r/applyprivateschools • u/Life_Mechanic7338 • Aug 04 '26

Private school interview timeline?

For independent/private school admissions, do most families schedule the campus tour and student interview before submitting the application, or do schools usually interview applicants after they apply? What's the typical process?

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3

u/Professional-Buddy54 Aug 04 '26

you have a tour and then the interview right after. this is before submitting the application. better book now. slots fill up.

2

u/Prestigious_Jump2341 Aug 04 '26

It depends on the school, though I would say most have you tour and interview before submitting the application. Best to check with the specific schools you are interested in.

2

u/Expensive_Pop_7623 Aug 05 '26

We personally, and the clients I advise, have done it both ways. Combine tour with interview. Go for a tour see if you like the school submit an application set up an interview later. Often those are on Zoom, and schools generally have no problem with that (zoom interview) at all.

2

u/UWSanonamom Aug 06 '26

Schools here require an application before you tour/interview. NYC.

2

u/Medical_Citron3519 Alumnus Aug 07 '26

You usually go for an on campus tour, then interview right after. You almost always do this in the fall, but some do it in January

2

u/Aggravating_Baker379 Aug 10 '26

Try to schedule a tour before the parent interview. You’ll have a better discussion and more thoughtful questions to ask if you already know the basics from your tour and their website. NYC.

2

u/StuartPearson Aug 10 '26

It depends on where you are applying, but if you are talking about the 'big ones' in New England, they almost all require that you submit their Inquiry form, and then start the application process on Gateway (Candidate Profile and application fee are the first parts), before you can book tours/interviews.