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As the holiday season approaches and school application deadlines loom, it’s time to ensure you have all your admissions materials lined up. With a strategic approach, you can keep your child’s application process organized and stress-free. Here’s a checklist of priorities to tackle this month:
TRANSCRIPTS
If you haven’t already, now’s the perfect time to request transcripts from your child’s school. Transcripts can take a little while to process, especially as schools handle multiple requests leading up to January deadlines. Some schools manage this process electronically, while others still rely on paper forms, so check each school’s specific requirements to plan accordingly.
Concerned that the latest report card won’t be available by January? Not to worry—this is common and won’t negatively impact your application. However, it’s a good idea to notify the admissions office when they can expect the latest grades and follow up as soon as you receive them.
GRADED WRITING SAMPLES
If any schools on your list require a graded writing sample, now is a great time to identify a strong piece. By this point in the school year, your child should have completed some assignments that could work well. Ideally, select a recent analytical piece from an English or history class—like a book report, research paper, opinion piece, or reading response.
Choose an assignment that includes teacher feedback or a grade. Schools use these writing samples to evaluate your child’s academic ability and engagement, so don’t worry about finding the “perfect” piece—just one that represents your child’s work.
If any schools on your list require a graded writing sample, now is a great time to identify a strong piece. By this point in the school year, your child should have completed some assignments that could work well. Ideally, select a recent analytical piece from an English or history class—like a book report, research paper, opinion piece, or reading response.
Choose an assignment that includes teacher feedback or a grade. Schools use these writing samples to evaluate your child’s academic ability and engagement, so don’t worry about finding the “perfect” piece—just one that represents your child’s work. For more information on how to select a graded writing sample, please click here.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
By now, teachers have had a few months to get to know your child, so mid-November is an ideal time to request recommendation letters. For older applicants, most schools require letters from an English and math teacher, and some allow additional recommendations.
Remember: the most effective recommendations come from teachers who know your child well and can speak to their character, growth, and academic performance. These thoughtful, detailed letters can make a big impression, even more than one from someone with a more prestigious title who might not know your child well.
INTERVIEWS
Interviews are either underway or will be soon! For younger students, there’s no need to focus on heavy preparation—practicing the ability to recognize basic shapes, count, draw a self-portrait, and carry on an articulate back and forth simple conversation while playing with your child is enough. For older students, however, conducting mock interviews will help prepare them and feel more confident. (For guidance, see our full interview prep guide for older students here.)
With application deadlines and family responsibilities in full swing, November can seem overwhelming, but if you stay proactive and organized you’ll have your child's application ready to go in no time - and then you can bid your admissions season chores a cheerful adieu!
