Elite Private School Admissions Workshop (Small Group or One-on-One)

This course is for parents who would like to enroll their students in elite private US private, boarding or online Ivy Plus feeder school programs that are highly competitive. These schools are so competitive in the United States and Canada that the applications and admissions are even more difficult than university admissions, often requiring students and parents to draft 10+ lengthy essays, parent statements, and daunting student/parent video interviews. The process is especially complex for international students who also have to navigate rigorous English language standardized testing, visa interviews, and other unique challenges. This workshop will cover the basics including what these schools are looking for in students; how to present a balanced and competitive student portfolio; how to write compelling essays; how to interview well over Zoom; and how to navigate this complex process as parents while identifying the best schools and screening out private schools which are predatory and not what they seem. As the North American private school system is unregulated, there are many private schools posing as elite and high quality which take advantage of well-meaning families; this workshop will also help your family discern which schools are actually worth the high tuition while exploring financial aid options. Parents should attend, ideally with their children. Siblings welcome.

Session 1: Everything You Need to Know About the US Private School System (including IB, AP, alternative curriculums, university-associated programs, online programs, religious schools, and schools you should avoid) and Parent Q&A

Session 2: Identifying Your Best Fit School Program (with extensive customized school identification survey)

Section 3: Completing the Private School Application: Student Sections (including Essay Writing Strategies)

Section 4: Completing the Private School Application: Parent Sections and Financial Aid

Section 5: School Interview Training

Bonus Materials:

-Mrs. Heather’s Vetted Private School Recommendations Database (and future updates)

– Personalized questionnaire and recommendations

– 20 minutes of personalized essay review and feedback per client (additional feedback available at hourly rate)

Optional Additional Sections for Mainland Chinese Parents/Students:

Section 6: English Language Preparation and TOEFL Prep

Section 7: Vericant Interviews Preparation and Visa Preparation

Add-On Personalized Mentorship Sessions:

– One-on-One Application Essay Editing Sessions (Warning: these applications are much more lengthy and extensive than university applications, which are also extremely time consuming. One school application likely requires multiple hours of revisions. Mrs. Heather will endeavor to work within your family budget.)

– One-on-One or small group summer academic research project mentoring