Laurie Geromini, Author at 91ÁÔĆć /blog/author/lauriegeromini/ Prep for Success Fri, 08 Aug 2025 20:52:18 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://assets.testinnovators.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/favicon-85x85.png Laurie Geromini, Author at 91ÁÔĆć /blog/author/lauriegeromini/ 32 32 Applying to Independent Schools: August Newsletter /blog/august-to-do-list/ Fri, 08 Aug 2025 20:28:23 +0000 /?p=6123 Greetings and happy summer! As you get ready to apply to independent and private schools this fall, we wanted to share some suggestions on what to do over the next month. Here is your August to do list:Ěý Register for the ISEE and/or SSAT Make a “wish list” of attributes Request materials from schools Schedule […]

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Greetings and happy summer! As you get ready to apply to independent and private schools this fall, we wanted to share some suggestions on what to do over the next month.

Here is your August to do list:Ěý

  1. Register for the ISEE and/or SSAT
  2. Make a “wish list” of attributes
  3. Request materials from schools
  4. Schedule interviews

Read more below!

Applying to independent schools can be a challenging process to navigate, so we will be sharing a ‘to do list’ each month to help guide you. Stay tuned for more info!

– The 91ÁÔĆć Team

August To Do List:

1. Register for the ISEE and/or SSAT

In order to determine which test (ISEE or SSAT) you need to take, check with the schools you are interested in to see which test they accept.Ěý

When registering for the ISEE and/or SSAT, there are five important things you need to consider: applying for accommodations, requesting a fee waiver, choosing the format, sending scores, and testing more than once.

a) Applying for accommodations (if applicable)

Testing accommodations for the ISEE and SSAT must be approved before you register for the test. Applying for accommodations can involve several steps, so it’s important to start the process sooner rather than later to avoid any last-minute scurrying for paperwork. Examples of accommodations include additional time, use of a calculator, a reader, and selecting answers in the test booklet.

b) Requesting a fee waiver (if applicable)

Fee waivers are available to students in financial need. Fee waivers cover the registration cost for the ISEE, and they can be obtained from schools to which you are applying. It’s best to make your requests early. Students will need a waiver each time they take the test.

c) Choosing the format

The ISEE and SSAT are offered on paper and on the computer. Students can take the test on paper at a test center or at an educational consultant’s office, or on the computer at home or at a Prometric testing center.Ěý

When deciding whether your student should take the test on paper or on the computer, consider their comfort level with paper versus a computer. Do they prefer writing by hand or typing on a keyboard? Are they good at keeping multiple pieces of paper organized or are they better at navigating on a computer? Are they good at using a paper bubble sheet? Are they able to read from a computer screen for several hours?Ěý

d) Sending scores

When you register for the test, you have the option of selecting schools that you’d like your scores sent to. However, it is best to wait to send your scores until after you’ve had a chance to review them first.Ěý

e) Testing more than once

It’s always a good idea to plan to take the test more than once. That way, if the first time doesn’t go as well as you’d hoped, you’ll have another chance. Because most applications are due in January, it’s best to take the test in October or November and then again in December if needed.Ěý

2. Make a “wish list” of attributesĚý

Like the process for other big investments, applying to independent and private schools should start with a reflection of what is important for your family and for your student. Think about what attributes are ‘must-haves’ and those that are ‘nice to have.’

Consider things like academic offerings, the learning environment, extracurricular activities, and proximity to home. This wish list will help you throughout the process as you navigate what schools are best for your family.ĚýĚý

3. Request materials from schoolsĚý

Check out school websites to get a better sense of what the school is all about. Look at the curriculum guide and student handbook, review the calendar to see the events offered, and read parent newsletters and student publications. Then reach out to the schools you are interested in to get more information and application materials.Ěý

You can also visit schools casually if they are open. Many schools may now allow visitors but likely won’t have official tours until later this fall. .

4. Make plans to attend open houses

Schools host open houses and other admissions events to give prospective families an opportunity to visit the campus and learn more about the school. Because your calendar will fill up quickly this fall, you’ll want to start planning which open houses you’d like to attend. You can find open house dates on the school website. also has information on admissions events.Ěý

While these events aren’t necessarily required, it is important to attend. Many schools keep track of who attends these events as a way to gauge an applicant’s level of interest.

5. Schedule interviews

Schools often open up interview dates at the end of August/early September. Because the convenient slots tend to fill up quickly, you’ll want to schedule your interviews as soon as possible. It’s best to try to have interviews completed by mid-November if possible.Ěý

Many schools offer both virtual and in-person interview opportunities, so pick the option that best serves your family’s needs.

Start preparing today!

HSPT
PSAT
ACT
SAT

Originally published on August 11, 2022. Updated on August 8, 2025.Ěý

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]]> Why the Interview is Important (And Why It’s Important to Prepare!) /blog/why-the-interview-is-important-and-why-its-important-to-prepare/ Fri, 27 Sep 2024 18:31:58 +0000 /?p=14118 The interview can be an intimidating part of applying to independent schools, but it's an incredibly important part of process. Being prepared will help you to interview with confidence!

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It’s no surprise that the interview is one of the most challenging parts of the admissions process to independent and private schools. It can be intimidating to talk about yourself under such a big spotlight!Ěý

But the interview is arguably one of the most important aspects of the admissions process—for both the family and the school—so you’ll want to make sure that you are prepared.

Why the Interview Is So Important

Paints a Complete Picture

The interview allows admission officers to gain a holistic view of the applicant. While academic records and test scores provide a quantitative snapshot of a student’s capabilities and achievements, the interview offers a qualitative perspective, revealing deeper insights into the student’s personality, interests, and potential fit within the school community.Ěý

Many students have talents and passions that are not reflected in their academic records. The interview can uncover these hidden strengths, whether they lie in the arts, sports, leadership, or other areas. Recognizing these attributes allows schools to build a diverse and dynamic student body.

Through conversations, students can express their passions, interests, and unique perspectives, offering a more complete picture than what written essays and letters of recommendations can provide.

Gauge for Academic Success

Interviews also allow admissions teams to assess a student’s ability to articulate thoughts clearly, listen actively, and engage in meaningful conversation. These skills are essential not only for academic success but also for participating in classroom discussions, group projects, and extracurricular activities.

Character Assessment

Character development is a cornerstone of many independent schools. Interviews provide a window into a student’s character, including their integrity, empathy, leadership potential, and resilience. These qualities are considered when determining how a student might contribute to the school community and benefit from the educational experience provided.

Self-Reflection

The interview process encourages students to reflect on their own experiences, goals, and aspirations. It pushes them to think about why they are interested in the particular school, what they hope to achieve, and how they plan to contribute. This self-reflection is valuable not only for the admissions process but also for the student’s personal growth. After all, this is the first time in their lives that they are taking responsibility for the direction of their learning!

Personal Connection

Interviews establish a personal connection between the applicant and the admissions team. This connection can be vital for students who may feel more comfortable and confident knowing that the school recognizes and values them as individuals, not just as numbers or statistics.

Parent/Guardian Participation

Finally, interviews often include a component where parents/guardians are involved. This helps the school understand the family’s educational values and expectations. It also provides parents/guardians an opportunity to ask questions and better understand the school’s philosophy and community.Ěý

Why It’s Important to Practice for the InterviewĚý

Calm Your Nerves

Even the most outgoing people find interviews nerve-wracking. The best way to calm your nerves is to practice. Make sure to practice your answers out loud, so that you can get comfortable with the way you deliver your response.ĚýĚý

Learn How to Provide Details

During an interview, it’s not enough to just answer the question. You want to make sure that you provide a reason for your answer, and this requires some practice. For example, if you’re asked, “What is your favorite subject in school?” it’s not a good idea to simply say, “I like science.” because it doesn’t help the interviewer get to know you. So make sure to include “because” whenever you respond. “I like science because…”Ěý

Get Comfortable Talking About Yourself

While it’s important to be humble, the interview is your opportunity to shine, so don’t be afraid to talk about your accomplishments! If you don’t practice talking about yourself, it can be easy to downplay your achievements and skills. You want to make sure the interviewer gets a true picture of who you are, and that requires you to talk about yourself.Ěý

Cover Important Points

It’s a good idea to think about a few things that you want to make sure you cover during the interview. These could be things that aren’t in your application or things that you want to expand on. It’s likely that you’ll have the chance to talk about these points in your responses, but in case you don’t, the interviewer will ask you at the end if there’s anything else you want to share. It’s helpful to practice talking about these important points, so that when the opportunity presents itself, you’ll be ready.Ěý

Demonstrate Interest

Coming prepared for your interviews signals to the school that you are a serious and engaged candidate. Make sure to research the school beforehand, so that you can talk about specific offerings at the school that interest you. After researching the school, come up with a few questions that you’d like to ask. Remember that the interview is also your chance to get to know the school better. 

The interview is a critical element of the independent school admissions process, serving as a bridge between the applicant’s documented achievements and their personal story. It ensures that schools select students who are not only academically capable but also a good fit for their unique environment.Ěý

Preparing for the interview will ensure that you are able to put your best foot forward and show the school who you truly are, and it will give you the opportunity to make sure that the school is a good fit for you.

Start preparing today!

HSPT
PSAT
ACT
SAT

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