How to Prepare for School Admissions This Fall

As the school admissions season gets underway, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Whether you’re applying for preschool, kindergarten, or another grade level, taking a few key steps now can help you stay organized and reduce stress in the months ahead.

Here’s how to prepare for a successful admissions season this fall.

1. Reach Out to Your School Advisor Early

The admissions timeline begins around August 1 and picks up quickly after Labor Day. Before applications open in earnest, connect with your Parents League School Advisor. They can help you build a timeline, answer questions, and guide you through each step of the process.

Starting early means you’ll have a clear plan before deadlines begin to stack up.

2. Start Thinking About Your Parent Essays

Many schools ask parents to complete written essays or questionnaires. Rather than waiting until applications are due, begin reflecting now on your child’s strengths, your family’s educational priorities, and what you’re looking for in a school community.

Giving yourself time to draft and revise will make the writing process much easier.

3. Let Your Child’s Current School Know

If your child is currently enrolled in a school, notify the administration that you’ll be applying elsewhere. Schools are often asked to complete teacher recommendations and school reports, and providing advance notice helps ensure these materials are submitted on time.

4. Complete Applications Early

Although application deadlines are often scheduled later in the fall, try to submit your applications by late September or early October whenever possible. There will be more availability for visits or interviews.

Completing applications ahead of schedule gives you time to resolve any missing documents and allows you to focus on the next steps in the admissions process.

5. Prepare for Interviews and School Visits

Once applications are submitted, schools will begin scheduling parent interviews and child visits.

Your Parents League School Advisor can help you understand what schools are looking for, explain what to expect during each visit, and offer guidance so you feel prepared and confident.

6. Take Advantage of Fall Tours

If you weren’t able to visit schools in the spring, fall tours are an excellent opportunity to experience each community firsthand. Seeing students and teachers during a typical school day often provides valuable insight that goes beyond what you’ll find in a brochure.

7. Look Beyond the School’s Reputation

As you research schools, spend time reading each school’s mission statement and learning about its educational philosophy. Think about what matters most to your family and consider whether the school’s values, culture, and approach align with your child’s needs.

The goal isn’t simply to gain admission to a great school. It’s to find the school that’s the right fit for your family.

Remember, You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

The admissions process can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it by yourself. Parents League School Advisors are here to support you every step of the way, from building your school list and reviewing your application strategy to preparing for interviews and making final decisions.

Whenever you have a question, simply reach out. We’re here to help. Not a member yet? Learn more here.

Please note that admissions timelines and requirements vary by grade level, and off-cycle admissions may follow a different schedule. Your Parents League School Advisor can help you understand the timeline that best fits your family’s circumstances.

About the Author

Mary Ann Clerkin has been a School Advisor at the Parents League since 2008 and has special expertise counseling families transitioning from public to private school, as well as advising families applying to kindergarten, elementary, middle and upper school. Prior to joining the Parents League, she was a New York State licensed, certified, tenured teacher and the Director of The Community House in Forest Hills Gardens for over 20 years. During her career, she has served on the Board of NAEYC, The Forestdale Board for Foster Children and Community Board 6. She has a degree in Education and a Masters in Educational Counseling.