently about her conclusions and responded to questions in a thoughtful way. Outside of the classroom, Sara is dedicated to her literary pursuits, especially to poetry. She publishes her poetry in our school's literary magazine, as well as in online magazines. She is an insightful, sensitive, and deeply self-aware individual driven to explore art, writing, and a deeper understanding of the human condition. Throughout the year Sara was an active participant in our discussions, and she always supported her peers. Her caring nature and personality allow her to work well with others in a team setting, as she always respects others' opinions even when they differ from her own. When we held a class debate about gun laws, Sara opted to speak for the side opposite her own views. She explained her choice as motivated by a desire to put herself in other people's shoes, view the issues from a new perspective, and gain a clearer sense of the issue from all angles. Throughout the year, Sara demonstrated this openness to and empathy for the opinions, feelings, and perspectives of others, along with shrewd powers of observation, all qualities that makes her outstanding as a student of literature and burgeoning writer. I am certain that Sara is going to continue to do great and creative things in her future. I highly recommend her for admission to your undergraduate program. She is talented, caring, intuitive, dedicated, and focused in her pursuits. Sara consistently seeks out constructive feedback so she can improve her writing skills, which is a rare and impressive quality in a high school student. Sara is truly a stand-out individual who will impress everyone she meets. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions at [email protected]. Sincerely, Ms. Scribe English Teacher Mark Twain High School

This is a thorough, glowing recommendation for a student that Ms. Scribe clearly knows well. What other features make it stand out as a strong letter of rec?

The Breakdown

Ms. Scribe has a high opinion of Sara and her skills at writing and literary analysis. One way that she expresses this is by using powerful and specific language. She doesn't merely say Sara is a good writer. She says she's articulate about difficult concepts and sensitive to the nuances within literature. She calls her insightful and self-aware with shrewd powers of observation.

These descriptors don't happen by accident. Ms. Scribe took the time to choose her words carefully , and that effort paid off with a strong letter that captures Sara's special qualities.

Ms. Scribe also supports her characterization of Sara with examples . She describes her thesis paper and how she responded to questions thoughtfully under the pressured situation of her thesis defense. She gives the example of the debate on gun laws to illustrate Sara's openness to many different points of view.

In addition to illuminating her intellectual and personal strengths and supporting them with specific examples, Ms. Scribe speaks to Sara's goals for the future. She points out that she is talented at writing, poetry specifically, and that she is committed to continuing to improve as a writer in her future.

This letter, by virtue of its wording, length, and specificity, shows that Ms. Scribe took the time and effort to recommend Sara thoughtfully and with conviction. The fact that she knows Sara well and is committed to helping her application succeed with a thoughtful letter further adds weight to her assessment.

This letter would be a boon to Sara's application, especially if she's applying to study writing or English. She clearly impressed her English teacher and, in return, got a memorable, complimentary letter of recommendation for her college application.

This next example is similarly enthusiastic and detailed. It's for a student applying to an engineering program.

Sample Letter #2: Stacy the Engineer

Dear Admissions Committee, It is a great pleasure to recommend Stacy for admission to your engineering program. She is one of the most exceptional students I have encountered in my 15 years of teaching. I taught Stacy in my 11th grade honors physics class and advised her in Robotics Club. I am not surprised to find out she is now ranked at the top of an extraordinarily capable class of seniors. She has a keen interest in and talent for physics, math, and scientific inquiry. Her advanced skills and passion for the subject make her an ideal fit for your rigorous engineering program. Stacy is a perceptive, sharp, quick individual with a high aptitude for math and science. She is driven to understand how things work, whether they be the old computer hard drives in the school library or the forces that hold our universe together. Her final project in class was especially impressive, an investigation of frequency-dependent sound absorption, an idea that she said was sparked by not wanting to bother her parents with her hours of guitar practice at home. She's been a strong leader in Robotics Club, eager to share her knowledge with others and learn new skills. I have the students in the club prepare lessons and take turns leading our after-school meetings. When it was Stacy's turn, she showed up prepared with a fascinating lecture on lunar nautics and fun activities that got everyone moving and talking. She was our only student teacher to be met with much deserved applause at the end of her lesson. Stacy's personal strengths are as impressive as her intellectual accomplishments. She's an active, outgoing presence in class with a great sense of humor. Stacy's the perfect person to get a group project rolling, but she also knows how to sit back and let others take the lead. Her cheerful nature and openness to feedback means she's always learning and growing as a learner, an impressive strength that will continue to serve her well in college and beyond. Stacy is just the kind of driven, engaging, and curious student that helped make our classroom a lively environment and safe place to take intellectual risks. Stacy has my highest recommendation for admission to your engineering program. She has demonstrated excellence in all that she puts her mind to, whether it's designing an experiment, collaborating with others, or teaching herself to play classical and electrical guitar. Stacy's endless curiosity, combined with her willingness to take risks, leads me to believe there will be no limit to her growth and achievements in college and beyond. Please don't hesitate to contact me at [email protected] if you have any questions. Sincerely, Ms. Randall Physics Teacher Marie Curie High School

Ms. Randall is clearly as much of a fan of Stacy as she is of Mileva Marić. How does she communicate her recommendation?

Ms. Randall plugs for Stacy right off the bat with a statement of outstanding ranking : Stacy is one of the most exceptional students she's had in 15 years of teaching. A statement like this is pretty extraordinary and will make an impact in the mind of its readers. Stacy sounds like a special student, and she chose her recommender well.

Like in the last example, this letter uses strong, specific language , calling Stacy a perceptive and sharp person who has the confidence and good humor to take intellectual risks. Through its accurate and expressive language, this letter helps Stacy come to life in the mind of the reader.

Beyond the evaluation, Ms. Randall gives specific examples of Stacy's academic and personal strengths. She talks about her successful teaching in Robotics Club, her leadership in group projects, and her dedicated practice to teaching herself to play the guitar.

Rather than spreading the letter too thin, Ms. Randall highlights a few core themes. She connects Stacy's love of music with her passion for physics by talking about the frequency-dependent sound absorption project. All the threads tie together in a nice, memorable bow.

This letter is a strong vote of support for Stacy's application to an engineering program. Her physics teacher admires Stacy's skills and goals, and she made it clear that Stacy had her highest recommendation in this letter.

This next example also comes from a teacher who's extremely impressed with his student. It focuses on the student's performance in class and his volunteer work outside the classroom.

Sample Letter #3: William the History Buff and Social Organizer

Dear Admissions Committee, It is hard to overstate the meaningful contributions that William has made to our school and surrounding community. As both his 10th and 11th grade History teacher, I've had the pleasure of seeing William make profound contributions both in and out of the classroom. His school and community service is motivated by a strong sense of social justice, which he informs through a nuanced and sophisticated understanding of historical trends and events. I can say with confidence that William is one of the most caring and driven students I've ever taught in my fifteen years at the school. As a child of immigrant parents, William is especially drawn to understand the immigrant experience. He produced an extraordinary semester-long research paper on the treatment of Japanese-Americans in the U.S. during WWII, in which he went beyond all expectations to conduct Skype interviews with relatives of his featured subjects to incorporate into his paper. William has a great capacity to draw connections between past and present and to ground his understanding of current issues in the context of historical events. He never retreats to a simple answer or explanation, but is comfortable dealing with ambiguity. William's fascination with U.S. and World History and skill for deep analysis have him an exemplary scholar, as a well as a motivated activist driven to promote civil rights and work towards social equity. In sophomore year, William noticed that the college planning seminars students attended included little information for first generation or immigrant students. Always thinking about how institutions can better serve people, William spoke with counselors and ESL teachers about his ideas to better support all students. He helped collect resources and design a college planning curriculum for immigrant and undocumented students to enhance their college access. He further helped organize a group that connected ESL students with native English speakers, stating his mission to be helping ELLs improve their English and increasing multicultural awareness and social cohesion at the school as a whole. William identified a need and worked with students and faculty alike to meet it in an extremely effective and beneficial way. Ever the history scholar, he did plenty of research to back up his ideas. William believes passionately in social progress and working for the common good. His own personal experiences, along with his profound grasp on social history, drive his advocacy work. He is a talented, intelligent student with the charisma, confidence, strong values, and respect for others to make a huge difference in the world around him. I'm looking forward to seeing all the good that William continues to do for his fellow humanity in college and beyond, as well as the excellent work that he will produce at the college level. William has my highest recommendation. If you have any questions, please contact me at [email protected]. Sincerely, Mr. Jackson History Teacher Martin Luther King, Jr. High School

Mr. Jackson's letter makes William sound like a pretty amazing student and person. How does he go about expressing his admiration for William in this rec letter?

Like Ms. Randall did in her letter, Mr. Jackson provides a statement of outstanding ranking for William, calling him one of the most caring and driven students he's ever taught. Considering his long teaching career of 15 years, this says a lot about William as a student and a person.

Also like in the last example, Mr. Jackson focuses on a few core aspects of William's character. He talks about his love of history and how it informs his social activism. He comments on his exceptional historical scholarship, as well as his personal qualities of caring for those around him and working for the social good.

Mr. Jackson also gives insight into William's personal life , explaining how he has a personal connection to his projects and volunteer work as the child of immigrant parents. This letter reveals that William is a thoughtful, motivated individual who connects his own experiences with his learning and desire to contribute to his community.

The letter also showcases William's exceptional accomplishments by giving specific examples of William's research paper and his work supporting the academic and personal needs of ELL students. Mr. Jackson expresses his enthusiastic recommendation while illuminating William's love of learning and strength of character. This letter would be both impressive and memorable to admissions officers considering William for admission to their school.

This next example comes from a math teacher. Let's see what Mr. Wiles has to say about Joe.

Sample Letter #4: Joe the Hard Worker

Dear Admissions Committee, It is my pleasure to recommend Joe, who I taught in my 11th grade math class. Joe demonstrated tremendous effort and growth throughout the year and brought a great energy to class. He has that combination of a positive attitude and the belief that he can always improve that's rare in a high school student, but so essential to the learning process. I am confident that he will continue to display the same commitment and diligence in everything he does. I highly recommend Joe for admission to your school. Joe would not describe himself as a math person. He's told me on several occasions that all the numbers and variables make his mind go fuzzy. Joe did, in fact, struggle to comprehend the material at the beginning of the year, but his response to this is what really struck me. Where so many others have given up, Joe took on this class as a welcome challenge. He stayed after school for extra help, got extra tutoring at the nearby college, and asked questions in and out of class. Due to all his hard work, Joe not only raised his grades, but he also inspired some of his classmates to stay after for extra help, as well. Joe truly demonstrated a growth mindset, and he inspired his peers to adopt that valuable perspective, too. Joe helped contribute to our classroom environment as one where all students can feel supported and able to ask questions. Joe's strong belief in his ability to acquire new skills and improve through practice was likely shaped by his years as a baseball player. He's played all through high school and is one of the team's most valuable players. In his final for our class, Joe designed an impressive project calculating and analyzing batting averages. While he initially described himself as not a math person, Joe reaped the benefits of his tremendous effort and found a way to make the subject come alive for him in a way that he was personally invested in. As a teacher, it is incredibly fulfilling to witness a student make this kind of academic and personal progress. Joe is a trustworthy, reliable, good-humored student and friend who supports others in and out of the classroom. He was a pleasure to have in class, and his positive attitude and belief in himself, even in the face of difficulty, is an immensely admirable asset. I'm confident that he will continue to demonstrate the same diligence, perseverance, and optimism that he showed myself and his peers. I highly recommend Joe for admission to your undergraduate program. Please feel free to contact me with any further questions at [email protected]. Sincerely, Mr. Wiles Math Teacher Euclid High School

While the students featured in the first three examples were top of their class or demonstrated leadership in the school, Joe isn't a top achiever in the traditional sense. However, this recommendation is still a strong one, even if it says he struggled in the teacher's class. What does Mr. Wiles focus on to recommend Joe?

Mr. Wiles writes a strong letter for Joe, with the same kind of enthusiasm and specific examples as the other three letters. Even though Joe may not have gotten the strongest grades in his math class, he found an enthusiastic recommender in his math teacher. Mr. Wiles was extremely impressed with Joe's attitude, effort, and growth mindset , which he demonstrated throughout the year and inspired in his fellow classmates.

Mr. Wiles focuses on Joe's substantial personal strengths, ones that would likely be impressive to his future educators. Even in a subject that may not come naturally to him, Joe is diligent and committed. He's not self-conscious about asking questions or seeking extra help, and he retains a strong belief in himself that he can continuously learn, improve, and acquire new skills.

This letter, like the others, is effective because it is focused, supportive, and backed up with examples. As you can tell from these examples, recommendations can communicate a great deal about a student. Because of this, they can have a powerful impact on a student's chances of admission. So what can teachers and students do to make sure they are sending a strong recommendation letter that will help their chances?

Enthusiasm is key.

How to Get a Strong Recommendation Letter

While these letters are about different students with different interests, they share certain fundamental features. One, they sound excited and enthusiastic. The teachers clearly communicate that they are impressed by these students and eager to help them get into college.

At the same time, the letters don't go overboard because they have examples to back up their assessments. Specific examples and stories are key for backing up the assessment. Plus, they make a letter more interesting and memorable. Rather than just another engineering applicant, Stacy is the student who researched sound-absorption to spare her parents from hours of guitar scales.

Finally, the teachers all discuss their students' personal strengths , along with their academic strengths. They present the holistic view that admissions officers are looking for, along with their strong vote of confidence in the students' future success.

Teachers should incorporate all these features into their letters, and students should help provide them with the raw material to write about. While students should choose a teacher who knows them well and has stories and observations to share, they should also give their teachers a detailed "brag sheet" and let them know what would go into their ideal letter. That way it can be even more personalized and complement the story the student is telling in the rest of her application.

While recommenders may or may not share their letters with students, there should still be open, two-way communication when the student makes her request . That way students and teachers can work together to produce an insightful, enthusiastic, and specific letter of recommendation to send to colleges.

What's Next?

Are you a teacher writing recommendations for your students? Read all about how to write an outstanding recommendation letter for your students , along with what not to include.

Are you or a student you work with applying to a selective school, like Harvard? Learn about what kind of letter she should get for the Ivy League.

Now that you've read these examples of strong teacher recommendation letters, check out these examples of bad ones . Warning: rec letters may appear better than they actually are.

Rebecca graduated with her Master's in Adolescent Counseling from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She has years of teaching and college counseling experience and is passionate about helping students achieve their goals and improve their well-being. She graduated magna cum laude from Tufts University and scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT.

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Advice for Athletes Applying to Independent Boarding Schools

You are considering attending an independent private boarding school as a student-athlete. Perhaps you’ve even been encouraged to apply to one or more schools because of your athletic ability. While your family and the admission staff at the schools will help you through the process of applying, remember that you still have your work cut out for you.

You must complete the steps required of all applicants in a timely manner. You should express genuine interest in the school’s athletic program. And most importantly, it is your job to learn as much as you can about each school to be sure that it would be a good fit for you, not only in terms of athletics but overall. Here are some tips for you and your family as you apply to independent schools and consider your options.

The Admissions Timeline

Ideally, you’ll begin researching and visiting schools in the fall, or about a year before you plan to enroll. While applications are most commonly due in January, it takes time before then to have completed any standardized tests and submitted any required transcripts and recommendations. (See more below.)

Make sure you and your family have in hand all the information you need to meet all the application requirements of every school in which you are interested. Pay careful attention to deadlines for applications for admission and financial aid: they vary from school to school.

Even if you’ve been recruited or had contact with a school’s coach, it is the admission office you will work with to complete all the admission steps (for example to turn in your application and make arrangements for an interview). Throughout the process, it’s important to communicate with both the coaches and the admission office. Allison Price, director of enrollment and financial aid at Tatnall School (Delaware), cautions, “Families should not rely on coaches to get important information to the admission staff. Disconnects can occur when a family is only in communication with a coach, or vice versa.”

Being on Top of Your Game: The Basics of Admissions

All schools post their admission requirements and deadlines on their websites and likely on their social media outlets. Many also offer videos that can give you a sense of their students and campuses. Admission offices can also answer any questions you have by phone or email.

While requirements vary from school to school, most schools will ask you to do the following as part of your application:

1. Take a standardized admission test.

The schools’ websites will indicate which test(s) they accept as well as information about how to sign up to take the test. Most of these testing services offer a study book you can order to help you prepare for the test.

2. Complete a school application.

The application will likely have you answer several brief questions to give the school an idea of your interests and goals, your character, and your strengths and challenges in all aspects of your life, not just athletics.

3. Provide your school transcript and recommendations from your current teachers.

Each school will provide specific directions for doing so. Think about asking for recommendations from teachers who know you well in terms of your character and your abilities. Give them plenty of notice, and thank them after the fact.

This video offers a look at a field hockey game featuring Garrison-Forest and Notre Dame Prep.

Questions, Questions, and More Questions

The school tour and interview are critical aspects of the application process, for the school and for you.

Beyond offering a school tour, many schools suggest or require that you spend a half or full day on campus, attending classes and events. Take advantage of as many opportunities as you can to be physically on campus – or if the campus is too far for you to go to, try to interact with as many people as possible. These experiences will help you learn as much as you can so you can make the best decision down the road.

If you are interested in participating in athletics at a school but haven’t had any contact with the school’s coaches, show your interest as soon as possible. Elise Morgan, associate director of admissions at St. Mark’s School, Massachusetts, advises that a student should reach out to introduce himself or herself and request time with the coach, if possible when he or she comes on campus. As she puts it, “Coaches want to hear from the student, not the parent.” You can also send your sports schedule in case the coach is able to get out and watch you play.

At most schools, an interview with the admission office is required. If a school is located a distance from you, the admission staff may offer a phone or Skype interview. This interview is a two-way street. You can ask questions to help you get a clearer picture of life at the school.

And the admission director will use this time as a way to understand your interest in the school and get a feeling for whether the school is a good fit for you.

To make the most of your admission interview, put in a little prep time. The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) offers a resource called “10 Questions Families Should Ask” in which they suggest that you come up with five to 10 questions that are most important to you and your family. NAIS also suggests you ask the same questions at each school you visit; this will help you compare what you learned about each school, and make the best choice.

Here are some areas in which you and your parents may want to ask questions of the admission office:

• Academics

For example, you might ask what courses students in your grade are required to take, and/or how classrooms are set up. Maybe you want to know how much homework is typical. You might ask whether there are faculty advisers to guide students, or how the school measures students’ achievement and progress – through grades, portfolios, etc.

• Communication with families

Ask questions that can help you understand to what degree – and how -- the school communicates with families.

• Residential life and school culture

For example, you may ask questions about how dorms are set up and supervised. You might wish to ask about the importance of diversity on campus, and/or what extracurricular activities are offered, beyond athletics, and how many students participate in them.

You might want to know, for example, beyond tuition, are there other expenses a student should expect? What are the options for financial aid?

• Athletics

If you’ve managed to arrange a time with a coach or athletic director, make the most of this time as well. Ask not only about your sport but about athletics at the school generally. For example, you may want to know how many students on campus play on teams. (And think about whether or not you wish to be at a school where most students are athletes.) Ask about support for athletes and school-wide enthusiasm for games. In your particular sport, how many students play on the team, and what is the practice schedule? Do students continue to play in the sport after they graduate from school?

This video captures the excitement of the football game between Choate Rosemary Hall and Deerfield.

Being a student-athlete doesn’t guarantee you admission to an independent private boarding school. And athletic participation will be only one aspect of your time at an independent school.

So be prepared, be interested, meet deadlines, and ask lots of questions!

Questions? Contact us on Facebook. @boardingschoolreview

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2 major student loan forgiveness application deadlines are just days away.

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WASHINGTON, DC June 30, 2023: United States Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona during US ... [+] President Joe Biden remarks on the student loan forgiveness in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Friday, June 30, 2023. (Photo by Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Two highly significant student loan forgiveness application deadlines are rapidly approaching. Some borrowers may have to take certain steps by April 30th in order to qualify for any student loan relief, or at least minimize risks of significant delays.

So far, the Biden administration has approved more than $150 billion in student loan cancellation through a variety of separate initiatives, including temporary programs and waivers. Relief under one of those waivers, called the IDR Account Adjustment, already represents more than a third of that total, making it one of the most significant of President Biden’s student loan forgiveness initiatives. But the account adjustment is set to end this summer, and certain borrowers may need to apply to consolidate their loans before April 30th in order to benefit.

Meanwhile, the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program — which also represents a significant portion of the $150 billion in debt relief approved by the Biden administration — faces a major upcoming deadline on the same date. PSLF is about to undergo an extended processing suspension , during which no PSLF applications will be reviewed. Advocates are encouraging borrowers to submit PSLF forms and take other important steps prior to April 30th.

Here are the details.

April 30th Is Key Student Loan Forgiveness Application Deadline For IDR Account Adjustment

The IDR Account Adjustment is a temporary Biden administration program designed to “fix” longstanding problems with income-driven repayment plans by temporarily waiving certain requirements.

IDR can allow borrowers to get student loan forgiveness after 20 or 25 years in repayment. But administrative problems, confusing rules, forbearance-steering practices, and poor oversight led to many issues that have served as a barrier to relief. The account adjustment is designed to address this by crediting borrowers with time toward their IDR loan forgiveness term for periods that may not have previously counted, such as payments made on other repayment plans, as well as certain periods of deferment and forbearance.The account adjustment has already been a resounding success, with more $49 billion in loan forgiveness approved for nearly a million borrowers.

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But the initiative is temporary, and it is winding down this summer. While borrowers with Direct loans and other Education Department-owned federal student loans can benefit from the adjustment automatically, those who have other types of federal loans must apply to consolidate them through the Direct loan program by April 30th.

“If you have commercially held FFEL or any Perkins or HEAL loans, we encourage you to consolidate them by April 30, 2024, to benefit from the payment count adjustment,” according to the department. While the consolidation process can take around 60 days, the application itself must be submitted prior to the deadline for the borrower to receive the benefits associated with the IDR Account Adjustment.

Consolidating loans can also allow borrowers to maximize IDR credit under the account adjustment, because the department says it will credit the new consolidation loan with the highest amount of loan forgiveness “time” based on the underlying loan that has the longest repayment history. Consolidation may also be necessary for non-Direct loan borrowers to receive PSLF credit (which is possible under the adjustment, as well).

“Submitting a consolidation application alone does not guarantee any benefits under the payment count adjustment,” notes the department. “In general, it takes at least 60 days to process a Direct Consolidation Loan application and to disburse the new loan. This means that if you want to consolidate your loan(s) in order to get the benefit of the adjustment, you should submit a loan consolidation application by April 30, 2024.”

April 30th Is Also Key Student Loan Forgiveness Date For PSLF

Separately from the IDR Account Adjustment, the PSLF program is about to undergo a lengthy processing pause. Starting on May 1, no student loan forgiveness applications or employment certifications associated with PSLF will be reviewed or processed until at least July, as the department transitions the PSLF servicing interface from MOHELA to StudentAid.gov

Borrowers may want to submit a PSLF application — either to request loan forgiveness, or to simply update their PSLF qualifying payment count — by April 30th so that it is in the system before the pause begins. While the forms will be highly unlikely to get reviewed or processed prior to August, it could allow for faster processing once the suspension ends, given the anticipated backlog and associated delays that will likely occur once the program gets back up and running again.

“We anticipate substantial PSLF processing delays after the pause ends,” said the National Consumer Law Center in a new blog post covering the suspension. “Borrowers should be prepared for significant delays in processing Employment Certification Forms (ECF), updating PSLF payment counts, and processing loan forgiveness applications for eligible borrowers.”

In addition, borrowers may want to download their current PSLF records from MOHELA before the suspension goes into effect, because they will lose access to their current PSLF information starting on May 1. This includes qualifying employment periods, PSLF payment counts, and month-by-month breakdowns of eligible and ineligible payments.

“It is very likely that some borrowers’ account information, including qualifying payment counts, may be inaccurately reported on studentaid.gov or may not be reported at all for some time after the processing pause,” warned NCLC in the blog post. “We strongly advise borrowers to download all PSLF payment count and tracking information from MOHELA by April 30th, as that information may not be available or accessible on MOHELA’s website during and after the processing pause.”

Additional Key Student Loan Forgiveness Deadline On May 17th

Meanwhile, earlier this week the Biden administration released draft regulations governing a brand new student loan forgiveness plan. This program, if enacted, could provide debt relief to 25 million borrowers through multiple avenues.

With the draft rules formally published, the public now has a 30-day period to submit comments , with a deadline of May 17th. The Education Department “will carefully consider comments received and aims to finalize these rules in time to start delivering relief,” which the administration anticipates happening by the fall, according to a department statement earlier this week.

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Office of the President

Extending transfer application deadline.

April 22, 2024

Dear Brandeis Community,

I am sure many of you have seen or read about the numerous protests on college and university campuses, where Jewish students are being targeted and attacked physically and verbally, preventing them from pursuing their studies and activities outside of class, just because they are Jewish or support Israel. For many, their safety has been compromised and this is unacceptable.

As a university founded in 1948 by the American Jewish community to counter antisemitism and quotas on Jewish enrollment in higher education, Brandeis has been committed to protecting the safety of all its students, and, in the current atmosphere, we are proud of the supports we have in place to allow Jewish students to thrive. Due to the current climate on many campuses around the world, we are now expanding the opportunity for students to seek the learning environment of our campus by extending the transfer application deadline to May 31, with notification by July 1. We are encouraging prospective transfer students to visit our Admissions website for more information.

Students elsewhere should know we welcome all — Jews and students from every background — who seek an excellent undergraduate education and an environment striving to be free of harassment and Jew-hatred to apply.

Ron Liebowitz