For many Asian families, securing admission for your child to one of the best private high schools offers not only an enriching educational opportunity, but also the pathway to prestigious college placement and a fulfilling career.
Navigating the admissions process, whether your child is native born in the U.S. or an immigrant, requires a thorough understanding of what these schools look for in students. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting your child into a top private high school.
Understanding the Private School Landscape
The best private high schools—such as boarding prep schools like Exeter, Choate, and Groton, or the top day schools in your area—all look for students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, leadership potential, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to their communities and society at large.
These schools typically accept fewer than 20% of applicants, making the admissions process highly competitive. For Asian parents, there are a few key areas to focus on to increase the odds for your child’s admissions success:
Academic Achievement and GPA
Consistent academic performance throughout middle school creates the foundation for a competitive application.
While it’s true that good grades in STEM courses give children an advantage, the best private schools also look for demonstrated success in English reading comprehension, writing, and communication skills.
This is reflected not only in a high English GPA, but also good grades in liberal arts subjects, such as history, literature, and political science.
Going Above and Beyond STEM
Many Asian students excel in mathematics and science, but they can struggle with the nuanced thinking required in humanities courses. Thus, developing sophisticated reading skills early allows students to engage deeply with literature, analyze historical context, and write persuasively about complex topics.
These skills will become increasingly important as coursework becomes more advanced and as AI technologies transform our society. As we wrote about in our article 7 Must-Have Reasons Your Child Needs Strong English Skills in the AI Era, these types of communication skills will become increasingly important.
Standardized Testing: SSAT and ISEE Preparation
Scores on the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) and Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE) serve as gatekeepers for elite private schools. Among other skills, these tests assess the student’s ability to think critically under pressure and to communicate effectively in writing.
The verbal reasoning sections of both tests rely heavily on reading comprehension and vocabulary knowledge. In fact, students with strong foundational reading skills consistently outperform those who rely solely on test-taking strategies. Thus, vocabulary and communication skills should be included in your child’s SSAT and ISEE test preparation.
Start Test Preparation 12-18 Months Before the Exam Date
Optimal test prep should begin 12-18 months before your child’s exam date. This will give you time to address any skill gaps. Strategic test taking is definitely a part of the equation, but getting high scores requires more than that.
For example, a student who struggles with reading comprehension or reading speed can improve these abilities with practice. Likewise, you can expand your child’s English vocabulary, but it won’t happen overnight.
Private School Application Essays that Stand Out
Strong test scores can help to ensure your child’s application gets noticed. But top schools also employ a holistic approach when considering applicants.
Application essays give students an ideal opportunity to speak directly to admissions committees and to share who they are and what they value.
Depending on the requirements for the essay, topics that Asian kids can pull from their unique experiences might include:
- How they built resilience as an Asian kid transplanted to America
- How their unique heritage brought more fun to their American community
- How they use the wisdom gleaned as an Asian American or immigrant to help their American friends
- How their cultural upbringing helped them excel in academics
Interview Skills, Communication, and Public Speaking
At top private high schools, a personal interview with your child is a key part of the admissions process. In these conversations, the admissions officers will assess your child’s communication skills, intellectual curiosity, and potential fit with the school culture.
Whether English is your child’s native, second, or even third language, developing their verbal English communication skills will increase the odds of admission to a school of their choice.
Beyond practicing answers to typical interview questions, it will be important to work with your child on speaking in public with confidence. They should be able to articulate their thoughts clearly with a stranger and while under pressure.
In addition, interviewers will assess your child’s ability to maintain eye contact and they’ll observe your child’s body language during the conversation. They’ll also assess your child’s comfort with informal conversations and their ability to ask questions.
How Asian Kids Can Set Themselves Apart
Asian families can face unique challenges in preparing for top private school high admissions in the U.S. However, they also have some distinct advantages.
Going Above and Beyond GPA
The fact that many Asian families put special emphasis on academic success can help with the high GPA and test scores that the best private schools look for. However, focusing only on academic achievement can conflict with American schools’ focus on well-rounded development and authentic self-expression.
In general, American schools look for students who demonstrate independent thought and innovative thinking as much as high grades. This means Aisan parents should encourage children to explore their passions and develop independent perspectives.
The Benefits of Cultural Heritage
One of the strengths that many Asian children have is being multilingual and raised in multigenerational families. As well, many have been raised in diverse geographical environments. All of this lends itself well to having interesting life stories to share.
Cultural heritage can serve as a significant strength in applications when presented authentically. Rather than downplaying cultural identity, applicants should explore how their background shaped their values and perspectives in meaningful ways.
In addition, the best American schools look for diversity in their student bodies as they want to prepare students for a globally interconnected future.
Building a Holistic Student Profile
Like top universities, the best private high schools seek students who will contribute to their scholastic communities in diverse ways. In addition to academic excellence, these schools value leadership potential, creative expression, athletic achievement, and community involvement.
Students who pursue activities that align with their interests and values, and then develop expertise and leadership roles within those areas, create much stronger profiles than those who spread themselves thin across numerous, typical commitments.
The Application Timeline and Process
The most successful applicants to top private schools begin preparation years before submitting their applications. This early timeline allows for organic skill development rather than rushed test preparation and essay writing.
Ages 8-12: Building Skills and Good Habits
During elementary and early middle school years, your focus should center on building your child’s foundational literacy skills. For example, kids should have extensive reading practice across diverse genres.
In addition, activities like entering children’ s writing contests can help children develop their creative self-expression skills while preparing them for the rigors of competitive academic environments.
Furthermore, opportunities for public speaking can build confidence and communication skills.
Exploration of genuine interests through extracurricular activities should also begin early. Whether through music, sports, community service, or academic clubs, students need time to discover their passions and to develop meaningful engagement with their chosen activities.
Ages 13-14: Application Year Strategy
By the time your child is in eighth grade, you’ll be ready to focus on selecting and applying to schools.
Testing Times
Students applying to private high schools should typically take the SSAT or ISEE during the fall of their 8th grade year.
School Selection
School research and selection require careful consideration. For example, is your child ready for a sleepaway boarding school or is a private day school near home a better option?
Students should visit campuses, attend information sessions, and speak with current students and alumni to understand each school’s culture, expectations, and strengths.
Application Deadlines
School interviews usually occur from October to December the year before your child will attend the school. Generally, private high school application deadlines for U.S. schools fall between mid-December and mid-January, about nine months prior to the school year starting.
Financial Planning and School Selection
Understanding Costs and Financial Aid
The top private schools typically charge $30,000-$70,000 annually for tuition, with additional costs for books, activities, and boarding expenses where applicable.
Many schools offer needs-based financial aid, and some provide merit scholarships for exceptional students. Financial aid applications are often submitted simultaneously with admissions applications.
Creating a Balanced School List
Successful applicants typically apply to 6-10 schools. This includes reach schools where admission is unlikely but possible, match schools where the student’s profile aligns well with the school’s typical student profile, and safety schools that offer strong programs with higher acceptance rates.
Geographic proximity to the school also plays a role in admissions success. For example, boarding schools often seek geographic diversity, while day schools may favor applicants who live close to the school.
Setting Your Child Up for Happiness and Long-Term Success
The skills required for admission to the best private high schools in the U.S. can serve children well throughout their academic careers and beyond. Building a strong foundation of high academic performance balanced with cultivating your child’s unique strengths and passions can be the key to their living a happy and fulfilling life.
You might be interested in these other articles on DKL:
7 Must-Have Reasons Your Child Needs Strong English Skills in the AI Era
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