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Parent Statements For Private High School Admissions

Christopher Coleman

December 2, 2020

When writing Parent Statements for private high school admissions, you must remember : you’re not writing your child’s resumé. For the purposes of this article, pretend that you are no longer a parent of a boarding school applicant. Instead, you are a boarding school admissions officer. Your job is to review applications and identify the applicants that are the best fit for your school from a large applicant pool. As a boarding school admission officer, you will read each page of every single admission application, which is standard operating procedure. 

In reviewing admission applications, you will read Parent Statements for private high school admissions . They will, hopefully, provide you with further information about the applicant. See, teacher recommendations primarily describe an applicant from an academic perspective. Transcripts will paint the picture of how much care the applicant puts into his or her studies. An activity list will explain how the applicant spends time outside of the classroom. What completes the applicant’s profile is information about them from the parents’ perspective, a unique vantage point that can provide very important information…or not.

As an admissions officer, Parent Statements can influence you in one of three ways: excite you, frustrate or bore you, or make little impression on you at all. 

What Should Entail Parent Statements for Private High School Admissions?

For whatever it’s worth, I am the parent of a child who is both a boarding school graduate and a college graduate. I have experienced both sides of the admission process, so I know the position in which you are in currently. 

Now, you might be thinking, “How can Parent Statements be anything but helpful and wonderful as they are written by kind, caring, and loving parents who only seek to support their children’s candidacies, Christopher?” In composing Parent Statements for private high school admissions , the writers  are only being, well, parents. More often than not, though, a parent’s point of view might come off as too promotional or lacking in objective insights. Translation: parents embody the statement made famous by Malcom X in that they wish to help their children gain admission to a school “by any means necessary,” touting their child as the second coming of Marie Curie, Serena Williams, or Stephen King. In reality, even though they are written with good intentions, these types of Parent Statements hurt their child’s application the most.

Let’s be honest. Parent Statements rarely make or break the success or failure of an admission application. Only in very rare cases has an applicant been accepted or denied admission solely based on the weight of a Parent Statement. So, it is best for parents to provide honest and objective information that will determine what kind of impact your child could make if he or she were to join that school’s community. 

Examples of Parent Statements

With that said, we’ll use the prompt and Parent Statement copied below as a sample for what ingredients should go into successful Parent Statements for private high school admissions .

Prompt: Please share with us the values you've instilled in your child and how our community might benefit from those values/lessons.

Response: We’ve taught our son Jimmy the value of volunteering and that not only does it benefit others, but that volunteering can also be a benefit to himself. Following our suggestion, Jimmy chose to volunteer on Saturdays at our neighborhood’s community center. He tutors younger kids in math and science. While the community center director has explained to my husband and me that Jimmy seems to be in a “happy place” whenever he tutors. The director also pointed out that Jimmy has a lot of fun interacting with the other children. My husband and I also noticed an increase in Jimmy’s grades since he started volunteering. You know what they say, the best way to learn is to teach.

Even more, Jimmy has also found that helping others is a practical way to further his own interests. During summer break, Jimmy loves to go fishing, but knows that he cannot go to the lake behind our house without being accompanied by an adult. My husband and I work during the day Monday through Friday and have lots of chores and errands on the weekends. So in previous summers, we have not had much time to take Jimmy fishing. To solve this issue, Jimmy taught his grandmother how to fish and goes fishing with her almost every day!

Experiencing firsthand the benefits of helping out others has made a positive impact on Jimmy’s life. My husband and I believe that as a student at your school, Jimmy would be likely to join or supervise a community service project or choose to become a peer tutor.  

Assessing the Example

Using the above example, here is how you, as an admission officer, should assess it:

• Clean writing. There are no spelling or grammar errors and the sentences should flow together. You should expect to compose several drafts for each of your Parent Statements. Take the time in between each draft so that you read each draft with a fresh perspective. 
• Answer the prompt. In directly answering the prompt, the Parent Statement provided a load of information about Jimmy. It pays for parents to brainstorm their child’s positive personality traits prior to responding to each prompt. These descriptors can act as a guide and give direction to the answer.
• No GPAs or academic accolades were found in this response.   I understand being proud of a child’s academic performance as a parent. However, the admissions officer will gain an understanding of that through academic transcripts and recommendations. Your job is to give further perspective on your child. Jimmy’s grades improved as a result of his behavior, but the grades themselves were not included.
• Tell a story…but not a novel. First and foremost, everyone likes a good story. Why do you think we watch movies and read books? The above example provides insight into Jimmy’s personality and his character. His academics have improved since becoming a tutor. He derives joy from helping and interacting with other children. He likes to fish. His family has set rules that Jimmy follows. One also learns that Jimmy is a problem-solver and has a positive relationship with family members from older generations. Lastly, by teaching his grandmother to fish, he now can participate in an activity he enjoys. The implication in all of this is that, if accepted, these are the qualities that Jimmy has to offer any school.
• Parent Statements do not have to be as dry as legal documents or tax forms or be as tedious to read as assembly directions for an Ikea dresser. Adding interesting details or humor to a Parent Statement will benefit its readability.
• Imagine a stack of Parent Statements stretching from your living room’s floor to its ceiling. As you are still reading this article, you are still an admissions officer. If your school requires each applicant’s parents to write five Parent Statements and during the course of an admission cycle you need to read 853 or more admission applications, you might just end up reading thousands of Parent Statements. From that perspective, you become quite eager to read Parent Statements that neither bore you, are majorly hyperbolic nor leave you with little to no insights into the applicant.

I hope that this blog has provided you with the basics towards building great Parents Statements for private high school admissions . When writing them, remember to think like an admission officer and not as a parent. If you were reviewing an admission application, what kind of Parent Statements would you find enjoyable to read and most insightful into an applicant’s personality? Did the Parent Statement you wrote meet those two criteria?

My best advice to you: Parent Statements are only meant to tell the parents’ side of a child’s story, not all of it. Put the care and attention into telling your side of your child’s story and do it well, leaving a positive impression.

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Applications - The Parent's Statement

I wrote this article and its companion article Applications - The Candidate's Statement to explain how to understand and complete these important forms. The problem with these parts of the application is that they require you and your child to express your thoughts in your own words. You won't be able to check any boxes to select from prepared answers. You will have to write out responses to the school's questions in any way you choose.

David Petersam of Admissions Consultants offers some tips in the following video. While he targets colleges admissions, the advice is quite sound for private high school admissions.

Many schools require a statement from the applicant's parents. After all, you probably know your child better than anybody. The school also wants to know what your concerns and educational objectives are. The goal here is to make sure that everybody's expectations are the same. For example, if you want your son to play on a varsity hockey team and the school offers limited hockey time, you need to deal with that before you decide to send your son to that school. Perhaps your daughter finds math challenging. You will want to point that out so that the school can discuss how it might deal with that concern. The following questions posed by McCallie School and The Hun School are fairly typical of what you will encounter as you prepare your applications. I will add editorial comments to try to give you some insight into what the school might be looking for.

• What do you hope your child will accomplish at McCallie?
• From what activities does your child derive self-confidence?
• What are your child’s strengths and weaknesses? (Please comment on social characteristics: e.g., self-reliance, sense of humor, ability to mix, shyness, assertiveness, etc.)
• Include any particular concerns of which the school should be aware: e.g., Has your child experienced any difficult challenges or personal setbacks in recent years? Are there any medical conditions of which we should be aware?
• Has your child had any psychological or educational testing?
• Does your child regularly take any prescription medication?
• Does your child's health limit or interfere with the normal performance of everyday activities, including classwork, athletics, or other duties?
• Please make any additional comments about your child which you feel may be helpful to us.

The school is asking a lot of questions but, as this video demonstrates, the school is asking those questions for all the right reasons.

My comments

Always be realistic and honest. As far as accomplishments are concerned, you may want your child to go to Harvard but since that is a long shot, I would suggest mixing in your academic hopes with every parent's hope that your son will emerge at the end of high school confident that he can take on anything life throws at him.

You can probably assess your child's strengths and weaknesses better than anybody. Choose your words carefully. Allow the reader to feel your unconditional love and involvement with your son's upbringing through the years. A statement similar to the following acknowledges that there was a weakness and demonstrates how you addressed that weakness. "Jon used to struggle with math, but we found this wonderful tutor who showed Jon how to work math problems logically. Now he loves the subject."

If there are health issues, discuss them candidly but with bold strokes. There is no need to delve into clinical details. What the school really wants to know is that any medical issues have been dealt with.

Be careful with the last section which asks you to make any additional comments which you feel may be helpful. Focus on the positive. "Rich has just taken up riding. He really enjoys it which is why we decided to apply to your school." The school may be asking the questions but never forget that you are also a potential customer.

From The Hun School It is very helpful for us to learn about our applicants through their parents’ eyes. Your answers to these questions will help us to better understand your child’s social and educational needs. Please attach additional pages if necessary.

• Please list any relatives who have attended The Hun School (name, class, relationship).
• Please discuss your primary reason for considering a new school for your child.
• Describe your child as an individual, explaining briefly what you believe are his or her strengths, weaknesses, goals, and aspirations.
• Has your child ever had an educational evaluation? If so, please explain the circumstances and send us a copy of the written evaluation.
• Has your child ever required any academic support or accommodations? If so, please explain.
• What are your expectations of The Hun School?
• What role do you play in your child’s education?
• Please list the names, ages, and current schools of other children in your family.
• We welcome any additional comments you may wish to make.

Once again each school will ask for a snapshot of your child in your own words. Their reasons for wanting to know your child has much to do with getting the fit right, both for your child and the school.

As you can readily see from these two examples, the schools are assembling a composite picture of your child via written applications and statements, an interview and academic testing. Once the admissions staff has a clear idea of your child's strengths and weaknesses, interests and achievements, then it can begin to make a final determination as to whether your child will fit in and vice-versa. What you may not be aware is the size of the applicant pool. If there are fewer applicants for the available places, your child's chances could improve markedly.

Since so much is riding on the Parent's Statement, do the following:

• Download and print out the forms, even if you plan to apply online.
• Prepare a rough draft of your answers.
• Put that draft away for a day or two.
• When you have some quiet time, review the draft and revise it as necessary.
• If you have an educational consultant, be sure to discuss and review this part of the application with him.
• Make a fair copy of your answers.

Then set aside 30-45 minutes to enter the information online or to write it out in your neatest penmanship. Some schools may have PDF forms that you can fill out and print. In any case, take time to complete this step with great care. Your statement will create an impression of you and your family. You want that impression to be the best one possible. One last tip: use the Applications Calendar to keep on top of all the deadlines involved in the admissions process. There is much to organize in the application process. In most cases, the application process will collide with the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays and vacations. Bear that in mind as you schedule time for completing applications.

Don't forget to start your search for a private school at least 18 months before the date your child will actually start school. For example, if you are thinking of having her attend 10th grade, begin the process in the spring of her eighth grade. You will find that the last three or four months will be rather hectic. There is much to do at what is historically a very busy time of the year.

Questions? Contact us via Facebook. @privateschoolreview

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Parent Statements

Best parent statement tips for private school admissions.

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Most private schools require parents to answer prompts or fill in a questionnaire about their child. The parent statement is an introduction to your child taken from your perspective as a parent. The main idea is to provide a written statement about your child’s personality, interests, and strengths. 

With two decades of experience in private school admissions , our educational consultants have deep knowledge of how to write parent statements for private schools that would differentiate your child. This guide outlines a list of tips that will prevent you from making common mistakes in the Parent Statement section of school applications. 

• Begin the writing process well in advance. Many families underestimate the time and thought it takes to complete parent statements and puts it off until the last minute. We recommend writing several drafts until you feel confident that you’ve provided all the necessary information.
• Research the school extensively. Admissions officers are looking for students who will be a good fit, so make sure to research and learn about the differentiating values of each school. Explain clearly how your child will be a good fit and an asset to the school.
• Be specific. Answer the questions clearly and be honest with your statements. Although you might want to impress the admissions officers by putting in a lot of information, they are only interested in things that matter.
• Be objective and honest. The purpose of the parent statement is for admissions officers to gain insight into your child from your perspective. Don’t be afraid to mention your child’s weaknesses.  

As experts in private school admissions, we know what you should and should not include in your parent statements. Parents who come to us for help are surprised that writing parent statements is not as easy as it seems. They recognize the importance of seeking professional help when they learn that their statements can ruin their child’s chances of admission.

Why are parent statements important?

Parent statements are important because admissions officers need to know about your child’s personality and determine if they are a good fit for the school. They would also want to know about the dynamics of your family. How supportive are you as parents in helping your child become successful? What are your goals as a family? Do your values align with those of the school? 

How long are parent statements?

Each school will have its own requirements but typically, parent statements are 500 – 1500 characters long. It is important to keep to the maximum requirement because admissions officers will not be interested to read very long paragraphs especially if the first sentences are not interesting enough.

How do I make my parent statement interesting?

A well-written parent statement is one that not only showcases your child’s positive attributes but is also compelling enough for admissions officers to read from start to finish. Write anecdotes instead of just plain narratives that describe your child because everybody loves reading stories. Read different parent statement examples to get ideas on how to write parent statements that are interesting. 

Do I need help in writing my parent statement?

Yes, especially if you are not a strong writer. You may know your child well but if you cannot write about their strengths, weaknesses, and goals, you might lose your chances of admission. Contact us to learn more about our writing program. 

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How to Write the Parent Statement for Private School

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Most applications to private schools require parents to write about their children in a parent’s statement or by filling out a questionnaire. The purpose of the parent's letter is to add dimension to the candidate’s statement and help the admissions committee better understand the applicant from the parent’s perspective.

Parent statement is your chance to provide a personal introduction to your child and share details about how your child learns as well as what their interests and strengths are. The following are a few simple steps that will help you write an effective parent letter.

Think About Your Responses

It can be difficult to step back and consider your child objectively, but you need to do exactly that. Think about what your child’s teachers have said over time, particularly the ones who know them well.

Reread report cards and teacher comments. Think about consistent themes that emerge from the reports. Are there comments that teachers have consistently made about how your child learns and acts in school and in extracurricular activities? These comments will be helpful for the admissions committee. 

Consider also your own observations of your child as well as what you hope your child will get out of their private school experience.

Real children aren’t perfect, but they can still be great candidates to private schools. Describe your child accurately and openly. A full, real, and descriptive parent’s statement will show the admissions committee that you are being honest, and when they will read about the amazing sides of your child, they will be more likely to believe them.

If your child has had serious disciplinary actions or other issues in the past, describe them. Let the admissions officers know what happened and draw positive lessons from it. The school is looking for a real kid—not a perfect pupil.

Showing that your child and your family are capable of dealing with setbacks might be even more valuable than presenting a flawless picture. Of course, describe your child’s strengths and don't only feel the need to be negative—but everything you write should be truthful.

Also, helping the committee members understand your child with their strengths and challenges will help them make the best decision for everyone. Your child will be most successful if they attend the school that fits them best , and describing your child candidly will help the admissions committee decide if the school and your child are the best fit for one another. Children who succeed at their schools are happier and healthier and stand in better stead for college admissions.

Consider How Your Child Learns

The parent’s statement is a chance to describe how your child learns so that the admissions committee can decide if they are likely to benefit from being at the school. If your child has moderate to severe learning issues, reveal them. Many private schools grant students with learning issues  accommodations or changes in the curriculum, so that they can best demonstrate what they know.

Students with mild learning issues might be able to wait until they are admitted to the school to ask about the school’s accommodations policy, but students with more severe learning issues should ask about the school’s policies about helping them beforehand. You may also have to do some research into what kind of resources the school offers to help your child—before they attend the school. Being open and honest with the school will help you and your child find the school where they can be happy and successful.

How to Organize Your Letter

Parent statements for private schools are typically composed of three parts: description of your child, description of your family, and the alignment of your values with the school values. The first two or even all three may be blended together, as through descriptions of your child, the nature of your family and your values will come through.

Sometimes, school websites offer useful prompts to guide your letters, and if that is the case, you should definitely make use of them. Some of the frequent questions are:

• What do you hope for your child to accomplish with the help of our school?
• Has your child ever had any intellectual, emotional, or behavioral evaluations? If so, describe their contexts and results.
• In what situations does your child thrive? Describe your child as an individual, with their hopes, values, goals, aspirations, strengths, and weaknesses.
• Has your child been through any adversity? Describe the context and how they navigated it.
• What has your role been in your child's education?
• Does your child require any academic or other support or accommodations?

Ideally, your letter would respond to these questions as thoroughly, yet as succinctly as possible.

The simplest way to go about this is to choose three to five aspects of your child's personality that you would like to highlight and compose the statement around them. Include illustrative anecdotes that will also portray a little about your family life. If it comes naturally to you, feel free to make these funny or quirky, as you are ultimately trying to stand out from the rest of the applicants.

As mentioned, you should also make a point of familiarizing yourself with the school's values and objectives and show in your letter how connected these are to your family. The more natural this is the better. All in all, as long as you provide the admission officers with an honest snapshot of your family and your child's nature and potential, your letter will hold its ground.

Article edited by  Stacy Jagodowski

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Parent Essays for Private Schools

Posted on: December 2, 2021

Sometimes they look a little sheepish when they ask.

“Katy, do you have any advice for us about the parent questions?”

The private school admissions process is often one that seems to throw unexpected curveballs every step along the way. And right when it feels like you are rounding third base, you notice that the application asks not only for your student to write an essay (or four…) but also for you to do the same. The request seems at once totally reasonable. It makes sense for a school to want an adult perspective on a young applicant. And yet it also seems out of the blue — after all, the parent isn’t the one applying to school!

The struggle with these questions tends to fall in to two camps:

“What are they looking for? Am I being evaluated?”

“I think my child is amazing, but I don’t want to brag.”

What are they looking for?

As with every time an admissions officer at any level of education is asked this question, they would say that the answer is authenticity . In this case, they’re usually looking for two things. First, how will your family connect with their community? Are they likely to see you at the sidelines of every field hockey game or front and center at the Annual Gala? Or both? They do not necessarily bring an agenda to reading these essays — every school needs both sideline spirit and Gala guests. But they are trying to envision the class community they are building as they look at all of the applications.

The second thing they’re looking for is your insight on your child. Even the most delightful and reflective 13-year-old is still a 13-year-old. Middle school students are just starting to develop the parts of their brain that allows them to understand some of their gifts and challenges. But the parents who love them probably have a good idea. So they are asking you to introduce yourself and your student to the admissions team.

Which brings us to the second anxiety: how much to say and how to say it.

What should you say?

I see parents falling into three traps with this issue: brevity, oversharing, and listing. While you always want to respect suggested word limits, I’d encourage you not to err too much on the side of brevity. When I was reading applications for private schools, I’d often read ten or fifteen applications at a time (hopefully in a quiet coffee shop, preferably with a fire, on a Saturday in January). If one of those applications has just a sentence or two and several others offer two or three paragraphs of insight on what this particular student may have to share, I felt a bit disappointed in the quick answer. It just did not give me much to go on.

But of course, be careful! The opposite can also happen. Several years ago, I read a response by a lovely parent of a lovely 8th grader. The question asked, “How does your child handle personal responsibility?” Much of the answer was a reflection on the parent’s part, that her daughter had not really ever been given responsibility. The answer detailed the parent’s guilt over this fact and dwelled more closely on the parent’s sense of having failed the child than on the answer to the question. It felt deeply personal and authentic, but it still missed the mark.

What should you NOT do?

Listing is perhaps the biggest pitfall I see. We are, naturally, quite proud of our child’s accomplishments. As good and supportive parents, we want to place our child squarely in the limelight, to let their experiences and triumphs speak for themselves. I often see parents use this space as a chance to list the things they are proud of: Her 3rd grade spelling bee ribbon; his 5th grade sportsmanship award. The problem with listing accomplishments is that probably these things are listed elsewhere in the application, under awards or extracurricular activities. So, you are essentially ceding your chance to show the great parts of who your student is as a person … but it’s the person that the admissions team is looking for.

The Takeaway: Parent Essay Advise

My advice to every parent is that you take this opportunity as a chance to thoughtfully consider both who your child is and what you want from the next school community you choose. Those answers are always a home run.

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How to Write an Awesome Private School Admission Essay

Sitting down to write the all-important private school admission essay — is there anything more stress-inducing than a blank document and a blinking cursor? 

Writing anything from scratch requires intensive energy, focus, and inspiration — and that pressure is heightened when the writing topic is turned inward. No wonder students (and parents) get overwhelmed when it’s time to complete the essay portion of a private school application!

Helping your child write their private school admission essay can be pretty nerve-wracking. However, it doesn’t have to be. 

The short essay questions included as part of most private school applications are meant to provide admissions professionals with a well-rounded picture of your child as a person and as a student. If written thoughtfully, this component of your child’s application can make them truly stand out. 

Below are our top tips for beating back writer’s block and crafting a private school admission essay that gets noticed. 

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<span class="text-color-orange" role="decoration">Remember the essay audience.</span>

Although the essay is about your student, it’s FOR the private school admissions team. What will stand out to them? What will interest them? What will help them best understand your child and how they learn? Help your child craft an essay with these professionals in mind.

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<span class="text-color-lightblue" role="decoration">Answer the essay question asked.</span>

This may seem obvious; however, it’s very easy to steer off course when you get into a writing groove. Help your child refer back to the question and any associated instructions while they write. Remind them to try to stick to the word count, and make sure to answer all parts of the question. 

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<span class="text-color-green" role="decoration">Portray personality.</span>

Private schools are admitting people, not numbers. Their goal is to create a diverse, copasetic community in which students grow and are challenged. Your child’s answers shouldn’t be cookie-cutter. The best essay question answers will showcase a student’s personality, quirks and all. 

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<span class="text-color-orange" role="decoration">Demonstrate passions. </span>  

Private schools are seeking students with different interests and passions. If your child has a unique interest or personal pursuit, the essay can be a great place to explain what it means to them and why it drives their creativity. 

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<span class="text-color-lightblue" role="decoration">Provide a unique perspective. </span>  

Opinions are important. If your child believes in a cause or has a strong point-of-view on a topic, talk about why. By standing behind their convictions, your child will demonstrate their critical thinking and leadership capabilities. 

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<span class="text-color-green" role="decoration">Paint a complete portrait. </span>   

Regardless of the essay question, you want your child’s essay to work seamlessly with the rest of their application and showcase them as a full, well-rounded student. If the application itself doesn’t allow you to bring your student’s true self to life, take that opportunity in the essay component.  

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<span class="text-color-orange" role="decoration">Maintain proper essay structure. </span>  

Remember, the essay isn't solely an exercise to get to know your child; it's also an evaluation of their writing ability. Maintaining the proper essay structure with an introduction, body, and conclusion is essential.

Admission officers read a LOT of essays, so really work on hooking them with the intro. Have your child read feature magazine and news articles, as well as the opening paragraphs of books to see how professional authors engage their readers.

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<span class="text-color-lightblue" role="decoration">Cut the clutter. </span>  

After your child writes their essay's first draft, make sure they spend time editing their ideas into a clear, concise answer. Help them proofread, check their grammar, and cut out any extra words or phrases that don’t support their answers. 

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<span class="text-color-green" role="decoration">Get/offer feedback. </span>  

Once your child’s essay is complete, it’s perfectly acceptable for them to ask someone else to read it. As a parent, point out areas where they have opportunities to strengthen an idea or fix a mistake. However, resist the urge to rewrite the essay in your own words. Again, your child’s own perspective is what matters! 

While the questions asked on private school applications may change, these essay-writing tips will help ensure that whatever story your child tells resonates with your dream school’s admissions team. For more essay tips, read Encouraging Your Child to Write a Self-Revealing Application Essay .

Encouraging Your Child to Write a Self-Revealing Application Essay

How to make a great impression in private school interviews, recommendation letters: who should you ask — and how, first-choice letters: do they help or hurt admission, the final countdown to application deadlines, 11 parent statement tips for private school applications.

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Whatever type of private school you're looking for, we've got it. Day schools. Boarding schools. Schools that dance. Schools that play. Schools that pray. Use our Private School Search to discover the schools that will help your child hone their strengths and discover hidden talents. Where will they blossom?

Admission Concierge at Your Service

Grow your understanding of the private school application process with Admission Concierge, a free newsletter delivering timely reminders and advice throughout the application process. It's everything you need to know—precisely when you need to know it.

Stand Out With the Snapshot

The Character Skills Snapshot is an innovative measure of student preferences, attitudes, and beliefs, helping schools get to know who an applicant is rather than just what they know from grades and standardized tests—letting their uniqueness shine. Add the Snapshot to your student's application today to help them stand out.

How to Write a Successful Parent Statement for Your Child’s Private School Application

The parent statement is an opportunity for you to introduce your child to admissions; to give them a glimpse of who your child is and why they would be a great fit for the institution in question. By the time the admissions committee finishes reading your parent statement, you want them to be clamoring for what your son or daughter can contribute to their community. But how exactly do you do that?

Your top 3 goals when writing a parent statement are to:

1. offer insight into who your child is, what makes them tick, and how they interact with the world around them..

We recommend starting with some freewriting : Sit in front of an open notebook or blank Google Doc and start writing down your first thoughts. Ask yourself: What special qualities does my child have? When have I felt particularly proud of them? How do they approach learning? How do they engage with their peers? Remember, school is as much about soft skills, like conflict resolution and active listening, as it is about mastering the times tables.

2. Provide context regarding your approach to parenting and education.

The admissions committee isn’t just accepting your child, they are accepting you, too, along with any other children you might want to enroll in the future (though this is not a guarantee). Many private schools want to know about parenting styles and academic goals to ensure you will also be a good fit for their community.

3. Be honest and concise in regards to your child’s areas for improvement, as well as their academic goals.

You will not be doing yourself (or your child!) any favors if you dust any major concerns or challenges under the rug. Be upfront. Albert Einstein was a prodigal genius, but he struggled with discipline and authority as a student. Before Robert Frost was a celebrated poet and four-time Pulitzer Prize winner, he was expelled from school for constant daydreaming. Bringing admissions into the fold will set your child up for success. And, besides, if the institution isn’t prepared to support and inspire your child, is that really where you want them to spend their formative years?

To really set your parent statement apart from the rest, explore the school’s website and see if you can find their mission statement. Pepper in some of the school’s values (and how they overlap with your own) to demonstrate your interest and fit. 

Finally, we’re always here if you’d like a second opinion from seasoned experts who know the admissions process inside and out. Good luck!

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Written by CEA HQ

Category: Admissions , advice , Private School

Tags: aea , parent statement , preschool , preschool admissions , preschool applications , private school , private school admissions , private school applications , the parent statement

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How to write a great parent statement.

Admissions season is in full swing. Preliminary applications have been submitted and interviews are being scheduled. A key component to any student’s application not to be overlooked is the parent statement. These offer a window into who your child is as a student, as a community member, and quite frankly, as a human being. Here are some guidelines to follow to make the most out of what you write:

Start early

Waiting until the 11th hour to write your parent statement is never a good idea. Don’t make the mistake of quickly jotting down some thoughts and clicking “submit.” Be thoughtful about what you would like the schools to know. Give yourself the time and space to really sit with the question and think about your answer. Otherwise your statement will be generic and read like hundreds of other essays they have already read.

Paint a complete picture

Take this opportunity to share specific details as to what makes your child unique and special. Rattling off a list of adjectives, activities, or achievements doesn’t really sound impressive. We recommend that you start with an outline of the key character traits you want to share and see if any themes begin to emerge that tell a story. You know the common advice of “show, don’t tell” when writing? That’s exactly what you want to do. Use anecdotes to show how your child is “athletic” or “a brainiac.” Then tie everything together with interesting details to create a compelling story for the school.

Sometimes less is more

Some schools have maximum word limits, others don’t. Regardless, you want to shoot for quality over quantity. Writing 10 paragraphs that list every possible detail about your child will not make for a better application. You want to keep your reader interested and wanting more. And remember: it’s always great to save some stories for your interview!

These are just a few of the suggestions we have for writing a memorable parent statement. Want to hear more? Call us at The Admissions Plan to find out how we can help support you and your child on this educational journey.

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How to Write a Private High School Application Essay Worth Reading

Forget everything you’ve ever learned about writing an essay.

Okay, I may be being a bit melodramatic. You still need appropriate grammar, syntax, spelling, and formatting.

But as for the generic boring cluster that begins with “In this essay I am going to be discussing ___ by looking at x,y, and z,” throw that out the window because it’s nothing but a one way ticket to Snoozeville not only for you but for anyone tasked with reading it.

Remember Your Private High School Application Essay Audience

The biggest mistake students make when writing an essay is that they forget who their audience is . Your audience, be it a teacher, an administrator, or an admissions committee, has likely read hundreds if not thousands of student’s admissions essays.

This means that you are going to have to do more than throw in a few SAT words to impress them. The key to writing an essay worth reading is writing an essay that has not been written before by any other essay writer . It needs to be your own story, not the story you think they want to hear.

One of my favorite things about writing is that there is no right or wrong answer. An essay isn’t a scantron that you have to correctly bubble in or risk some computer incorrectly grading you.  You can’t just play eenie miney moe and hope for the best. Writing is personal. It’s written by one individual and read by another.

But all too often students, especially in the application process , forget this. They write the essay they think that the admission committee wants to read when in reality it’s an essay that the committee has probably already read a million times.

The Importance of the Essay Topic

What is the root of this cause? The topic.

If your topic is flawed, cliché, generic, or boring, it doesn’t matter how well crafted your essay is it will be forgotten. When approaching your admission essay, think of it this way: when the admission committee begins reading your essay they’ll view you as just a number, but when they finish it you want them to view you as an individual student.

So, how do we accomplish this?

It’s simple: don’t write the essay you think an admissions committee wants to read, write one that YOU would want to read . If your own essay bores you, it’s highly likely that it will bore everyone else.

Let’s say that your topic is to discuss an extracurricular activity that has played a large impact on your life. A lot of times students are tempted to write what they think the admission committee want to hear.

“I love to volunteer because it has taught me to be appreciative of what I have,”

Or “I love National Honors Society because it allows me to combine my love of academics with my love of service.”

While both of these are wonderful extracurricular activities, unless you are truly passionate about either and have specific details to intertwine into your narrative, it’s going to come off dry and predictable.

What Your Topic Should Be Instead

When describing their ideal student, one of the top words used by the Director of Admissions at some of DC’s top private schools is “passionate.”

Admissions Committees are not looking for a cookie-cutter student; rather they are looking for a student who genuinely loves something and will share that love with other students .

So if you love to spend your weekends driving four-wheelers or riding horses or making short films on iMovie, write about that because I can assure you that your natural enthusiasm will read a whole lot better than the stale and generic “I love to volunteer” response – unless that is actually what you spend your weekends doing.

The Essay’s Opening Paragraph

Don’t believe me?

Consider these two opening paragraphs. You tell me which one you want to keep reading?

1. “’Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.’ These famous words were spoken by John F. Kennedy, one of the best politicians of all life. John F. Kennedy led America and has become my role model. He encouraged me to get into politics which is why I joined student government. When asked what extracurricular activity has had the largest impact on me as a person, I immediately thought of student government. In this essay I will discuss how student government has impacted me as a person by growing my leadership skills, developing my social connections, and making me take academics more seriously.”

2. “I don’t ride for blue ribbons or Olympic gold, although I respect and admire those chosen few who do. I don’t ride for the workout, although my trembling muscles at the end of a good lesson indicate otherwise. I don’t ride because I have anything to prove, although I’ve proven a lot to myself along the way. I ride for the feeling of two individual beings becoming one, so perfectly matched that it’s impossible to tell where rider ends and horse begins. I ride to feel the staccato beat of hooves against dirt echoed in the rhythm of my own heart. I ride because it isn’t easy to navigate a creature with a mind of its own around a course of solid obstacles, but in that perfect moment when horse and rider work as one, it can be the easiest thing in the world. I ride for an affectionate nose nudging my shoulder as I turn to leave, searching for a treat or a pat or murmured words of praise. I ride for myself, but for my horse as well, my partner and my equal.”

Next Steps: Your Perfect Admissions Essay

Okay now you have the framework.

First, remember that you’re writing to a private school admissions audience that has probably seen every high school application essay in the book. So don’t write the one you think they want to read… write the one that you care most about.

Then, choose the essay topic that resonates most with you as a student. That enthusiasm will shine through in your writing, and hopefully “wow” the reader enough to convince them they have to have you at their school.

3 Tips for Writing Your Child's Private School Application Essay

How to harness the power of storytelling.

By Soojung Smith

Published on: october 30, 2017.

It’s that time of year again: the busy admissions season for private and independent K–12 schools. Keeping track of each school's open houses, campus tours, parent and student interview dates and test requirements can feel like a full-time job. 

Each year, more families are considering private schools for their children and competition for top private schools in the greater Seattle area has become increasingly fierce. Some elite private schools admit fewer than 10 percent of their applicants from a highly qualified candidate pool. High standardized test (SSAT and ISEE) scores and GPAs alone, unfortunately, don’t guarantee a spot at these coveted schools. They're interested in forming a diverse and well-rounded student body that delves beyond students’ test scores and grades.

Some elite private schools admit fewer than 10 percent of their applicants.

One of the biggest mistakes I've seen families make in preparing their child’s applications for admission is to treat the information they submit as separate data points. Rather than painting a complete picture of their student, parent and student essays often read like a student activity form.

To give your child the best chance of success, it's important to be intentional and thoughtful about your child’s application. Remember that admission committees are interested in learning about your child and what your family can offer, and how you will contribute to their schools and school communities.

Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your child's private school application.

Know what it is you want to say about your child and your family: What are the key messages you want to convey?  

• Think about how you and others see your child. You as parents? Grandparents? Their siblings? How would their friends describe them? Teachers? Neighbors?
• What keywords begin to emerge? Kind? Mature? Creative? Curious? Inventive? A maker? A leader?
• Choose three to five themes that best capture core identities of your child.
• Use your child’s essential qualities, be it their achievements, unique experiences, activities or interests to make the connection to these themes.
• Once themes emerge, look broadly and creatively at parent and student essays, activity profile, teacher recommendations, and other application elements for opportunities to weave these ideas together for differentiation.

Start working on essays and other application elements

• Typically, families apply for three to five schools and, depending upon schools under consideration, you may end up with writing not only a common set of essays but also other unique ones they require from applicants and their families.
• These requirements all add up, expecting a significant amount of time and efforts on your and your child’s end. Good writing is a process; it doesn’t happen overnight. Be prepared to go through three rounds of drafts of parent and student essays to get to final “quality” ones you and your student feel proud of. Try to have solid first drafts by the end of October, the second one by the end of November and the final draft by the end of December.   
• Make sure you write parent essays while your child writes their student essays. You can lend help to your child, but they need to provide original and thoughtful answers in their portion of the applications as well as during interviews. Schools can tell if a parent writes student essays and even go so far as to collect writing samples.

Use essays and other application elements for effective storytelling

• Use a parent statement, student essays and an extracurricular activity profile to let the reader in: Who is your child? What do they care most? Who is their hero? Why? How do these insights connect with other information you are submitting about your child and your family? Is there a particular story(ies) that helps to describe your child and your family best?
• Distill the story that defines your child and your family in the space provided in online applications before the deadline for completed applications. Each essay question has a specific word count you can’t exceed, so be mindful of how you will use precious real estate to convey main messages for differentiation.

Effective storytelling alone won’t necessarily put your child over the top if they aren't already a competitive candidate. But it goes hand-in-hand with solid standardized test scores and GPAs for robust applications. Let schools know how unique your child and your family are. Let them know how your child and family will contribute to a diverse student body. Good luck!

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About the author.

Soojung Smith is a family education coach, author, CEO and board advisor, and former Microsoft marketing executive. Her children attend two private schools on the Eastside. Soojung supports parents with challenging issues such as private school vs. public school, private school admissions, and students’ executive functioning skills and their public speaking competencies. Email Soojung at  [email protected] .

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Application Essentials for the Top 20 U.S. Private High Schools

Applying to private high schools can feel daunting. For many students, it’s the first time they’ve had to complete an application of this sort or take on serious standardized testing.

While the private school application process is definitely involved, it’s nothing that can’t be managed with a proper mindset, timeline, and study plan. We encourage families to start thinking about where they want to apply early and know the important deadlines for those schools.

Students should also begin studying for the SSAT plenty of time before their first official test date and be prepared to take the SSAT more than once. The first step towards independent school success is strong SSAT scores , and you want to put yourself in the best position possible to stand out.

To help with your planning, we’ve compiled a list of important dates, deadlines, and other application essentials for the top 20 private high schools in the U.S.

Here’s what we cover in this post:

The Private School Application in a Nutshell

Every private high school in the U.S. is different, but most applications require students to submit the same general materials, which typically involve the following:

• an academic transcript
• letters of recommendation
• SSAT scores
• an interview
• and/or essay or writing sample

Many competitive high schools have application components in addition to these general requirements, such as interviews, parent/guardian statements, supplementary letters of recommendation, portfolios, graded writing samples, and essay questions.

Some schools might have “optional” or “suggested” requirements, such as the SSAT Character Skills Snapshot.

We encourage families to familiarize themselves with  all  application requirements for each school of choice and to consider submitting optional components if possible. While this doesn’t necessarily guarantee acceptance, these additional components can potentially provide admissions officers with greater insight into your student’s potential.

If you have any questions about the application process for a specific school, feel free to contact the admissions office. Most school representatives are more than happy to provide further insight into SSAT score requirements, candidate statements, transcript submission, etc.

The list below compiles application essentials for the most competitive U.S. private high schools in New England. There are numerous competitive private schools in this region, and their application standards are representative of most schools.

We update these details regularly for your convenience.

Phillips Exeter Academy (Exeter, NH)

• SSAT score submission deadline: January 15
• Application deadline: January 15
• Rolling Admissions: No
• Interviews: Yes (required)
• Application Portal: found here
• Additional application requirements: Essay questions, transcript report, principal/counselor recommendations, current English teacher recommendation, current Mathematics teacher recommendation, personal recommendation (optional), special interest recommendation (optional), SSAT character skills snapshot (optional)

Phillips Academy Andover (Andover, MA)

• SSAT score submission deadline: February 1 (February test scores accepted if all other materials are in prior to February 1)
• Application deadline: February 1
• Rolling Admissions: No, but there is a “second round” admissions process for students applying after February 1. Call the admissions office for more information.
• Additional application requirements: Graded writing sample, short answer and essay questions, parent/guardian statement, transcript report, principal/counselor recommendations, current English teacher recommendation, current Mathematics teacher recommendation, personal recommendation, special interest recommendation (optional)

The Lawrenceville School (Lawrenceville, NJ)

• SSAT score submission deadline: February 1
• Interviews: Yes
• Application Portal: Apply with the SSAT Standard Application Online ( more info )
• Additional application requirements: SSAT Standard Application Online forms, supplementary materials for athletics and art (encouraged), SSAT character skills snapshot (strongly recommended)

Choate Rosemary Hall (Wallingford, CT)

• Interviews: Yes (strongly encouraged)
• Additional application requirements: Essay questions, parent/guardian statement, transcript report, principal/counselor recommendations, current English teacher recommendation, current Mathematics teacher recommendation, personal recommendation (optional), SSAT character skills snapshot (optional)

Deerfield Academy (Deerfield, MA)

• Rolling Admissions: No, but there is a “late applicant” admissions process for students applying after January 15. Call the admissions office for more information.
• Additional application requirements: Graded writing sample, short answer and essay questions, transcript report, principal/counselor recommendations, current English teacher recommendation, current Mathematics teacher recommendation, current academic teacher recommendation (from a third teacher of the student’s choice)

St. Paul’s School (Concord, NH)

• Additional application requirements: Candidate statement, parent statement, transcript report, principal/counselor recommendations, current English teacher recommendation, current Mathematics teacher recommendation, personal recommendation, special interest recommendation (optional), supplementary materials for athletes/ballet dancers/musicians (optional)

Groton School (Groton, MA)

• SSAT score submission deadline: January 15 (January test scores will be accepted, but November and December tests are preferred)
• Interviews: Yes (recommended)
• Additional application requirements: Graded writing sample, candidate statement, parent statement, transcript report, principal/counselor recommendation, current English teacher recommendation, current Mathematics teacher recommendation, personal recommendation, special interest recommendation (optional)

Noble & Greenough School (Dedham, MA)

• Application Portal: Apply through Ravenna ( more info )
• Additional application requirements: Student statement, extracurricular activities form, parent statement, transcript report, principal/counselor recommendations, current English teacher recommendation, current Mathematics teacher recommendation, character skills snapshot (required)

The Hotchkiss School (Lakeville, CT)

• Additional application requirements: Graded writing sample, candidate project, parent statement, transcript report, principal/counselor recommendations, current English teacher recommendation, current Mathematics teacher recommendation, personal recommendation, special interest recommendation (optional)

Middlesex School (Concord, MA)

• SSAT score submission deadline: Tests through February accepted
• Application deadline: January 31
• Additional application requirements: Student essay questions, parent statement, transcript report, principal/counselor recommendations, current English teacher recommendation, current Mathematics teacher recommendation, personal recommendation (optional), special interest recommendation (optional), SSAT character skills snapshot (strongly encouraged)

The Loomis Chaffee School (Windsor, CT)

• Rolling Admissions: All late applicants will be considered on a rolling basis as space becomes available
• Additional application requirements: Essay questions, transcript report, principal/counselor recommendations, current English teacher recommendation, current Mathematics teacher recommendation, SSAT character skills snapshot (optional)

Milton Academy (Milton, MA)

• Application Portal: Apply using the Gateway to Prep Schools common application or the SSAT Standard Application Online ( more info )
• Additional application requirements: Short answers and essay questions, parent statement, graded writing sample, transcript report, principal/counselor recommendations, current English teacher recommendation, current Mathematics teacher recommendation, personal recommendation (optional), special interest recommendation (optional)

St. Andrew’s School (Middletown, DE)

• Application Portal: Common applications not accepted. Apply through the Andrew’s Online Application Portal .
• Additional application requirements: Transcript report, principal/counselor recommendations, current English teacher recommendation, current Mathematics teacher recommendation, special interest in athletics or art form (optional)

St. Albans School (Washington, DC)

• Application deadline: January 8
• Additional application requirements: Two personal statements, transcript report, principal/counselor recommendations, current English teacher recommendation, current Mathematics teacher recommendation

Concord Academy (Concord, MA)

• Interviews: Yes (suggested)
• Additional application requirements: Personal statement, parent statement, transcript report, principal/counselor recommendations, current English teacher recommendation, current Mathematics teacher recommendation, visual and performing arts portfolio (if applicable)

Peddie School (Hightstown, NJ)

• Rolling Admissions: Applications received after January 15 will be considered on a rolling basis
• Additional application requirements: Student essays, parent statement, transcript report, principal/counselor recommendations, current English teacher recommendation, current Mathematics teacher recommendation, personal recommendation, Peddie School supplemental form

Hill School (Pottstown, PA)

• SSAT score submission deadline: January 31
• Rolling Admissions: Applications received after January 31 will be considered on a rolling basis
• Additional application requirements: Short answer and essay questions, transcript report, principal/counselor recommendations, current English teacher recommendation, current Mathematics teacher recommendation, personal recommendation (optional), graded writing sample (optional)

Taft School (Watertown, CT)

• Additional application requirements: Short answers and essay questions, parent statement, graded writing sample, transcript report, principal/counselor recommendations, current English teacher recommendation, current Mathematics teacher recommendation, character skills snapshot (recommended)

Blair Academy (Blairstown, NJ)

• Additional application requirements: Student questionnaire, parent statement, transcript report, principal/counselor recommendations, current English teacher recommendation, current Mathematics teacher recommendation, personal recommendation (optional)

Westminster School (Simsbury, CT)

• Additional application requirements: Graded writing sample, candidate statement, parent statement, transcript report, principal/counselor recommendations, current English teacher recommendation, current Mathematics teacher recommendation, character skills snapshot, personal recommendation (optional)

Applying to Private High Schools: Next Steps

When it comes to applying to private high schools in the U.S., the key to success is preparation! Know what to expect when applying and create a schedule to ensure you have the capacity to submit all components on time.

A strong application also starts with strong SSAT scores and an early, effective study plan. The SSAT covers a wide breadth of material, some of which may feel unfamiliar to students, such as the SSAT Verbal section . The best way to be prepared is to practice as much as possible in order to familiarize yourself with different question types and figure out which strategies work best for which questions.

How can you make sure that you’re getting the best SSAT practice possible?

We strongly recommend signing up for one of our state-of-the-art SSAT programs . Working with professionals who utilize real SSAT materials is the surest way to guarantee excellent results as you study for your private school exams.

Annie is a graduate of Harvard University (B.A. in English). Originally from Connecticut, Annie now lives in Los Angeles and continues to mentor children across the country via online tutoring and college counseling. Over the last eight years, Annie has worked with hundreds of students to prepare them for all-things college, including SAT prep, ACT prep, application essays, subject tutoring, and general counseling.

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High School Application Essay

Embarking on the high school application process can be daunting, but mastering the art of the application essay can set you apart. This comprehensive guide, enriched with essay examples , will navigate you through crafting an impactful and memorable high school application essay. From understanding the prompt to showcasing your unique story, we’ll provide practical tips and examples to enhance your writing skills, ensuring your essay stands out in the competitive world of high school admissions.

Download High School Application Essay Bundle

Essay writing as part of the application to enter the institution may sound kind of difficult. But it really wasn’t as the applicant was given a set of instructions on how to come up with what she or he had to write. They were given a topic to write and this was the test they had to take to see if they fit the qualifications to get admitted to the institution.  The most common topic to write in an essay was a career type. What you wanted to be when you grow up. It was a challenge but most of us have gone through that and could say, it was worth it.

3+ High School Application Essay Examples

1. high school application essay.

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2. Private High School Application Essay

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How to Write a High School Admission Essay

Embarking on the journey of writing a high school admission essay can be a significant step in your educational path. This piece of writing, often referred to as a college essay or application essay, is more than just a formality. It’s a chance for you to showcase your personality and aspirations, making it crucial for not only high school applications but also for college and scholarship applications.

Understanding the Essay’s Purpose

At its core, the admission essay is your chance to provide a glimpse into who you are beyond your academic scores. It’s not just about showcasing your achievements; it’s about narrating your story and aspirations. This narrative is what the admission committee will use to distinguish you from other candidates, making it a key component of your middle school application essay or any other educational application process.

Choosing the Right Topic

Selecting an appropriate topic is essential. Your topic should reflect an aspect of your personality or an experience that has played a significant role in your personal development. Whether it’s a challenge you’ve overcome, a unique experience, or a personal achievement, it should give insight into your character and how it has shaped you. For a short essay for high school , choosing a concise yet impactful topic is vital.

Crafting Your Essay

Organizing your thoughts is the first step in the writing process. Draft an outline to structure your essay effectively. Begin with a captivating introduction, followed by a body that provides a deeper insight into your topic, and conclude with a summary that ties back to your main thesis, demonstrating why you are a great fit for the school.

Engaging Introduction

The introduction is crucial in grabbing the reader’s attention. Start with an engaging hook – it could be a compelling anecdote, a question, or a surprising fact. This initial engagement is particularly important in a short essay for high school, as you have limited space to make an impact.

Body of the Essay

In the body of your essay, provide detailed accounts of your experiences or reflections. Use vivid descriptions to bring your story to life. This part of the essay is where you can elaborate on your experiences, making it relevant in a scholarship essay or any admission essay.

Concluding Your Essay

Your conclusion should leave a lasting impression. It’s not just about ending your essay, but about tying your narrative back to the main goal – to showcase why you are a suitable candidate for the school. A strong conclusion is essential in any application essay , whether it’s for high school, college, or a scholarship.

Revising and Editing

Revision is key in the essay-writing process. Pay attention to clarity, detail, and the flow of your essay. Grammar and spelling are equally important. Consider getting feedback from others, as a fresh pair of eyes can often catch things you might have missed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Stay true to yourself in your essay. Avoid embellishing your experiences or straying from the essay prompt. Keep your language clear and straightforward, avoiding clichés and overly complex phrases.

Final Touches

Remember, your high school admission essay is a reflection of your personality. Let your individuality shine through your words. With a well-thought-out narrative essay , your essay can become a compelling part of your application, whether it’s a college essay, a middle school application essay, or a scholarship essay. Be honest, authentic, and let your unique story guide your writing.

4. High School Application Essay Template

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5. High School Academy Application Essay

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6. Sample High School Application Essay

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7. High School Admission Application Essay

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Tips on Writing a Good High School Essay

To all students wishing to write a good high school essay to wow the right people. I have some tips for you to use. These tips of course vary with people but these are the common ways to writing a good high school essay to amaze the right people as well as to get you accepted to the institution of your choice.  So without further ado, let’s get right to it.

• Think: It may sound cliché, but the best thing to do before writing a good high school essay is to think. Think of what you are planning on writing. Think of the topic and the subtopics you want to add in your essay.  Ask yourself what you wish to talk about. Make some notes in a different paper as a guide.
• Planning : After thinking about what you wish to write, plan on it. This is often taken for granted. But when you get to plan on what you wish to write, everything goes smoothly. Just a reminder though, an essay does not have to be very long since that would be a different literary piece.
• Short and Concise : As stated above, an essay does not have to be very long. Essays usually have one to three paragraphs long. Beyond that is usually unheard of, so make it short and concise as possible.
• Make some notes:  A reminder when writing a good essay is to always make some notes. Make a draft if you wish. This helps with how you construct your sentences and construct what you wish to write about.
• Review: after you write your essay, review. Check the necessary things like spelling, grammar, and sentence construction. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just as long as it follows the strict grammar guidelines.

How many sentences do I need to write to let it be considered an essay?

One to three paragraphs, with 5 to 8 sentences can already be considered an essay. The one thing you need to know is when writing an essay, all you need is one topic, and you talk about it.

What are the usual topics to write for a high school essay application?

The most common topic they often ask students to write is about career goals.

Is there a limit to how many words needed to write?

This may depend on the directions in the paper, but for a high school essay application it would range between 300 words to 1000 words.

Do I need to reach the word count for it to be considered a good essay?

It is not the word count that matters but what you have written. This is what counts.

What other types of essays are there?

There are a lot of types but the most common are career essays , narrative essays and argumentative essays

Writing an essay can be tiresome or difficult if you have no idea what to do or what to write. But with some examples shown above and some tips on writing them, it would be easier. Remembering how to write an essay and how to construct the right words would make a whole lot of difference. A few things to consider when writing, be creative but concise the same time.

Choose a topic you want to talk about and go from there. Do not make it too lengthy that you lose sight of what you really wish to convey. Lastly, you don’t need to reach the 1000 word word count, as long as you reach the minimum word count. For a high school student, that would be around 300 words. Now that you have some ideas on what to write and how to do it, I hope your next essay would be something to be proud of.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, what is a parent brag sheet tips and examples.

College Admissions

Have you been asked to provide a "parent brag sheet" for your child's guidance counselor? Have you heard of other parents completing them and are wondering if they're required for college applications? Parent brag sheets are becoming more popular, but many parents don't get much guidance on how to complete them. We created this guide to explain what a parent brag sheet is and what they're used for. We also go over common parent brag sheet example questions and explain how to answer them. 

What Is a Parent Brag Sheet? What Do You Need One For?

A parent brag sheet is a form you may be asked to complete for your child's guidance counselor. Guidance counselors are sometimes asked to supply letters of recommendation for students applying to college. Because it's not unusual for counselors to be assigned dozens, or even hundreds of students, they understandably may not know certain students well enough to write an in-depth letter, especially if they only meet with students twice a year or so.

The parent brag sheet is a way for the student's parent to highlight their child's strengths so the counselor can include an honest, in-depth, and strong recommendation letter with the student's college applications.

When students ask teachers for letters of recommendation , we recommend they write their own brag sheets to give teachers ideas of the skills and personality characteristics they might highlight. A parent brag sheet is the same, except the parent writes it about their child. Some counselors feel that parents can provide a more detailed analysis of their child than the student can provide him/herself. 

It's important to note that you may not be asked to write a parent brag sheet; many parents aren't. Many colleges don't require counselor letters of recommendation, and some high school counselors either ask students to compose their own brag sheets or complete the letter of recommendation without a brag sheet. If you're not asked to write a parent brag sheet for college recommendations, don't worry. It won't negatively impact your student's applications.

What Does a Parent Brag Sheet Include?

Not sure how to write a parent brag sheet for college? The parent brag sheet typically consists of several short-answer questions you'll complete. The number of questions varies, but it's often around five to ten. The questions will ask about different aspects of your child's personality and accomplishments, and you should expect to spend at least 30 minutes on it. 

4 Tips for a Standout Parent Brag Sheet for College

Many times, parents aren't given a lot of direction on how to fill out the parent brag sheet, but we've got you covered! Here are four tips to follow to ensure you're creating the strongest brag sheet for your child.

#1: Give Specific Examples to Support Your Statements

The absolute best way to create a strong parent brag sheet is to back up your assertions with examples. Even if you gush throughout your brag sheet over how smart and hardworking your child is, if you don't have any examples to support those claims, counselors likely won't include them in their letter. They'll only write about things they're confident are true, so they need evidence. So, for every positive attribute you state, give an example to back it up. So, if you state that your daughter is a math whiz, include things like math awards she's won, grades in math classes, scores from the math sections of the SAT/ACT, etc. 

#2: Aim for a Positive, but Honest, Tone

Sometimes parents struggle to know what tone to strike with the parent brag sheet. They either feel like they need to prove their child is the most amazing high school student to ever walk the earth, or they feel compelled to give the "warts and all" story and open up about times their child has been lazy/dishonest/etc. Don't go for either of these extremes. You want to keep things honest and not exaggerate accomplishments, but you also aren't required to mention that time your child snuck out of the house to see a concert on a school night. You can be glowing (it's expected, in fact, for something called a "brag sheet"), but just make sure all your claims are rooted in fact. Again, this is why examples are so helpful.

#3: Talk to Your Child About What to Include

You may be bursting to tell everyone about your son's amazing piano playing, but he may be focusing his application on his strong writing skills because he wants to be a journalist. It's certainly not bad to be an aspiring journalist who also plays the piano beautifully, but colleges are more impressed by a strong spike in one area than being well-rounded in many different areas . This means that applications are stronger when they have a common theme running through them , particularly if it ties into a future career. You want the counselor's letter to be part of that theme, which might affect what you choose to discuss in certain responses. Talk to your child about the main things they'd like you to include so that their counselor's letter of recommendation highlights the skills and attributes that'll give their application the biggest boost.

#4: Keep It Concise

Counselors are reading dozens, often hundreds, of these brag sheets, so don't hand them a novel. Making your answers clear and concise is the best way to ensure the counselor reads all the information and gets your main points. A few sentences is enough to answer most questions, and none of your answers should be much more than a paragraph.

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High School Parent Brag Sheet Example Questions

Different counselors will create different brag sheet forms, but all will ask about the student's accomplishments, academic habits, and personal strengths. Below are 12 common questions included in high school parent brag sheet examples, as well as an explanation of what the counselor is looking for and what you should include in each of your responses.

#1: What has been your student's greatest accomplishment in high school?

• This can be related to academics, such as an A in a math class they struggled with or winning a prestigious academic competition, but it doesn't need to. For example, if your child began high school struggling with time management but has made great strides, that's also a great example.

#2: Which three adjectives best describe your student?

• For this question, you're often asked to state the adjective, then explain why you chose it. Include specific examples whenever possible to explain your reasoning. For example, if you chose the adjective "mature" you could give an example of your child offering to take on additional chores when you had to stay late for work, for taking care of younger siblings, for helping friends solve disagreements, etc.

#3: Are there any circumstances that have affected your student's education or personal experiences?

• Colleges really do try to be as fair as possible during the admissions process, so if something happened beyond your child's control that negatively impacted them, they want to know about it so they can take it into account. Potential examples can include parents divorcing, a serious illness, the death of someone close to the student, etc. To answer this question, state the event, the impact it had on the student (such as a dip in grades or prolonged absence from school), and (if applicable) progress they've made since then, such as grades going back up. If this question isn't applicable to your student (and it won't be for most), feel free to write N/A and move on.

#4: What makes your student unique?

• This doesn't need to be something earth-shattering; the question is more asking for a special attribute of your child. It could be that you've never had to tell them to do their homework, that they are incredibly creative, that they've known since they were four-years-old that they wanted to be an astronaut, etc. Give the trait, then add a few sentences of explanation to why it is important to your child's character.

#5: What activities does your student enjoy?

• This question is to help the counselor learn about your child's extracurricular activities, especially ones outside of school they might not know about. List the three or so activities your child cares most about. For each, include how long they've been involved and some highlights of their involvement (such as awards won, a favorite memory, etc.) so the counselor gets a full picture of your child's interests and commitment.

#6: What activity or topic is your student most passionate about?

• Colleges are fascinated by applicants' passions, and students with a strong passion often have a better chance at getting into their dream school . Does your child love taking photos? Reading about ancient history? Designing websites? Learning about chemistry? Being part of the school soccer team? Be sure to give some examples of how they've committed to their passion, such as taking classes, joining clubs, learning on their own, etc.

#7: What do you believe is your student's greatest strength? 

• There are a lot of options here, so choose the one(s) you think describes your student best. You might mention creativity, optimism, problem-solving, perseverance, organization, discipline, ability to get along with everyone, etc. You could also discuss more concrete skills like exceptional math or writing abilities, athletic talent, etc. Whatever you choose, be sure to include at least one example to back up your assertion.

#8: What's an example where your student demonstrated leadership?

• This can be at school, during an extracurricular, or at home. Be sure to explain how your child took charge and what the positive outcome was. For example, "Jenna loved being part of her school's Outdoors Club because it allowed her to get more familiar with nature and be around peers with similar interests. However, she wanted more opportunities for group trips, so she took it upon herself to contact 8 outdoor experience tour operators and arrange discounted rates for the group. As a result, she became the club's first community liaison. Since then the club has doubled in size, and they organize an outing at least once a month."

#9: What are your student's career aspirations?

• Knowing your child's potential career goals can make it easier for the counselor to create a theme for their letter of rec. For example, if your child wants to become a psychiatrist, the counselor might use the letter to highlight the student's STEM skills and willingness to help other students with homework and group projects. This doesn't need to be a detailed answer; a brief overview of your child's career goals is enough. If they don't have a career path locked down yet, that's perfectly fine. In that case, you'd mention general subject interests they have, like history or math.

#10: How has your student matured since beginning high school?

• Colleges love seeing personal growth, and they understand that many high school students are quite different people as seniors than they were as freshmen. Has your child gotten better with time management? Become more resilient to setbacks? Begun to ask teachers for help when they don't understand something? This is also a great opportunity to discuss weaker parts of your child's application (such as lower grades or a lack of extracurriculars freshman year) and give examples of how far they've come since then.

#11: How does your student react to setbacks?

• Everyone is going to face setbacks throughout their life, and colleges want to admit students they're confident can roll with the punches. For this question, you'll want to give one or more examples of your child overcoming a setback (such as not making a sports team, getting a low grade on a test or in a class, having plans cancelled because of COVID-19, etc.). Describe how they made the best of things and the skills they use to bounce back from low points.

#12: Is there any additional information you'd like to share about your student?

• Most parents won't have anything to add here, but it's a final chance to mention anything you didn't include in your other answers. If there's something about your child you think is important for the school counselor to know when writing their letter of recommendation, mention it here.

Summary: Parent Brag Sheet for College Recommendations

When their child begins their senior year of high school, many parents are asked to complete a parent brag sheet for college recommendations. This brag sheet is used by the student's guidance counselor to write a letter of recommendation or counselor recommendation form some colleges require. Expect to answer about 5-10 questions; high school parent brag sheet example questions are discussed just above this section of the article. When completing your parent brag sheet, remember to always include examples, strike a positive but honest tone, discuss with your child what to include, and keep your answers to roughly a paragraph.

What's Next?

College admissions get more and more competitive every year, so you want to present yourself with the best application you can. Read about how to build a versatile college application here.

For more on the ins and outs of applying to college, check out this full step by step guide! It goes over everything from choosing your high school classes to brainstorming personal ideas.

Did you know that a couple schools ask for recommendations from peers , and some students send them along as supplements? Read the complete guide to peer recommendations here .

Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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The Parent Statement: What Not To Say

Much has been written about how to write a parent statement or essay for your child’s applications to private preschool or continuing K–12 schools, but little has been written on what not to write.

For parents of preschoolers to students at older points of entry (and all the years in between), the finest example of admissions/application essay instructions can be found in the Common Application to U.S. colleges and universities.

The Common App asks applicants to write a statement of 650 words about anything — anything at all — so long as the statement is about them . You may think that sounds easy, but it’s not. For example, the finest Common App essay I have ever read was by a high school senior who, at age seven, started volunteering with kids diagnosed with cancer. The little girl became a national advocate for volunteering with sick children, appeared in the media, and won prestigious awards for her work. Over a decade, she worked with over 100 hospitalized children, befriending each one as well as their families. Her college essay, however, wasn’t about her work or the accolades she received for it. It instead detailed how she had stayed close to these parents and siblings, and talked about the emotional impact upon realizing that she was a link, often the final one, to the children the families had lost.

The same principles apply to parent essays. To make it easier, we ask parents to not use adjectives when they write and describe applicants. Terms like brilliant , gifted , caring , talented , and a host of others not only bore admissions committees, but scare them. If, for example, a parent genuinely feels his child is brilliant or gifted, is that same parent going to expect and demand “special” treatment for that child if and when she is admitted to the school, taking teachers’ precious time away from the class at large? That is how to get rejected on the spot.

Try to write an anecdotally-driven parent statement.

For young children, a day in the life of your child is far more interesting and introductory than a list of his or her attributes as observed by Mom or Dad. For older kids, one or two academic or social experiences is a good suggestion for parent admissions statements, especially the effect these experiences had on the child’s development.

Do not write a statement longer than a single page.

There is much to say about every child, but school applications may not be the venue in which to say it. If schools receive 900 parent statements for a particular point of entry, how much do you believe actually gets read if the statements are overwhelmingly long? More saliently: will it get read at all?

Do not feel you have to impress.

Usually when parents write to impress, it has the opposite effect. The “leader” who is always first to finish the reading or art or math project and “help” his peers in the classroom, while at the same time designs the group’s imaginary games and activities, is often perceived as demanding and overbearing. This is a more central question: can that same leader also assume the role of follower, giving others a chance to shine and create?

Don’t try to conjure the future.

The kid who likes playing with a science kit is not necessarily destined to become a neuroscientist, just as the kid who enjoys writing about his summer vacation is not necessarily tomorrow’s Pulitzer Prize-winning author.

Above all, don’t overstate.

A child who donates his or her gently used clothes or toys to charity is not Mother Theresa helping the poor, or Jimmy Carter building homes for humanity. She is a kid learning about charity and community service.

Balance what you write.

Few kids, especially younger children, actually sit around all day trying to perfect a task or learned skill, whether that be math, writing, art, or computer science, and if they do, they are missing out on many other aspects that childhood and adolescence exist to introduce them to. Admissions directors are famous for asking the magic question, “What else is your child interested in?” Schools do not teach one subject; they teach many.

Don’t brag, even inadvertently.

Your child’s interest in the ocean, marine life, and swimming is fine to write about as is his fascination with changing seasons, nature, and animals, as long as it isn’t preceded by the words: “At our vacation home …”

Finally, an admissions essay is not the place to list the people you know who are connected to a school (parent, alumni, board member, etc.). For the most part, admissions directors do not like the “powers that be” to dictate which students to accept, and that is the subtle message of a parent statement that name drops.

We are taught to be ourselves at every turn. It’s hard to do in private school admissions, when you suspect that other parents are presenting better selves than they really are, and, of course, painting rosier, larger-than-life pictures of their children. Yet, being honest often yields the best results in terms of admission at virtually every point of entry. Think about the simple, beautiful message of the aforementioned Common App essay.

Related Parent Resources

• Is Your Child Ready For Kindergarten? A Parents Guide To Kindergarten Readiness
• 10 Mnemonic Devices That Every Elementary Schooler Will Remember
• Kindergarten Cutoff Dates: Fall Birthdays and Other Woes
• Private Preschool Admissions Tips: The Interview
• Best Math Apps For Kids: An Overview
• October 12, 2017
• Admissions , Pre-K , Private & Independent School Admissions , Private Preschool Admissions , Writing

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Growing Up New York: High School Admissions Essays

When I first moved to New York City from Austin, Texas, I found myself shocked by the rigorous high school admissions process. I’d long tutored students on college admissions essays—but the idea of similarly challenging, high-stakes high school admissions essays seemed unnecessarily daunting at such a young age. One of my first eighth grade clients in NYC sat on his parent’s lap as we introduced ourselves through Zoom. How could such young people write the kind of complex, reflective personal narratives that admissions essays demand of them?

Over the last several admissions seasons, though, I’ve come to believe in the value of these essays—and the unique process they require of students.

In part, my new perspective is a consequence of our changing educational climate. It stands to reason that the major factors causing college admissions to shift under our feet—the Supreme Court’s recent reversal of affirmative action; the rise of AI technology; and an increasing number of colleges doing away with standardized testing requirements —also impact the high school admissions process.

Moreover, NYC high school applicants navigate arguably more complex considerations than college applicants. There’s the DOE’s student lottery; priority admissions to students in the top 15% of middle school course grades ; stringent essay scoring at highly sought-after consortium schools like Beacon High School; and confusing online portals in the private school arena. High school admissions essays now hold even more power to set students apart as unique applicants.

So what exactly are these essays—and how do middle school students, with their varying levels of maturity, write them with excellence?

It’s tempting to see these essays as opportunities to boast of student achievements and saintly behavior. In truth, though, high school admissions essays ask—either indirectly or directly—that students reflect meaningfully and authentically on their lived experiences. (In our world of rampant chatbot technology, and with the 2019 college admissions scandal still fresh in collective consciousness, authenticity is key.)

Essay prompts and required word counts vary, but the more substantial 250-600 word essays often include prompts like these:

• Describe a challenge that had a meaningful impact on you. What did it take to overcome the challenge and what did you learn from that experience? (SAO) 
• How do you think a school with [the consortium] approach to learning will help you grow academically, personally, and creatively? (Beacon)

Such prompts offer students the opportunity to respond with stories from their lives. Stories do what writing teachers have been trying to teach us for all of time: they show , and not tell. Details within these stories, such as description connected to our five senses, then invite readers’ empathy. Story details also establish the author’s unique voice—a critical component of most admissions essays.

Voice can be further established through a clear, specific point of view. Students must look back on the detailed experience they’ve shared in response to a given prompt, and connect that experience to the bigger picture of their lives. Here, they tell their audience what to take away from their stories.

As an example, let’s travel back in time to my own eighth grade year (approximately two centuries ago). In response to a prompt asking students to describe a personal challenge and its impact on my life, I might share the story of being so scared in my seventh grade theater audition that no sound would come from my mouth—though I was simply singing (or, trying to sing) the “Happy Birthday” song. For details, I’d describe how parched my mouth felt, how my knees were so weak that I thought I might actually crumple to the floor. I had a deep desire to act in plays, but no idea of how to summon the confidence required to do so.

To overcome this challenge, I immersed myself in children’s theater. I befriended the other kids and worked hard in rehearsals. I played silent background roles and eventually, small speaking roles. I worked on my singing (and if I didn’t nail every audition song, I at least formed actual sounds). Then, in eighth grade, I auditioned for the school play: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. I got cast as the evil White Witch—a major role, and the highlight of my middle school years.

In a personal narrative essay, that’s the storytelling part—my lived experience, detailed enough that this story could only belong to me. It’s told with my own authentic voice.

The reflective part might be woven throughout my story, or perhaps offered all at the end. Either way, I’d connect with the bigger picture of how I overcame such paralyzing shyness—how with the support of the theater community, relentless practice, and courage, I grew from a girl with buckling knees and a parched mouth to a lion-slaying witch.

No matter a writer’s age, such self-discoveries often occur during the writing process —and so along with voice-driven storytelling and meaningful reflection, the process itself is also the key to admissions essay excellence. Powerful writing requires time and effort. It requires brainstorming and numerous drafts in which students not only edit on a sentence level, but deepen, expand, and even reorganize their ideas.

It’s this writing process that I have seen eighth graders, regardless of maturity levels, embrace with excellent results. It’s also this process that has convinced me, more than anything else, that the act of young people discovering and using their voice—whether at theater auditions, or in admissions essays—is of endless value.

Ashleigh Bell Pedersen is the founder of Write Well Brooklyn and the author of the novel The Crocodile Bride , a New York Times Editors’ Choice. She is also a long-time educator with 17+ years of teaching experience. Ashleigh loves creating engaging 1-1 coaching experiences for young people, in which they can discover and express their unique voices.

Deconstruct the best high school essay! Register for Ashleigh’s high school essay writing workshop for parents taking place September 13, 2023.

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Applying to Private Schools: A Guide for K-12 Families

For parents considering private school, here are the typical steps in the admissions process.

A Guide to Applying to Private Schools

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At least a year before you plan to enroll your child – or even longer for older students – you should identify your child’s needs and what type of private school you're looking for.

When it comes to private school admissions, Taryn Siegelberg understands the importance of doing your homework.

As a parent of two children who have attended both public and private K-12 schools – as well as the director of nursery and elementary school admissions for the educational consultancy Admit NY – Siegelberg says if you apply to schools that are a strong fit for the prospective student, the process becomes much easier.

“If you really are applying to the right schools for your family and for your child, it comes together and the results are positive,” Siegelberg says.

Private schools come in different shapes and sizes, and every school approaches the admissions process differently, says Whitney Shashou, Admit NY’s founder and CEO who oversees the company’s middle and high school divisions.

Families considering private school should start their research early and familiarize themselves with how the admissions process works. Here’s an overview of the steps generally involved.

• Get a sense of what you want.
• Arrange for standardized testing, if required.
• Attend open houses and campus tours.
• Complete the interview.
• Submit your application and standardized test scores.

Get a Sense of What You Want 

Rachel Blankstein, co-founder of Spark Admissions, says schools vary widely in academic rigor, areas of focus and many other qualities.

You may want to consider the cost of tuition and whether the school provides financial aid. You should also think about what matters most to you and your child – whether it’s college placement, diversity, religious affiliation or a particular educational philosophy. Proximity to home also comes into play, especially for younger children.

“Is it that they want the most academically rigorous environment?” Blankstein says. “Is it that they want a more supportive environment? Do they need an environment where there’s the opportunity for your student to get some one-on-one extra support? What differentiates the school from other schools?”

Arrange for Standardized Testing, if Required

There are two main admissions exams for private school entrance. The Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT), for grades 3-11, consists of math problems, vocabulary and analogy questions, reading passages and a writing portion.

The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) has multiple testing levels for students in grades 2-12. Test sections vary by grade level and can include reading, mathematics, verbal, quantitative reasoning and a writing sample.

While Shashou says the SSAT is more commonly used for boarding schools, and the ISEE for day schools, both typically accept either exam. And some Catholic high schools use the High School Placement Test, which includes verbal, quantitative, reading, language arts and math sections.

Registration deadlines and policies differ for each test, so be sure to identify which is right for your child early in the process. This will allow you to start preparing as soon as possible.

Also note that since the COVID-19 pandemic, some private schools have adopted test-optional policies . If you’re applying to a test-optional private school, Blankstein recommends submitting your standardized test score only if it’s at least in line with the 50th percentile of the score range that the school admits.

Attend Open Houses and Campus Tours 

Many private schools hold open houses or campus tours for families, typically throughout the fall. These can help you learn about the school environment and what it has to offer.

“You really do get a sense of what (the school is) highlighting and what they’re trying to convey,” Blankstein says.

Largely as a result of the pandemic, open houses may also be available in remote or virtual format for families as an alternative or before they come to campus.

Complete the Interview

The vast majority of private schools require interviews for learners of all ages – though the process naturally will look different depending on grade level. The interviews are important in allowing schools to understand how your child interacts with others in a tight-knit environment.

“At these schools, they see you all the time; they meet with you often,” says Tim Bradley of Solomon Admissions Consulting, who previously worked in admissions at Choate Rosemary Hall in Connecticut. “They really want to know what kind of person you are, so the interview is a critical piece of the application process.”

What the interview looks like can vary widely depending on the school and incoming student’s age. Sometimes, multiple applicants may sit down together with current students and maybe an admissions officer or another adult and have a conversation; other schools may hold one-on-one interviews.

Younger students, according to Blankstein, may even partake in play-based interviewing, where they are evaluated on how they interact in a group setting.

When there are young children involved, admissions officers may involve the parents or caregivers as well as the student in the interview process. As you approach the higher grades, “it really starts to funnel into a one-on-one,” Bradley says.

Submit Your Application and Standardized Test Scores

Most private school applications open around August or September the year before your student would enroll and are due in early winter. In addition to basic demographic information, the educational history of the student and standardized test scores, the application may consist of supplemental components such as:

• Responses to student essay prompts.
• Parent essays.
• Graded writing samples.
• Letters of recommendation, typically from English and math teachers.
• An extracurricular profile of the student on what they do outside of class.

Siegelberg says many schools use the application platform Ravenna – which means you can store all your core information in one place – but some schools use other platforms or have their own admissions portal.

Meanwhile, you can submit standardized test scores directly from the SSAT or ISEE websites.

This is also the time to apply for financial aid, if you’d like to. Nearly all private schools provide some scholarship aid to qualified families, Blankstein says, but keep in mind that awards will vary based on a school’s budget and their criteria for aid.

Get Your Final Decisions and Choose the Right Fit

For boarding schools, decisions are usually released March 10, Bradley says. For day schools, decisions are usually released March 3-20, though this varies.

When waiting to hear back from schools, Siegelberg advises parents or caregivers to remember that while not everyone gets into their first-choice school, your child will find the right fit. As a parent, she knows it’s hard not to take rejection personally, but not focusing all your attention on one school will make the process much more bearable.

“This is definitely a process that can feel very competitive when it doesn’t have to be,” Siegelberg says. She advises parents to remember to “really focus on your child,” not the school.

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Example Parent Statement for School Admissions

Writing the parent statement for private school admissions comes with many steps. Many parents we’ve worked with assumed that the parent statement doesn’t require much work because the application is solely for their child, not them. However, the parent statement is still crucial to the application process, and therefore your child’s admission chances.

So, it can’t be that hard. Right?

Well, writing the parent statement is harder than you may think.

More often than not, parents are busier than their children because they have both work and familial obligations to busy themselves with. In addition, private school admissions officers will be reading parent statements with the expectation of grown-up-level writing and articulation. So, you’ll be competing against other fellow parents too.

If you’re writing a parent statement to get your child accepted into a highly competitive private school where the average applicant lives in an upper-middle-class community, expect to be paired with other articulate families with strong editing in the admissions pool. To prepare yourself, consider checking out our sister article on how to write the parent statement for private school admissions.

However, it can be quite useful to look at example parent statements. This example will cover an example parent statement that you may use as inspiration. Of course, everyone’s statement may come out differently. But, you may use this as an example of what would help you write the parent statement that helps your child get accepted.

Professional College Application Help.

Contact us. we'll get to you within 24 hours. , example parent statement for private school admissions.

Prompt: Tell us more about your child and why they are a good fit for (private school).

“Ever since we could remember, Jenni was always a natural-born leader. She had the aptitude and conscientiousness it took to help lead in team efforts. Whether it involved collaborative school projects or personal projects such as YouTube videos, the work she tackled demonstrated her management skills. This, we belive, is thanks to her personable and positive attitude. Jenni has a talent for brightening up a room in a manner, such that, despite circumstances, eases tension and alleviates conflict. Both inside and outside the classroom, Jenni’s natural social-butterfly element manifests to make all social interactions positive, lighthearted, and temperamentally agreeable. One of the things that impresses us about our daughter is just how well she can handle conflict. As a leader, there is bound to be disagreements and contentions brewing during projects or collective efforts. This is an inevitable conclusion for all leaders; however, Jenni never fails to impress us with just how well she can diffuse situations without causing anymore unecesssary social damage. As a leader, she is kind and gentle. Yet, she appears emotionally intelligent enough to navigate her leadership positions with honest maturity and gentle firmness. It’s something we were quite suprised with, as she seemed to pick up this skill in social aptitude and leadership very early. Perhaps what was most impressive was her revivifying the social scene in her small school. During the pandemic, COVID-19 forced many students to retreat into the confines of their home. This had, for obvious reasons, strained many social circles and strained the mental health of many students. Jenni impressed us with just how easily she could make a group chat and later collective online server for all her friends and distant acquaintences. It was strange to see her create a Discord server gathering seemingly socially different students in the same online room. She was part of a social and extroverted circle of fellow girl friends; but, she managed to integrate acquaintences who were friends of friends. These were boys who had a passion for video games; in addition, they were quite unlike Jenni and her friends. On the surface, I thought the plan would be quite awkward and unusual, especially considering how much the pandemic has isolated people. However, Jenni’s natural charisma and sociability appeared to attract everyone to the server. It only took a few days for us to see Jenni making inside jokes with this completely new social circle. There were customized emojis, stickers, and memes they’ve created in such a short amount of time. That our daughter managed to create such an inclusive and active community with people so diverse in personality and background during the pandemic shows us just how well she can integrate into any environment. In addition, Jenni is an individual of focus and discipline. For someone of her age, we are very impressed with just how orderly she schedules her time. She sets specific times for completing her assignents, time for studying and reviewing individual subjects, and time for her breaks —we didn’t even know people did that; but, works for her! With both personal pet projects and academics to work on, she is no stranger to crunching in labour in a short amount of time. However, her control of time and temperamental orderliness makes it easy for her to juggle large amounts of work. In particular, she seems to have a strong passion for STEM and the hard sciences. She also excels in the written word and articulating ideas through essays. Jenni would collaborate with some of her friends over call on the romance stories she writes and publishes online. Interestingly, her sociable attitude brings in multiple perspectives and makes for interesting storytelling for her stories. It is becoming increasingly clear that her multiple interests may pull her in multiple directions, and she’ll at some point need to choose. Thus, her academic interests are still in flux. It is her hope that she may find a clearer path to what she wants to pursue in the future through her education at (private school). As her parents, we’ve done everything we could to provide Jenni with the best environment growing up. Both my husband and I are rather meticulous and orderly people, which may be where our daughter inherited the orderly gene! We are careful with the kinds of foods we make for her as well as the kinds of entertainment she is exposed to. However, we both are very much aware of the dangers that come from sheltering and becoming overbearing. My husband and I agree that an encouraging upbringing that challenges Jenni to pursue the unknown and discover is crucial. So, that means fresh spring vegetables with seared chicken breast can sometimes be replaced with a cheeseburger with extra bacon and loaded fries. In short, we love to strive for perfection; but, we don’t let perfection devour us. This isn’t limited to food, too. We also ensure Jenni has a healthy mindset and philosophy on life. It doesn’t mean we suppress her from reading certain books or learning about contentious topics. Instead, we challenge her to think about difficult questions and come to her own conclusions. “Why do you think that?” and “What do you personally feel about that?” all help us promote critical thought instead of forcing our daughter to conform; it keeps her a free thinker and hopefully a great student! Applying for the right high school is a greater challenge than we thought for Jenni, as we all would like the one that fits her talents the most. We also want a school where her temperament can do the most positive good for her fellow peers and students in her class. Jenni hopes to join a community equally conscientious, sociable, passionate, and curious. Her collaborative nature and strong communication make her a student who would most thrive in a tight-knit school with great teachers who can build meaningful relationships with her. It is for those reasons that we believe Jenni is most fitting for (private school). Its (school description and attributes) make it a fantastic environment for Jenni to thrive best and actualize her full potential. We know that she will make great connections with her future peers and contribute to the already stunning community at (private school). Her collaborative nature, agreeable temperament, and sociability will make her a fantastic leader in conducting new projects with other (private school) students, and thus bring others alongside her on the journey to excellence.” Example Parent Statement for Private School Admissions

If you have any other questions about our example parent statement for private school admissions feel free to ask us for help! Or, if you are struggling to write the parent statement yourself, we would highly recommend speaking with us for a free phone consultation. We can help you write the parent statement to help your child maximize their chances of getting accepted into the private school of their choice.

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Tips for Writing an Effective Application Essay

How to Write an Effective Essay

Writing an essay for college admission gives you a chance to use your authentic voice and show your personality. It's an excellent opportunity to personalize your application beyond your academic credentials, and a well-written essay can have a positive influence come decision time.

Want to know how to draft an essay for your college application ? Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing.

Tips for Essay Writing

A typical college application essay, also known as a personal statement, is 400-600 words. Although that may seem short, writing about yourself can be challenging. It's not something you want to rush or put off at the last moment. Think of it as a critical piece of the application process. Follow these tips to write an impactful essay that can work in your favor.

1. Start Early.

Few people write well under pressure. Try to complete your first draft a few weeks before you have to turn it in. Many advisers recommend starting as early as the summer before your senior year in high school. That way, you have ample time to think about the prompt and craft the best personal statement possible.

You don't have to work on your essay every day, but you'll want to give yourself time to revise and edit. You may discover that you want to change your topic or think of a better way to frame it. Either way, the sooner you start, the better.

2. Understand the Prompt and Instructions.

Before you begin the writing process, take time to understand what the college wants from you. The worst thing you can do is skim through the instructions and submit a piece that doesn't even fit the bare minimum requirements or address the essay topic. Look at the prompt, consider the required word count, and note any unique details each school wants.

3. Create a Strong Opener.

Students seeking help for their application essays often have trouble getting things started. It's a challenging writing process. Finding the right words to start can be the hardest part.

Spending more time working on your opener is always a good idea. The opening sentence sets the stage for the rest of your piece. The introductory paragraph is what piques the interest of the reader, and it can immediately set your essay apart from the others.

4. Stay on Topic.

One of the most important things to remember is to keep to the essay topic. If you're applying to 10 or more colleges, it's easy to veer off course with so many application essays.

A common mistake many students make is trying to fit previously written essays into the mold of another college's requirements. This seems like a time-saving way to avoid writing new pieces entirely, but it often backfires. The result is usually a final piece that's generic, unfocused, or confusing. Always write a new essay for every application, no matter how long it takes.

5. Think About Your Response.

Don't try to guess what the admissions officials want to read. Your essay will be easier to write─and more exciting to read─if you’re genuinely enthusiastic about your subject. Here’s an example: If all your friends are writing application essays about covid-19, it may be a good idea to avoid that topic, unless during the pandemic you had a vivid, life-changing experience you're burning to share. Whatever topic you choose, avoid canned responses. Be creative.

6. Focus on You.

Essay prompts typically give you plenty of latitude, but panel members expect you to focus on a subject that is personal (although not overly intimate) and particular to you. Admissions counselors say the best essays help them learn something about the candidate that they would never know from reading the rest of the application.

7. Stay True to Your Voice.

Use your usual vocabulary. Avoid fancy language you wouldn't use in real life. Imagine yourself reading this essay aloud to a classroom full of people who have never met you. Keep a confident tone. Be wary of words and phrases that undercut that tone.

8. Be Specific and Factual.

Capitalize on real-life experiences. Your essay may give you the time and space to explain why a particular achievement meant so much to you. But resist the urge to exaggerate and embellish. Admissions counselors read thousands of essays each year. They can easily spot a fake.

9. Edit and Proofread.

When you finish the final draft, run it through the spell checker on your computer. Then don’t read your essay for a few days. You'll be more apt to spot typos and awkward grammar when you reread it. After that, ask a teacher, parent, or college student (preferably an English or communications major) to give it a quick read. While you're at it, double-check your word count.

Writing essays for college admission can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. A well-crafted essay could be the deciding factor─in your favor. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll have no problem creating memorable pieces for every application.

What is the format of a college application essay?

Generally, essays for college admission follow a simple format that includes an opening paragraph, a lengthier body section, and a closing paragraph. You don't need to include a title, which will only take up extra space. Keep in mind that the exact format can vary from one college application to the next. Read the instructions and prompt for more guidance.

Most online applications will include a text box for your essay. If you're attaching it as a document, however, be sure to use a standard, 12-point font and use 1.5-spaced or double-spaced lines, unless the application specifies different font and spacing.

How do you start an essay?

The goal here is to use an attention grabber. Think of it as a way to reel the reader in and interest an admissions officer in what you have to say. There's no trick on how to start a college application essay. The best way you can approach this task is to flex your creative muscles and think outside the box.

You can start with openers such as relevant quotes, exciting anecdotes, or questions. Either way, the first sentence should be unique and intrigue the reader.

What should an essay include?

Every application essay you write should include details about yourself and past experiences. It's another opportunity to make yourself look like a fantastic applicant. Leverage your experiences. Tell a riveting story that fulfills the prompt.

What shouldn’t be included in an essay?

When writing a college application essay, it's usually best to avoid overly personal details and controversial topics. Although these topics might make for an intriguing essay, they can be tricky to express well. If you’re unsure if a topic is appropriate for your essay, check with your school counselor. An essay for college admission shouldn't include a list of achievements or academic accolades either. Your essay isn’t meant to be a rehashing of information the admissions panel can find elsewhere in your application.

How can you make your essay personal and interesting?

The best way to make your essay interesting is to write about something genuinely important to you. That could be an experience that changed your life or a valuable lesson that had an enormous impact on you. Whatever the case, speak from the heart, and be honest.

Is it OK to discuss mental health in an essay?

Mental health struggles can create challenges you must overcome during your education and could be an opportunity for you to show how you’ve handled challenges and overcome obstacles. If you’re considering writing your essay for college admission on this topic, consider talking to your school counselor or with an English teacher on how to frame the essay.

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VFW Now Accepting Applications for its Annual Youth Scholarship Contests

Middle and high school students compete for share of awards totaling nearly $3 million.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is now accepting entries for its 78th annual 2024-2025 Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen youth scholarship competitions. This year’s themes ask America’s high school students “Is America Today Our Forefathers' Vision?” while middle school students will have the opportunity to contemplate, “My Voice in America's Democracy?”

The Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition is open to high school students in ninth-12th grades, with the national first place prize scholarship totaling $35,000. The first place Department (state) winners receive a special Parade of Winners trip to Washington, D.C., sponsored by Twisted X, where they compete for more than $170,000 in national scholarship awards. Nearly 22,000 high school students worldwide compete in the competition each year. This year’s winner, Sophia Lin, is a junior at BASIS Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona, and was sponsored by Scottsdale VFW Post 3513. Listen to her read her award-winning audio-essay  during the 2024 Parade of Winners ceremony at the VFW’s annual Washington Conference.

Open to middle school students in sixth through eighth grade, nearly 55,800 students participate annually in the Patriot’s Pen essay competition. Bryant Day, the 2023-2024 Patriot’s Pen first place winner, was sponsored by VFW Post 9943 and its Auxiliary in Mansfield, Ohio. Listen as he delivered his award-winning essay .

Student entries may be submitted (along with a completed entry form) to their local participating VFW Post. The deadline for both contests is Oct. 31, 2024.

Read more about the contests , or submit your essay and entry form at your local participating VFW Post .

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Sample Student Essay for Private High School Admissions

Student essays are an important part of the private high school admissions process for students in New York City. While information like grades and test scores can help an admissions committee evaluate a student’s raw performance, essays are a key way for students to demonstrate their unique voice and personality. Treat student essays like mini interviews: they’re a chance to let admissions committees really get to know the student. 

We recommend starting student essay drafts as soon as possible (in the summer or early fall) to allow plenty of time for a thoughtful drafting process. One of the first steps to begin drafting essays is to identify the prompt(s) to write about. Students may have a variety of prompts to choose from, or they may be given a specific prompt. This depends on the student’s age (middle versus high school) and whether the school they’re applying to is an ISAAGNY member school or not. 

Here are several example essay prompts from the past: 

• Describe a family tradition and why it is meaningful or important to you. 
• What is a topic/skill that you learned about within the past year that was not assigned to you in school?
• What brings you joy? What activities, pursuits, or interests have made you happiest over the past few months or years, and why?
• What activity/interest or accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
• Tell us about a time you were brave. 

Regardless of prompt, we encourage students to write about a subject that genuinely interests them and feels rich and dynamic enough to write several paragraphs about. Essays are a way to show off creative writing skills, but make sure that essays present a consistent application narrative and a relatively consistent application of writing voice (across each essay, graded writing samples , etc.). 

When approaching the student essay writing process, reading a sample essay is one of the most helpful ways to begin brainstorming. Here’s a sample student essay for private high school admissions that effectively provides a window into the student’s passions and way of thinking. 

*Note that this is a fictional sample, not a real student essay. 

Sample Private High School Admissions Essay

Prompt: What is your favorite work of art (visual, written, musical, etc.)? Why is it meaningful to you?

“If you could say it in words there would be no reason to paint,” is a famous quote by artist Edward Hopper that has always inspired me. I’m naturally drawn to Hopper’s distinctive style of concrete, representational scenes; he was a master at manipulating light to create striking contrast and focus. But I appreciate Hopper’s art for more than just aesthetic choices; I connect deeply to Hopper’s intent to communicate memories and feelings through art. As a budding artist myself, my goal is to inspire real nostalgia and emotion with my paintings, the same way that Hopper’s works do for me. 

For example, Hopper’s “House By The Railroad,” completed in 1925, brings back many memories for me. The painting depicts a grand Victorian home with railroad tracks nearly underneath it. Like many of Hopper’s works, the scene is inspired by Hopper’s hometown of Nyack, New York, which happens to be the same town my grandparents live in. Even just a quick glance at the painting reminds me of walking up to my grandparents home in the summertime to greet them standing on the large front porch. Their home was situated not far from railroad tracks in Nyack, similar to the house in the painting. Whenever I see the piece, I’m reminded of the happy memories I’ve created at my grandparents’ home: eating grilled cheese and tomato soup on the front porch with my grandmother, hearing the train to Manhattan go by in the distance, and other everyday pleasures. 

In fact, from an early age, my grandparents encouraged my interest in Hopper’s art. My grandfather brought me to Hopper’s childhood home, which has since been turned into a museum, for the first time when I was ten years old. I still remember feeling awed as a young girl just being in the home of such a renowned artist; we visited his childhood bedroom and the spaces that eventually became subjects of his artwork, and I was inspired to find artistic inspiration in my own immediate surroundings. 

That’s clearly what Hopper aimed to do. I love that so much of Edward Hopper’s art captures standard American life. While many of Hopper’s paintings are of everyday scenes (homes, bedrooms, and more), his use of light and positioning of human figures adds nostalgic character to even the most mundane of scenes. Hopper’s art can teach us that even day-to-day moments can be striking and noteworthy. 

I recently visited an exhibition on Edward Hopper at the Whitney Museum of American Art in Manhattan. Again, I found myself drawn to “House By The Railroad,” and other paintings that depict houses and restaurants and other run-of-the-mill spaces, made distinctive and beautiful with Hopper’s earnest, light-filled approach. Seeing Hopper’s art again in person brought back many memories and feelings for me, many of them from carefree days with my grandparents in Nyack. Someday, I hope to be able to evoke similar emotion through my own artwork.

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