Between the two of us, we 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 University Prep 360° Virtual Campus Tour here. Families can find also find out about info sessions on the events section of our admission page, or sign up for in-person open houses through Ravenna. UPrep is hosting an in-person open house for prospective Middle School students and their parents/guardians from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 21, 2023,and an in-person open house for prospective Upper School students and their parents/guardians from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 4, 2023.

2.     Explore Each School in Many Ways

Families often say a school tour gives them a gut feeling, yet we 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, Global and Outdoor Education Programs, 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 11 for UPrep and most other independent schools. Upper School decisions will be released at noon on Friday, February 23, and Middle School decisions will be released at noon on Friday, March 22. 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

For applications to the 2024–2025 school year, some independent schools are once again requiring that applicants take the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) or the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT), which are the most common admissions tests for local private and independent schools. For UPrep, applicants should take the ISEE or SSAT by the end of January 2024. 

At UPrep, test results are only one part of understanding a prospective student’s application. Each application also includes report cards, essays written by students and parents, and information from student interviews with UPrep faculty and staff. What we are really trying to understand through the application process is who the student is in an academic setting and how their interests align with the UPrep community. Head of School Ronnie Codrington-Cazeau notes that “UPrep is a place for talented students who take risks, push themselves to reach their full potential, and embrace diversity.”

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!