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Bay Area Private School Admissions
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Our private school admissions consultants have in-depth knowledge and understanding of the admissions process that nobody else has.
The Bay Area takes pride in having some of the best private high schools in the US that achieve excellent test scores, high admission rates to top universities, small student-teacher ratios, and overall high quality of education. The holistic approach by which the curriculum is developed enables students to find a balance between academic rigor and extracurricular activities. Students are not only academically challenged but also able to participate and become active members of society through different programs that develop and promote social awareness. There are also numerous opportunities to pursue athletics and receive training from the best coaches in the state.
Admission to Bay Area private schools can be arduous and stressful because of the tough competition brought about by numerous students wanting to gain admission. Our educational consultants can help you strategize and successfully navigate your way with less stress and more confidence. Our holistic private school admissions consulting focuses on helping you discover your strengths and help you become the best version of yourself. We offer honest advice to make sure that you get into the best private school in the Bay Area that aligns with your goals and is the best fit for you to make sure that you thrive and become successful.
Our admissions consultants will work with you in interview preparation, standardized test prep, writing samples, admissions essays, personal statements, and parent statements. If needed, we have tutoring services to help you in difficult subjects and improve your grades so you can submit an impressive transcript.
Cardinal Education has been providing excellent private school admissions consulting services for nearly two decades. We have gained a world-class reputation because of our high success rate in getting students into prestigious and reputable schools in the country.
If you are looking for the best private school admissions consultants in the Bay Area, contact us today. We are located in Burlingame and Woodside, but we also offer online consultations at your convenience.
Best Private Schools in the SF Bay Area
We have a track record of success in helping students get into the best private schools in the Bay Area such as
Peninsula
- The Nueva School
- Crystal Springs Uplands School
- Lick-Wilmerding High School
- Menlo School
- Woodside Priory School
- Sacred Heart Schools Atherton
- Notre Dame High School – Belmont
San Francisco
South Bay
East Bay
North Bay
Private School Admissions Consulting
Get personalized private school admissions strategies that align with your goals!
Interview Preparation
Refine your communication skills and present yourself confidently during the interview.
SSAT \ ISEE Practice Test
Learn test-taking strategies and get access to numerous supplemental materials and resources you can practice on.
HSPT Practice Test
Be familiar with the structure and content of the HSPT and get the highest possible score.
Writing Sample Assessment
Practice answering various writing prompts and learning fundamental writing techniques.
Application Assistance
Craft compelling essays, personal statements, and resumes that highlight your uniqueness.
Our Personalized Services
Cardinal Education offers personalized services tailored to each student’s unique strengths, aspirations, and academic journey. We are committed to empowering students and helping them reach their full potential through a holistic approach to admissions consulting. Through every step of the process, we build character, develop skills, and discover passions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to start private school admissions consulting in the Bay Area?
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.
- What does a private school admissions consultant do?
A private school admissions consultant helps families navigate the complex admissions process to private schools. We offer a range of services including the assessment of academic profile and extracurricular activities, creating a school list that aligns with the student’s profile, and providing support with the application process. To ensure that students are presenting the best version of themselves, we also assist with writing essays and personal statements, preparing for admissions interviews, and strategizing to improve the chances of acceptance. Among the most important strategies that admissions consultants help with are choosing the right extracurricular activities and delegating recommendation letters that will surely boost the application profile.
Additionally, we also offer test prep to help students achieve the best scores possible in the SSAT, ISEE, or HSPT. In the Bay Area, many private schools remain test-optional and test-blind but require a Proctored Writing Sample, an online writing test administered by Test Innovators. Many students find this challenging, so we came up with a writing program where writing tutors teach strategies for crafting responses to various prompts.
Our private school admissions consulting is holistic and goes beyond admissions. We equip students not only with the skills they need to get into the top schools in the Bay Area, but we also help them develop life skills, study skills, and social skills that will help them become successful as they continue their academic careers.
- What should I do if my child is put on a waitlist or is deferred?
If your child is put on a waitlist, When your student is placed on a waitlist or deferred from a private school in the Bay Area, it is important to be proactive to improve your chances of ultimately being accepted. These are the steps we advise families to take in such situations
- Demonstrate continued interest. Send an email expressing your continued interest in attending the school and your commitment to attend if accepted.
- Give updated information. Make sure the admissions officers are updated with new information or developments since submitting your application. Examples of these are improved grades, new awards or achievements, or participation in meaningful extracurricular activities.
- Submit additional materials. Some schools allow waitlisted or deferred students to submit additional materials to demonstrate continued growth and achievements, such as an updated resume, an additional letter of recommendation, or a new personal statement or admissions essay.
- Be active and present. Attend information sessions or campus tours to stay engaged with the community.
- Explore other options. While waiting for a decision, start exploring other options, like researching other schools or making plans for a gap year if necessary.
- How do I prepare for admissions interviews?
Coming prepared for the admissions interview can significantly affect your admissions outcome. Here are some tips on how you can make a positive first impression on the admissions committee:
- Research. Know more about the school, its mission, values, programs, and other recent news. This will show your interest in the school and how you are a good fit for them.
- Find out about the details of the interview. Understand the format, type of interview, location, and length of time. Knowing this information will help you prepare appropriately.
- Practice. Practice. Practice. Practice answering common interview questions. Repeat your responses until they are clear, concise, and compelling. Keep on practicing until you feel confident and the answers come out naturally.
- Highlight your achievements. Be prepared to discuss your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and any leadership roles you have held. Provide specific examples to illustrate your skills and accomplishments.
- Prepare questions. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the school, its programs, and student life. This demonstrates your interest and engagement.
- Dress appropriately. Choose an appropriate outfit that is comfortable, but not too casual. This will help make a positive impression.
- Practice good body language. Maintain eye contact, sit up straight, and avoid fidgeting during the interview. Good body language conveys confidence and good etiquette.
Our admissions consultants conduct mock interviews, offer feedback on their responses, and provide tips on presenting your child’s and your family’s strengths and unique qualities. The goal of the interview preparation is to let admissions officers know that you are a right fit and will be an asset to the school community.
Find the key to long-term success with Cardinal Education!
