08/10/2026
This Article Nails It (with a few exceptions)!
This article about private school admissions in the Boston area was in my inbox yesterday. My husband read it and said it sounded like I wrote it (I did not).
While I agree with most of the author's points, I would add a few clarifications, as someone who has lived and breathed the world of private school admissions for nearly 25 years, as a tutor, consultant, and the parent of two students who attended private schools.
1. You need to start a full 2 years before you plan to start at a new private school, so in the fall of 5th grade for 7th grade admission, and in the fall of 7th grade for 9th grade admission. Starting late causes stress!
As the author points out, it is a lot of work, and our families who are starting now for 2027 admission are visiting schools this fall, so that their list is finalized by this time next year. This type of planning makes an enormous difference in the process - and it reduces the stress.
2. The author quotes hourly tutoring rates of $200-$400 an hour for ISEE/SSAT tutoring. We charge $125 an hour, and have some of the most experienced tutors in the business. Our tutors have on average of 15 years teaching ISEE/SSAT prep, and we have our own curriculum. Price does not always equal quality.
3. The author mentions a 12 week time frame for test prep. Our test prep program is a minimum of 12 months. There is no way that a student can learn the skills they need to score at the top for elite private school admission in 12 weeks. These tests are HARD, the material is well beyond grade level, and the timing is tight (30-60 seconds per question).
It is a stressful process, and it takes time to master the material, nail the time constraints, and have the confidence to do well. Most students take the test twice, it is rare that a student takes the test once and nails it, there is just too much pressure the first time around (no matter how well prepared they are).
Working with an admissions consultant makes a huge difference in this process. Parents just do not know what they do not know, and any small things make a big difference in the process. If you are going to do this, do it right. It is a lot to ask of your child, and you want to be able to say that you gave it your all.
One line in that article that resonated with me:
"But if this was how the game was played, was it fair to my child not to give her every advantage?"
If your family is looking to make a move to a news school in the fall of 2027, now is the time to get started!
Boston ISEE Prep - www.bostoniseeprep.com
Boston Private School Search - https://lnkd.in/ebJ-GWw3
https://www.bostonmagazine.com/education/2026/08/09/private-school-admissions/?utm_campaign=23369841-Boston%20Sunday&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_osH57AbwEwm4VhpEVsvnMzyp5wj-JmBcqEFh8QrXmQ120zV90k5LP1LHkUHFIU63Uem0zZ_6wOmw4-99UGHyUnHyerA&_hsmi=432264748&utm_content=432264748&utm_source=hs_email
Applying to private school in Greater Boston means SSAT tutors, admissions Zooms, educational consultants, and playing mahjong at parents’ nights. For one mom, at least, the acceptance was the easy part.
