I have helped families through the independent school admissions process for more than 20 years. Choosing the right school for your student is a big decision, and we love assisting families with this decision and the process of applying to private schools. Whether your family is new to independent schools or this is a re-application year for your student, here are five things to know about applying to independent schools in the greater Seattle area during this school year.

1. You Can Tour the School—In Person or Virtually

Informational sessions and tours are not always tied to physical spaces and time. Most Seattle-area independent schools are offering both in-person and virtual tours. For example, families interested in checking out the UPrep campus can watch the UPrep 360° Virtual Campus Tour here. Families can also find out about info sessions on the events section of our admission page, or sign up for in-person open houses through Ravenna, our web-based admission portal.

UPrep is hosting in-person open houses for prospective Middle School students and their parents/guardians from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 26, 2024, and from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2024. UPrep is also hosting in-person open houses for prospective Upper School students and their parents/guardians from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 26, 2024, and from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2024.

2. Explore Each School in Many Ways

Families often say a school tour gives them a gut feeling, yet I have found it is best to explore each school beyond the singular tour experience. Through in-person events and school websites, prospective families can fully investigate each private school. At UPrep events, attendees can learn about the Middle School, the Upper School, the College Counseling Office, the Global and Outdoor Education Program, our Athletics Program, and more. Families can learn more about school communities through watching videos and reading blogs. Learn more about UPrep on our blog, in the UPrep Magazine, and on our YouTube and Instagram pages.

3. Get to Know the Ravenna Admission System

The first step for applying to most local independent schools is to create an account in Ravenna, a web-based admission system used by most private schools in the greater Seattle area. We recommend taking time to navigate around the site. Look for schools that have grade-level openings that match your needs and explore the application process for each school. The application process is slightly different for each independent school. Check for required parts of the application process and get those scheduled as early as you can.

Requirements at UPrep include a student interview and activity with a UPrep faculty member and a short writing sample. For a list of the other requirements, you can visit the admission page on the UPrep website. Many schools open the application process and begin accepting applications in early September, although the final due date for completed applications is Thursday, January 16 for UPrep and most other independent schools. Upper School decisions will be released at noon on Friday, February 21, and Middle School decisions will be released at noon on Friday, March 21. Families have one week to make their school decision, which includes signing a contract and submitting a tuition deposit.

4. Testing Requirements for This Year

UPrep has a test flexible policy for admission testing. This policy means that we will accept any standardized test a student has taken in the past two academic years. If an applicant does not have the results of a standardized test from the past two academic years, they are required to submit results from the ISEE or SSAT. Families often ask which test they should take. UPrep accepts results from both tests. There are some small differences between the tests, so we recommend choosing whichever you feel will most accurately represent your student's strengths. The test dates and locations vary based on the test you choose, so please factor in your family's schedule and location before making a decision.

While we require a form of testing, UPrep believes that there are a variety of ways for students to demonstrate their academic strengths; standardized testing is one way. Testing is only one factor in the admission committee considers at UPrep.

5. The Admissions Office Wants to Connect

At UPrep, the best way to reach us is through email: write to us with any and all questions at admissionoffice@universityprep.org. It is our job to help you through this process, which we know can feel overwhelming for families. We can also walk you through applying for UPrep’s Financial Aid Program, which is designed to include support for families from many different income levels and circumstances. We also want families to know we aren’t looking for the “perfect student.” We are looking for students who are engaged and excited to learn and want to be a part of our community.

Read more articles in our Inside Independent Schools series!