Ultimate Guide to NYC Kindergarten Private School Admissions

Madd

19 May 2025 — 18 min read

Cracking the Code: How to Navigate NYC's Private Kindergarten Gauntlet Without Losing Your Mind

NYC Kindergarten Private School Admissions

In New York City, applying to kindergarten isn’t child’s play—it’s a full-contact sport. Between Ravenna portals, parent essays, preschool recs, and those elusive “playdates,” the process can feel more like prepping for the Met Gala than choosing a school.

But here’s the secret: with the right roadmap, a little grit, and maybe one extra espresso, you can navigate this admissions maze like a pro. This guide breaks down everything—from deadlines and interviews to school “fit” and financial aid—so you can keep your cool while everyone else is color-coding spreadsheets.

Let’s demystify the madness. One application at a time.

The Adventure Begins: Why Is This So Hard?

You’d think applying to kindergarten would be simple—after all, we’re talking about five-year-olds. But in New York City, it’s anything but. The process is long, layered, and oddly intense. Applications open nearly a year in advance. Essays are expected to be heartfelt and specific. Interviews are scheduled down to the minute. And yes, even your child gets observed in a playgroup setting.

So why is it so hard?

Because NYC has more applicants than spots. Because each school has its own distinct philosophy, admissions style, and priorities. Because you're not just choosing a school—you're choosing a community, a culture, a vision for your child’s early years. And because as a parent, this feels deeply personal. You're trying to get it right.

Add in deadlines, financial aid forms, work schedules, and a child who might (or might not) cooperate on tour day, and it’s easy to see why the process can feel overwhelming.

But here’s the flip side: it’s also an opportunity. A chance to reflect on what kind of environment will help your child grow, what matters to your family, and what kind of community you want to be part of.

Challenging? Yes. But impossible? Not at all—with the right information and a bit of planning, you’ll find your way.

The Application Calendar: Timing is Everything

In the world of NYC private school admissions, timing isn’t just important—it’s everything. Miss a deadline, and it doesn’t matter how perfect your child’s glitter art portfolio is or how eloquent your parent statement sounds. Doors close fast, and some don’t open again until the next year.

Here’s the general rhythm you need to know:

Spring–Summer (The Warm-Up)

This is your prep season. Tour websites, attend early info sessions, and start building your list of target schools. It’s also a great time to begin drafting those parent statements—yes, you’ll need them, and yes, they’re important.

Late August–September (Game On)

Applications go live, mostly through Ravenna or individual school portals. Some schools only offer tours after you apply—so get those forms in early to snag a prime interview slot.

Fall–Winter (The Application Sprint)

Between September and January, things get busy. You’ll attend school tours, sit through parent interviews, and bring your child to “playgroup” assessments. You’ll also need to coordinate preschool recommendations and submit school reports. Financial aid deadlines often hit during this window too—don’t wait until the last minute.

February (Decision Day)

Most ISAAGNY-member schools notify families of admissions decisions in early February. You’ll have roughly a week to reply and submit a deposit. It’s a short fuse, so try to know your top choices ahead of time.

Spring–Summer (Waitlists & Plan Bs)

Didn’t get your top pick? You’re not alone. Waitlist movement happens, and some schools consider late applicants on a rolling basis. Keep communication polite and proactive, but don’t hang your hopes on a miracle. Always have a solid backup plan.

Meet Your Match: Finding the Perfect School Fit

In a city brimming with educational options—progressive, traditional, Montessori, faith-based, bilingual—how do you figure out which one is right for your child? Spoiler: there’s no universal “best” school in NYC. There’s only the best fit for your family.

Finding the right school is part research project, part soul search. It’s about more than facilities and test scores—it’s about alignment. Do the school’s values resonate with your own? Will your child thrive in a more structured environment, or are they a free spirit who lights up in a play-based setting? Does the community feel warm, inclusive, and like a place where your family could grow roots?

Below, we break down how to identify your perfect fit—and we name names, too. Because in this city, knowing your options is half the battle.

Step 1: Know Your Child

Every kid comes with their own learning rhythm, personality, and social temperament. Your goal is to find a school that not only accepts that but works with it.

If your child thrives with structure, clear expectations, and classic academics:

They’re the kids who ask for routines, enjoy following rules, and might already love worksheets or organizing their crayons by color. These children often do well in schools with formal academics, uniforms, and strong behavioral frameworks.

Consider schools like:
The Buckley School, The Brearley School, The Browning School, Chapin, Collegiate School, Spence, Allen-Stevenson, Marymount, Convent of the Sacred Heart, St. Bernard’s, Nightingale-Bamford, Trinity, Horace Mann

These schools tend to emphasize academic excellence, discipline, and tradition—but they also support kids in becoming poised, articulate, and community-minded. Think “gentlemen and ladies in training,” with rigor and polish.

If your child is curious, imaginative, and loves unstructured play:

These are your builders, storytellers, tinkerers, and dreamers. They might talk to ants on the sidewalk or turn a shoebox into a rocket. They need a classroom that gives them space to explore.

Consider schools like:
Bank Street School for Children, City and Country School, The Calhoun School, Manhattan Country School, LREI, Ethical Culture Fieldston, Brooklyn Friends, Packer Collegiate, Grace Church School, Saint Ann's, Riverdale

These progressive schools use project-based learning, prioritize social-emotional development, and often assess growth through portfolios instead of grades. If your child learns best by doing, asking “why,” or getting messy, this is your lane.

These kids may take time to warm up in new environments or need teachers who are especially responsive. Maybe they’re neurodivergent, still developing their language skills, or just highly sensitive.

Look into:
Berkeley Carroll, Avenues, Trevor Day, Poly Prep, Hewitt School, Brooklyn Heights Montessori, Rudolf Steiner School, Friends Seminary, The IDEAL School, Village Community School

These schools are known for scaffolding students where they are—not where they “should” be. Many have strong student support teams, inclusive admissions, and an intentional focus on building confidence and independence.

Step 2: Know Yourself

Your child will spend their days in the classroom—but you’ll be part of this community for years. Your own values, needs, and expectations matter, too.

If you want to be part of a warm, collaborative school community:

You’re the potluck type. You want to volunteer, know your kid’s friends’ parents, and feel like your voice matters.

Consider:
Brooklyn Friends, Manhattan Country School, Calhoun, LREI, Fieldston,Grace Church, City and Country, The Co-op School, Village Community School

Expect lots of parent involvement, open dialogue with faculty, and a community that invites your full presence—not just your child’s.

If you prefer boundaries and a more hands-off role:

Maybe you work long hours, travel frequently, or just want a clear divide between school and home life. You want a trusted institution and clear expectations, not bake sales.

Consider:
Collegiate, Spence, Brearley, Trinity, Chapin, Dalton, Nightingale-Bamford, Marymount, Convent of the Sacred Heart, Browning

These schools are respectful, professional, and typically offer excellent communications and structure without requiring constant parent presence.

If diversity, inclusion, and equity are core to your family identity:

You want your child to grow up in an environment that reflects the real world—where race, gender, ability, and identity are discussed thoughtfully and meaningfully.

Consider:
Fieldston, Manhattan Country, Bank Street, LREI, Brooklyn Friends, Grace Church, Avenues, Poly Prep, IDEAL, Berkeley Carroll, Horace Mann

Many of these schools are explicitly mission-driven around equity and inclusion, with curriculum, staff training, and parent conversations that reflect that focus.

Step 3: Dig Deeper—What Kind of Learning?

Once you’ve identified schools that feel emotionally aligned, consider their educational approach. Some teach through inquiry and discovery; others emphasize mastery and discipline.

Inquiry-based, hands-on learning (often called “progressive”):

These schools focus on the process, not just the product. Kids learn by exploring questions, experimenting, and reflecting.

Top picks:
Dalton, Bank Street, City and Country, Calhoun, Fieldston, LREI, Avenues, Berkeley Carroll, Brooklyn Friends, Trevor Day, Saint Ann's, Riverdale

Traditional academic foundations (direct instruction, phonics, structure):

Kids are taught clear skills early, with milestones, benchmarks, and often homework starting in early elementary.

Top picks:
Buckley, Brearley, Allen-Stevenson, Chapin, Marymount, Collegiate, Spence, St. Bernard’s, Nightingale, Trinity, Horace Mann

Faith-based with strong values and community:

These schools may include religious instruction or chapel, but many are inclusive and diverse in practice.

Top picks:
Grace Church (Episcopal), Convent of the Sacred Heart (Catholic), Marymount, Heschel (Jewish), Rodeph Sholom, St. Hilda’s & St. Hugh’s, Saint David’s

Bilingual & International:

Great for globally-minded families or multilingual households.

Top picks:
Lycée Français, Avenues, UNIS, École Internationale de New York, ISB (French/Spanish), Dwight, British International School, Léman, Pine Street, Nord Anglia

Step 4: Trust the Vibe

You can read mission statements all day, but when you step inside a school, you’ll feel it. Pay attention to:

How students interact with teachers and each other
How faculty talk about children’s learning
What’s on the walls—art? Data? Community photos?
How your child responds after the playgroup

This is where “fit” becomes real. A school might look great on paper but feel cold in person. Or one you nearly skipped might feel like home the second you walk in.

The Application Puzzle: What Goes into It?

So, you have your list. And now… you actually have to apply.

Let’s start with the basics. Every school requires a standard online application. Most are through platforms like Ravenna or Finalsite, and some have their own portals. You’ll be asked for the usual stuff—your contact info, your child’s birthday, emergency contacts—but also a few questions that catch you off guard. Like: What three words best describe your child? (Why is that somehow harder than writing a novel?)

Then comes the parent statement. This is your chance to talk about your child and your family’s values. You’ll write about who your kid is, what lights them up, and why you think this school is the right fit. Sounds easy… until you realize you’re trying to sum up your four-year-old’s entire personality without sounding like a college admissions essay. The best advice I got? Be honest. Use real examples. Don’t worry about making your child sound like a baby Einstein—just make them sound like your child.

Meanwhile, your child will get invited to a playgroup or visit day. Think of it like a mini classroom experience. They’ll join a few other kids for about an hour of play, storytime, and low-key activities. There are no tests, no scores—just teachers observing how your child interacts, follows directions, and adjusts to a new space. It's okay if they're shy. It's also okay if they talk the entire time.

You’ll also be scheduled for a parent interview. This usually feels like a casual conversation, but it’s still an important one. Admissions staff will ask about your child, your parenting approach, and how you see yourself in the school community. You don’t have to quote the mission statement—just show you’ve done your homework and care about the fit.

Most schools also require a teacher recommendation from your child’s current preschool. This is done through a standard ISAAGNY form and goes straight to the admissions team.

Then there is an application fee, usually around $75 to $100. If you’re applying for financial aid, many schools will waive the fee if you ask.

Speaking of financial aid—that’s a whole separate process. You’ll need to submit tax returns, W2s, and a mountain of paperwork through platforms like Clarity or SSS. And heads-up: aid applications usually have the same deadline as the admissions ones, so don’t wait. Submit everything together or you might miss out.

The truth? No one nails this perfectly. But the schools aren’t looking for flawless—they’re looking for families who care, and who want to be part of their community.

Mastering the Tour & Open House

School tours and open houses might just be the most important—and the most overwhelming—part of the entire admissions process. You walk in hoping for clarity and leave wondering how 30 minutes of classroom observation turned into a full-blown identity crisis.

But don’t panic. These visits are your chance to move beyond the brochures and websites and see the school as it really lives and breathes. The key is knowing what to look for, what to ask, and how to stay present (even when you're running on espresso and anxiety).

What Happens on a Tour?

Most schools offer one of the following:

A guided tour during school hours (with a staff member or admissions rep)
An open house in the evening (usually with a presentation from leadership)
A combo event with classroom visits, Q&A, and maybe even student ambassadors

You’ll peek into classrooms, hear about curriculum and philosophy, and meet faculty, staff, or even current parents. It’s a chance for you to evaluate the school as much as they’re evaluating whether you’re a good match.

What to Actually Look For

Forget the perfectly curated bulletin boards—focus on the stuff that really matters:

Teacher-student interaction: Are teachers warm? Do they know kids by name? Are kids engaged or just well-behaved?
Student vibe: Do kids seem joyful? Confident? Curious? Or tired and silent?
Classroom layout: Are materials accessible? Are different learning styles reflected?
Noise level: There’s a sweet spot—buzzing with activity but not chaotic.
Diversity: Who's in the room? Staff, students, leadership. Look around.

Tour Etiquette 101

Be on time. NYC admissions folks are lovely—but punctual.
Don’t bring your child unless it’s specifically a child-friendly event.
Mute your phone and please don’t take photos.
Dress neatly but no need to go full business casual—just look like a parent who’s put together-ish at 9 a.m.
Be kind to the staff, front desk team, and fellow parents. Everyone notices.

One Last Thought

You’re not just choosing a curriculum—you’re choosing a community, a rhythm, a place where your child will spend most of their waking hours for the next 6–13 years. The tour won’t answer everything, but it’ll tell you a lot—if you know what to look for.

And if you leave a school thinking, “I could see us here,” that’s worth more than a mission statement ever could.

Demystifying the Child Assessment

(a.k.a. what really happens when your 4-year-old goes behind that mysterious door)

Let’s be honest: the “child assessment” part of the NYC private school process sounds scarier than it is. When I first heard that my kid would be observed by educators in a playgroup setting, my brain immediately conjured visions of mini SATs, clipboard-wielding psychologists, and my child suddenly forgetting how to hold a crayon.

Take a breath—it’s not like that.

Here’s what the child assessment actually looks like—and how to prepare (without over-prepping).

What It Is (and What It Isn’t)

The child visit is not a test. It’s a short, play-based session where teachers and admissions staff observe how your child interacts in a group setting. It usually lasts about 30 to 60 minutes, and your child is with a small group of other applicants in a classroom.

They might:

Build with blocks
Listen to a story
Participate in group play
Do some simple drawing or fine motor activities
Follow basic instructions or routines (e.g., "Let’s all sit in a circle!")

What they’re not doing: taking a quiz, reading aloud, or solving math problems.

What Are Schools Looking For?

Schools want to see:

Separation: Can your child leave you comfortably (or with manageable wobbliness)?
Language use: Are they chatting, pointing, responding to questions?
Social behavior: Do they take turns? Share? Engage with peers?
Attention span: Can they stay with a task or activity for a few minutes?
Curiosity and playfulness: Are they exploring, asking questions, or diving into materials?

It’s not about perfection—it’s about readiness for a group learning environment.

What If My Child is Shy? (Or Wild? Or Has a Meltdown?)

Totally normal. Admissions teams have seen it all. Some kids don’t talk. Some refuse to participate. Some cling to their parent’s leg like a baby sloth. Others act like they own the classroom. It’s okay.

Educators understand that kids are developing at different rates. A single visit is just one data point. If a school’s whole vibe is based on developmental sensitivity, they won’t judge your child harshly for having a shy day—or a big feeling.

If your child is neurodivergent or has specific needs, mention that in your parent interview. Most schools welcome this transparency and will do their best to observe your child in a fair, supportive way.

Should I Prepare My Child?

Yes… but gently. You don’t need flashcards or coaching. What helps most is giving your child a sense of what to expect.

Try something like:

“Tomorrow we’re going to visit a new school. There will be some toys, a teacher, and a few other kids. You’ll get to play and have fun, and I’ll be waiting right nearby.”

Make sure they’re rested, fed, and not coming off a high-emotion day if you can help it.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Hang Around Too Long

Lingering at drop-off can make separation harder. Trust the teachers. Give a confident “You’ve got this!” hug and let them go.

And maybe go get yourself a coffee and don’t check your phone every 2 minutes.

Final Thought

The child assessment isn’t a performance—it’s a snapshot. And the goal isn’t to see if your kid is “the best”—it’s to get a sense of whether the school can support them, and whether they’ll thrive in that community.

If your child doesn’t follow directions, bolts from the table, or stares blankly at the storybook—take a breath. The school wants to meet your real child. That’s who they’re admitting.

And trust me: your real child is more than enough.

A School-by-School Breakdown

Note that every school does it a little differently—so here's a sample of what to expect.

Dalton School

Format: 1 hour 15-minute visit in a small group
Activities: Free play with blocks, drawing, story time, one-on-one interactions with teachers
While your child is inside: You go on a simultaneous parent tour
What they observe: Separation, verbal expression, social skills, fine motor, curiosity
Bonus: Parent interview is scheduled separately
Dalton loves curious, self-starter kids. Let them be themselves!

Brearley School

Format: 45-minute group session with 3–5 girls
Activities: Early learning games, drawing, listening to a story, casual conversation
Drop-off: Parent/caregiver drops off; not required to stay
What they observe: Ease of separation, group participation, attention span, language
Very gentle and relational—great for girls who enjoy focused activities.

Convent of the Sacred Heart

Format: 1-hour playgroup
Activities: Read-aloud, small group activities, teacher-led play
Notes: Individual observation happens within group setting
Assessment style: Warm and child-friendly, no standardized tests
Values kindness, confidence, and age-appropriate social skills.

Chapin School

Format: Playgroup visit scheduled via Ravenna
Bonus step: Parents must submit a casual 60-second video of the child playing or talking
Parent component: Tour and meeting with Head of Lower School during child visit
What they observe: Verbal confidence, cooperative behavior, early executive functioning
Ideal for girls who are articulate and ready to engage with others.

Lycée Français de New York

Format: One-day group visit (January 17 for 2025 applicants)
For non-NYC families: Remote assessments offered
Focus: Bilingual readiness (French/English), group interaction
What they observe: Comfort with new adults, language skills, group dynamics
Strong fit for international families or multilingual children.

Grace Church School

Format: 50-minute group session with early childhood teachers
Activities: Teacher-led circle time, hands-on activities, social play
No standardized testing; assessment is entirely observational
Parents: Do not attend the visit
Warm, inclusive, and gentle—great for thoughtful or sensitive kids.

The Buckley School (Boys Only)

Format: Morning visit, small group
Activities: Play-based session with various activities
Scheduled after: Submission of the full application
What they observe: How a child engages socially, listens, and transitions
Buckley looks for respectful, spirited boys who enjoy collaborative play.

The Browning School (Boys Only)

Format: 60-minute playgroup with ~5 boys
Activities: Age-appropriate classroom games and social interaction
Environment: Relaxed, warm, designed to mirror their K classrooms
What they observe: Comfort level, verbal interaction, fine motor skills
Great fit for boys who may be quiet observers or energetic explorers.

The Allen-Stevenson School (Boys Only)

Format: Group child visit scheduled after application
Exact activities not detailed, but aligns with ISAAGNY norms
What they value: Group participation, focus, respect, early curiosity
Well-suited to boys who enjoy structured play and early leadership roles.

Collegiate School (Boys Only)

Format: In-person group visit with play and team activities
Activities: Small group discussion, creative games, basic listening tasks
Parent interview is virtual and scheduled after child visit
What they observe: Attention, verbal engagement, imaginative thinking
Great for boys who love puzzles, questions, and expressing themselves.

City and Country School

Format: Saturday visit in small groups
Activities: Open-ended materials, social play, short teacher-led activity
Parent session: While kids visit, parents meet in the school’s library
What they observe: Natural curiosity, ability to engage with materials, interaction
For kids who love building, tinkering, exploring—it’s very hands-on.

Abraham Joshua Heschel School

Format: Group “Play Visit” on campus
Activities: Light, playful, collaborative tasks
No testing: Focus is on group readiness and values-aligned character
What they observe: Ethical engagement, social connection, curiosity
Ideal for families valuing Jewish tradition and inclusive, joyful learning.

The Hewitt School (Girls Only)

Format: Group playgroup held on campus
Schedule: Playgroups begin in early October
Activities: Age-appropriate social and learning games
What they observe: Peer interaction, verbal confidence, focus
Especially welcoming to girls who thrive in collaborative settings.

Bank Street School for Children

Format: Not fully detailed, but in keeping with their developmental-interaction philosophy
Likely activities: Free play, storytelling, artistic expression, problem-solving tasks
What they observe: Social-emotional intelligence, imaginative play, independence
Perfect for children who learn by doing and thinking out loud.

Brooklyn Friends School

Format: Play-based session, likely small group
Activities: Progressive, Quaker-aligned early childhood tasks
What they observe: Thoughtfulness, curiosity, group awareness
Loving environment for kids with big hearts and creative minds.

Financial Aid: Yes, It’s Worth Applying

Let’s talk about the elephant in the admissions room: the tuition. If you’ve taken a peek at the price tag for private kindergarten in NYC and quietly gasped into your coffee, you’re not alone. With annual tuition often running well north of $50,000, it’s natural to wonder: Can we actually afford this?

But here’s the good news: many private schools in NYC do offer financial aid—and yes, you absolutely should apply if cost is even a question.

But Do Families Like Mine Really Get Aid?

Short answer: yes.

Financial aid isn't just for families in extreme financial need. Many schools consider applications from middle- and upper-middle-income families who can’t comfortably handle full tuition. NYC schools understand that even high-earning households can feel the squeeze when you factor in housing, childcare, student loans, and, you know… life in the city.

There are families receiving aid who live in two-bedroom apartments, own homes, rent, freelance, or work in nonprofits, finance, fashion, education—you name it.

What’s the Process Like?

It’s... paperwork-heavy. Let’s be honest.

You’ll need to submit:

A financial aid application (usually through Clarity or SSS/NAIS)
Tax returns, W2s, 1099s, and possibly current pay stubs
A breakdown of assets and expenses (housing, childcare, etc.)

Most schools require you to submit at the same time as your admissions application. Some even set earlier deadlines for aid, so don’t wait to get started.

Will Applying Hurt Our Chances?

Nope. Most schools have need-blind admissions—meaning they evaluate your child’s application separately from your financial aid request. Many even say explicitly that applying for aid will not affect your chances.

Even at schools that are not fully need-blind, they expect that families will apply—and they want to enroll a socioeconomically diverse group of kids. It’s part of what makes their communities rich and balanced.

What Can We Expect to Receive?

Every school calculates aid differently. Some offer full rides, while others offer partial tuition reduction based on demonstrated need. You might get:

A percentage discount (e.g., 40% tuition covered)
Full coverage for tuition, but not extras (like after-school or lunch)
Sliding-scale tuition where your contribution is based on income

If you’re accepted and awarded aid, you’ll typically receive both letters (admissions + financial aid) at the same time—usually in early February.

Can I Still Apply If We’re Not Sure We’ll Qualify?

Yes. Many families are surprised to find they do qualify for some support. And if you don’t apply, you won’t know.

Even if you’re on the cusp, applying shows the school that you’re serious—and it can open the door for grants, flexible tuition models, or future years when your financial picture changes.

Resources & Consultants

Let’s be honest: NYC private school admissions can feel like its own academic discipline. Between application platforms, tour dates, essay prompts, and ISAAGNY rules, it’s no wonder many parents find themselves thinking, Is there someone who just... knows how to do this?

The answer is yes. Whether you’re a DIY type or someone who prefers expert guidance, there are plenty of resources—free and paid—that can help you navigate the process without losing your mind (or your sanity).

Trusted Free Resources for Families

ISAAGNY (Independent Schools Admissions Association of Greater New York)

Why it matters: Most NYC private schools are ISAAGNY members, and they all follow the same admissions timeline.
What they offer: Application deadlines, standard notification dates, school directory, and forms (like the preschool rec forms).
Website: isaagny.org

Parents League of New York

What it is: A nonprofit that’s been guiding NYC families through school admissions for over 100 years.
What you get: School fairs, insider Q&As, expert panels, and 1-on-1 advising (with membership).
Great for: Families who want a curated list of schools based on their needs + early access to info sessions.
Website: parentsleague.org

Online Platforms & Parent Forums

Niche.com: Stats, ratings, and parent reviews (take with a grain of salt, but helpful for surface-level info)
InsideSchools.org: More public-school focused but great for context
Reddit (r/nycParents): The rabbit holes are real, but sometimes you find gold

Educational Consultants: Worth It?

If you’re short on time, overwhelmed by options, or just want someone to sanity-check your plan, working with a consultant can be money well spent. Many NYC families use them—especially first-timers, families applying to multiple tiers of schools, or those with complex needs (e.g., learning differences, mid-year admissions, etc.).

Highly Regarded NYC Admissions Consultants

Abacus Guide

Run by Emily Glickman, one of the most well-known consultants in NYC.
Offers everything from full-service strategy to hourly support.
Great for: Families applying to top-tier schools (Dalton, Trinity, Brearley, etc.)

The Admissions Plan

Practical, straightforward support with timelines, checklists, and expert coaching.
Known for being transparent and kind.

Admit NY

Boutique firm with a great team approach.
Offers personalized guidance plus writing/editing help for parent statements.

The Bertram Group

Particularly good for families looking at day + boarding options, or who are new to NYC.

Things to Ask Before Hiring a Consultant

Do they have experience with the specific schools you’re applying to?
Are they part of any admissions networks (like “Friends of ISAAGNY”)?
Will they work hourly, or is it a full-package model?
Do they offer support with essays, interviews, and school selection?

And remember: a consultant can support your process, but they can’t guarantee results. The best ones will help you focus on fit—and keep things in perspective when the process gets overwhelming.

Final Thoughts: Stay Sane, Stay True

This process is intense—but it’s also a rare chance to reflect on what you want for your child. Take breaks. Laugh at the absurdity. And remember: your child’s future doesn’t hinge on one acceptance letter. Plenty of paths lead to happy, curious, successful kids.

You got this.