With the increasing number of applicants applying to independent day and boarding schools, admissions committees have started adapting additional testing tools to the application process. One tool that’s growing in popularity is the Character Skills Snapshot, which was developed by the Enrollment Management Association, makers of the SSAT standardized test.

Congratulations! You’ve made the decision to apply to an independent or boarding school. There’s a lot to consider in this process, and often families are unsure of how this process works and what to expect.

From helping you manage time and attention to solving problems and maintaining emotional control, executive functioning skills are invaluable for navigating the complexities of daily life and achieving your goals. These cognitive processes can have a significant impact on your quality of life. Keep reading to learn more about executive functioning and how you can improve these skills. 

While many families are aware that the college application process is comprehensive and multi-faceted, far fewer anticipate a similar process for admission to K-12 independent and boarding schools. Although there are significant differences, many younger students will still need to complete testing, interview, and submit an application for middle and high school admissions.

As the college admissions process becomes ever more complex and competitive, parents often ask, “When should we start?” While my colleagues and I work in age-appropriate programs with students in all high-school grades, there is value in laying a strong, early foundation.

Boarding school can be an excellent opportunity for students to get a taste of campus life, learn from a diverse group of classmates, and explore new passions. Much like the college search process, there are a variety of institutions that students must consider before compiling their list of best-fit options for boarding school.

In Semester 5 Episode 6 of our podcast, IvyWise College Admissions Counselor Robin (formerly at Georgetown University and Vanderbilt University), Executive Functioning Team Leader Lorenza, and Executive Functioning Coach Nicki share their top tips on how school high school students can further develop their executive functioning skills and practice stress management and self-care during the college application process.

We say this all the time: the earlier you start on college prep the better. But how early is too early? The reality is that colleges look at everything from 9th grade on – meaning students need to show up to day one of high school ready to go.