There is no best time to start private school admissions consulting because preparations depend on your child’s specific needs and the school's requirements. In general, for private schools in the Bay Area, it’s a good idea to start the process at least a year before you plan to enroll. This allows enough time to research schools, understand their application requirements, engage in extracurricular activities, improve grades, and prepare all necessary materials.
For students applying to Bay Area private schools that require standardized testing, such as the SSAT, ISEE, or HSPT, starting the process in the spring or summer before the test date is advisable. This allows time for test preparation, answering multiple practice tests, and to retake the test if necessary. If applying to a Peninsula school where the Protored Writing Sample is a requirement, we advise you to start the preparation early to be able to practice answering various prompts and develop writing skills.
For families considering multiple schools in the Bay Area or who have specific needs, such as accommodations for learning differences, starting even earlier may be more beneficial. This allows time to thoroughly research school options, visit campuses, and prepare a strong application profile.
Ultimately, the best time to start private school admissions consulting is when the student and family feel ready to begin and are committed to putting in the time and effort required to accomplish application requirements. Starting early can significantly reduce the stress and pressure associated with the admissions process and increase the chances of gaining acceptance to your desired school.