Boarding school admissions FAQ
The answers families need before they book a call — and the ones they wish they'd known sooner.
About the process
When should we start the boarding school search?
Ideally 18–24 months before your target enrollment year — which for a 9th grade start means beginning in 6th or early 7th grade. That said, even families applying in the current cycle can benefit from working with a consultant. Start now rather than waiting.
How long does the application process take?
The full process — from initial research to acceptance — typically spans 12–18 months. Applications are due in January; acceptance letters go out on March 10.
How many schools should we apply to?
We recommend a balanced list across reach, match, and likely tiers. Applying to too many schools dilutes the quality of each individual application.
What is "Decision Day" in boarding school admissions?
Boarding schools participate in a shared calendar. All acceptance letters go out on March 10. Students have until April 10 to accept. This is industry-wide — no school can require an earlier commitment.
Testing
What tests are required for boarding school admission?
Most schools require either the SSAT or ISEE. International students also need a language test — typically TOEFL iBT (minimum 80–90) or the Duolingo English Test (90–115). Some schools are now test-optional, but a strong score is always an advantage.
When should my student take the SSAT or ISEE?
Plan to sit the test at least twice — once in the spring for a baseline, and once in the fall (October or November) to improve your score before January deadlines.
How important are test scores in the overall application?
They're one factor among many — schools weigh academic transcripts, essays, recommendations, and interviews heavily. A below-average score won't eliminate a candidate, but a strong score opens doors.
Cost & financial aid
How much does boarding school cost?
Top boarding schools charge $60,000–$70,000 per year in tuition, room, and board. Many schools also charge additional fees for activities, trips, and materials. Budget $65,000–$75,000 all-in for top-tier schools.
Can we get financial aid?
Yes — and more families qualify than you might expect. Schools with large endowments often meet 100% of demonstrated financial need. Families earning up to $200K+ sometimes receive meaningful aid packages. The key is applying through the School and Student Services (SSS) system alongside your admissions application.
Is boarding school more expensive than a private day school?
On sticker price, yes. After aid, the gap often narrows significantly — and boarding school includes room and board, which adds up quickly in expensive cities.
Working with CleverEd
What does CleverEd actually do?
We provide end-to-end boarding school placement support — school research, application strategy, essay coaching, interview preparation, financial aid guidance, and decision support. Think of us as a specialist who handles every dimension of the process so your family can focus on the choice.
Is the initial consultation really free?
Yes. The free consultation has no strings attached. We believe you should understand what we do and whether we're the right fit before making any commitment.
When in the process is it too late to hire a consultant?
It's never truly too late, though earlier is always better. Even families who start in October for January deadlines benefit from focused support on essays and interview preparation.
Do you work with international families?
Absolutely. We work with families worldwide and have specific expertise in navigating the international applicant process — including TOEFL/Duolingo guidance, F-1 visa support, and schools with the strongest international student communities.