US Boarding Schools: Demystifying the Admissions Process For International Students

According to The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS), international students make up about 15 percent of the student population at US boarding schools. TABS also reported that its member schools are home to over 10,000 international students from more than 150 countries worldwide. With over 250 boarding schools in the US alone, families exploring this option for their children should know there is the right school and match for their child. Finding that school is a part of the journey! This blog post aims to simplify the application process for international students. 

Understanding the types of US Boarding Schools 

Finding a boarding school for your child is certainly exciting and perhaps overwhelming. Setting aside time to reflect and discuss what matters most to your family is a great place to begin. Ask yourself a few preliminary questions. Does the school’s mission matter? What about religious affiliation? The geographic location in the US, access to a city, the size of courses offered, extracurricular activities, and school size all play a crucial role in determining which schools you hope to consider seriously. 

Below, you will find different types of boarding schools in the US. Some of these schools cross over with one another as well. For example, a college preparatory boarding school can also be a single-sex school with a religious affiliation. If families can discuss what’s most important to them and then dive into research, they might find the search less overwhelming. For more information about the types of boarding schools and specific schools, consider exploring the school search on the TABS website. 

1) Traditional college preparatory boarding schools: 

A college-preparatory school, typically for grades 9-12, aims to provide students with a well-rounded academic experience and opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities. Traditional college prep schools have robust academic programmes and strive to prepare students for college, university, and beyond. All of the Ten Schools are considered traditional preparatory boarding schools. 

2) Single-sex boarding schools: 

These schools are designed for all boys or all girls. Single-sex schools are also offered in the US by junior boarding schools and college-preparatory schools. 

3) Religious/Faith-based boarding schools:

These schools incorporate religious studies into their curriculum and daily schedule, which might include attending chapel services or requiring a specific religious studies credit to graduate. Within the Ten School Organization, St. Paul’s School is an Episcolain-founded school.

4) Military boarding schools:

These schools aim to prepare students for college by adding military-type discipline and structure (The Boarding School Review). 

5) Junior boarding schools:

Junior boarding schools are for younger students, typically in grades 3-9, offering a boarding experience and the opportunity to prepare for secondary school. Given the age of the children, junior boarding schools have more structure than college-preparatory schools. 

6) Performing arts boarding schools: 

Performing art schools prepare students academically and personally for life beyond secondary school, with a specific focus on music, dance, theatre, creative writing, and visual arts. Students attending performing art schools might aim to attend speciality schools like music conservatories (The Boarding School Review). 

7) Therapeutic boarding schools:

Therapeutic boarding schools cater to students with special needs. Each type offers unique programming and support based on your child’s needs to succeed in the classroom and beyond. 

Key admissions requirements 

The application process for boarding school involves many steps. Below is a suggested pathway for your family as you begin the process. 

1) Research:  

• It’s critical that your family discusses what’s most important to your child’s educational experience. 
• Families might consider size, location, programmes offered, boarding/day population, city access, or representation of international students. You can find this information on each school’s website. 
• Once you identify which schools you are most interested in applying to, take the time to explore their websites and understand what is required for the application process. While many schools might have similar requirements, they are not identical. For example, some schools might not need an interview, while others do. 

2) Inquire:

• To apply and officially begin your process, submit an online inquiry form with the schools you are interested in exploring. Submitting an inquiry form does not mean you must apply. It is simply the first step in connecting with the school. 
• Once you have submitted an inquiry form, schools will communicate with you directly, share updates from their campuses, and send reminders about upcoming deadlines around the application process. 
• Most schools use the inquiry forms to register your family in their systems and give you access to a portal and their online application system. 

3) Application systems: 

• Gateway to Prep: A common application used by many boarding schools in the US. All of the Ten Schools accept the Gateway to Prep application. 
• Standard Application Online (SAO): This is a common application offered by the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) organisation. This platform allows students to complete one application to multiple participating schools. 
• Many schools accept either Gateway to Prep or SAO. To understand the requirements, visit each school’s website. 

4) Interview: 

• Interviews are conducted in person (perhaps on campuses or in areas that admission offices are travelling to – like India!). Interviews are also conducted virtually via Zoom or other online platforms. Some schools might even offer the chance to submit a personal video instead of an interview. 
• Most schools interview the prospective student for about 20 minutes and chat with parents or guardians for 10-15 minutes. 

5) Campus tour:

• While campus tours aren’t typically required of prospective students and families, seeing the schools in “action” can be helpful.  Typically, current students conduct these tours, allowing visiting families to see major academic, extracurricular and dorm spaces. Depending on the time and year of your tour, you might be able to see classes in session as well. 
• If you cannot visit the campus, schools offer interactive and detailed virtual tours and resources on their websites to help families understand daily schedules and school culture. 

6) Standardised testing:

A few types of standardised tests are commonly accepted at US boarding schools. Additionally, some schools have opted for a test-optional policy versus required testing. Again, visiting each school’s website is critical to understand their testing requirements. 

• Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT): The SSAT is a widely accepted exam in the US. This test measures verbal, mathematics, and reading. There is also a non-scored writing section. The SSAT is available for students applying to grades 4-12.
• Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE): The ISEE is also widely accepted and tests verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension and mathematic achievements. The ISEE is available for students applying to grades 2-12. 
• PSAT, SAT or ACT: These tests are typically for older students applying to secondary schools. 

7) Language proficiency testing:

• Students for whom English is not their first language must submit the TOEFL, IELTS, or the Duolingo English test. Students may be exempted from taking the test if they attend an English-speaking school.  Be sure to research the requirements of the schools that interest you. 

8) Candidate statement and parent statement:

• Students must complete a candidate statement. This is an opportunity to convey to the admissions committee why their boarding school is a good fit and how you can contribute to its community. Some schools also ask parents or guardians to share why boarding school would be the next logical step for their child. 

9) Transcripts and school records:

• We recommend submitting transcripts from the last 2-3 years and attendance records. 

10) Teacher recommendations:

• We require recommendations from English and Math teachers and a letter from a counsellor or principal.
• Start this process early to give teachers and counsellors ample time to craft these recommendations. 

11) Special interest recommendation:

• Students who play sports competitively or are involved in the arts (play a musical instrument, dance, or visual arts) can submit a recommendation from the coach or teacher along with a video or portfolio. 

12) Financial aid:

• TSAO is committed to making tuition affordable to qualifying and admitted students. International applicants are welcome to apply for financial aid. Remember, schools have different policies on awarding grants/aid to international students. Applications for financial assistance are due before January 15. 

Navigating the application process 

The application process can seem daunting. Here are some helpful tips and guidelines:

• Ideally, prospective students should begin the process as soon as possible. Early fall is a good time to start. Visit interested schools in person, or if a visit is not feasible, peruse websites where you can gather information on residential life, academic curriculum, and extracurricular offerings. 
• If boarding schools are hosting an admission reception in your area, we recommend you register to attend. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with admission officers, learn more about the admission process and have your questions answered. 
• Another valuable resource is speaking with current families and alumni to learn about their experiences. 
• Each TSAO member school has specific application deadlines, typically between January 15 and February 1. 
• Familiarise yourself with standardised test dates and registration deadlines. Many TSAO  member schools require applicants to submit test scores before the application due date. However, there may be some flexibility when re-submitting a new test score but always check with the admission office. In addition, there may be an English testing requirement, such as TOEFL or Duolingo, for international students whose first/native language is not English. 
• Your interview is an integral part of the application. For some of our schools, the interview, whether in-person or online, is a requirement. Schedule it promptly, but don’t overprepare. Familiarise yourself with information about the school you’re interviewing with, and most importantly, BE AUTHENTIC. As Tom Eccleston, Assistant Head of School for Enrollment at The Hill School, says, “Applicants who are the most authentic in the interview fare better.” 
• Applicants should be strategic and streamline the personal materials they submit. Admission officers at competitive schools manage a high volume of applications and will not have time to read extra letters or videos. 
• If transcripts from your current school are available, provide 2-3 years of academic reports. 
• For letters of recommendation, send requests to mathematics and English teachers as early as possible. Students who play a competitive sport can add a coach’s letter and one video of their extracurricular activities. 
• Although the application process may seem overwhelming, all requirements are posted on school websites with a helpful checklist on the application form to monitor progress. As families progress with each school, lean on the admission officer your family is connected with in those early stages. Those working in admission offices intend to help guide families through the process, answer questions, and act as a dependable resource. These individuals have been through many admission cycles and can offer sound advice for your child and family. 
• Make the most of the opportunities schools offer. Some schools might provide virtual events to help you learn more about their processes and programmes. They even introduce you to other students. You might find that schools connect you with representatives travelling to your local area for events or interview opportunities or help you contact alumni members located near you. Typically, these events are posted on websites. 

To know more about the admissions process to some of the best boarding schools in the US, attend the US Boarding School & Summer Programme Fair by TSAO in Mumbai on November 19 at St. Regis, Lower Parel, Mumbai, and November 21 at the Ambassador, New Delhi. Meanwhile, please read our blogs: The Ten Schools Admissions Organization Travels to India and Unveiling The Ultimate: Six Prestigious US Boarding Schools For Future Leaders.