Boarding School

Glossary of Terms

Advisory Program: A advisory program at boarding school pairs you with a faculty member who becomes your mentor and go-to person for support. They check in regularly to help with academics, personal growth, and adjusting to school life. It’s like having a trusted guide to cheer you on and help you succeed!
Affording Boarding School: Affording boarding school might seem overwhelming, but there are lots of options to make it more manageable! Many schools offer financial aid, scholarships, or payment plans to help cover tuition and fees. Some even have merit-based awards for academics, arts, or athletics. Don’t hesitate to ask schools about their affordability programs—there’s often more help available than you might think!
Athletic Pre-Read: An athletic pre-read is an early review of your academic records by a school to make sure you meet their requirements for student-athletes. It’s usually done before an official offer is made, giving both you and the coach confidence that you’re on track to succeed both on the field and in the classroom!
Athletic Recruitment: Athletic recruitment is the process where a school’s ports teams persue athletes that they hope will join their program. Coaches look for talented athletes who can compete at their school’s level,v and offer them spots on the team, often with scholarship incentives. If you’re a strong athlete, this can be a great boost for gaining admission to a school!
Boarding School Fair: A boarding school fair is an event where you can explore different boarding schools all in one place. You’ll meet representatives from various schools, learn about their programs, campus life, and admission process, and get all your questions answered. It’s a great way to see your options and find the best fit for you!
Campus Tour: A campus tour of a boarding school is an in-person visit where you can explore the school’s grounds, facilities, and dorms. You’ll usually get a guided walk around campus, meet staff and students, and experience the school’s vibe firsthand. It’s the perfect way to see if the school feels like a good fit for you!
Chapel or Convocation: Chapel or convocation at a boarding school is a time when the whole school comes together, usually in a special gathering space, to reflect, celebrate, or hear inspiring talks. It might include traditions, announcements, or presentations that bring the community closer. It’s a moment to pause, connect, and share in the school’s spirit!
Coach Connection: A coach connection at a boarding school is when you build a relationship with a sports coach during the admissions process. It’s a chance to share your athletic achievements, learn about the team, and show your interest in joining. It helps the coach see how you’d be a great fit for their program!
Cost of Attendance (COA): Cost of Attendance (COA) is the total estimated cost of attending a boarding school for one year. It includes costs such as tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. Understanding a school’s COA helps you plan your budget and figure out how much financial aid you might need.
Day Student Option: A day-student option at a boarding school lets you attend classes and be part of the school community without living on campus. You go home at the end of each school day, but you still get to participate in activities, events, and everything the school offers. It’s a great choice if you want the boarding school experience but prefer to live at home!
Demonstrated Interest: Demonstrated interest in a boarding school means showing the school that you’re genuinely excited about attending. This can include visiting the campus, attending virtual events, emailing admissions staff, or asking thoughtful questions. Schools appreciate when you take the time to learn about them—it shows you’re serious about being part of their community!
Dorm Parent: A boarding school dorm parent is an adult who lives in the dorm building and looks after the students. They help create a supportive and family-like environment, enforce rules, and are there for anything you might need—whether it’s advice, help with homework, or just someone to talk to. They make dorm life feel like home!
Early Notification: Early notification when applying to boarding school means you find out if you’ve been accepted before the regular decision date. It’s usually for applicants who apply early in the admissions cycle, giving you an earlier sense of where you stand in the process.
EFC (Expected Family Contribution): Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is the amount of money a boarding school expects your family to contribute toward your education costs for one year. Schools use your EFC to determine how much financial aid you’re eligible to receive.
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is a form families fill out to apply for financial aid in the U.S. While it’s mostly for college, some boarding schools also use it to determine how much financial help you might need. It’s a helpful tool to see if you qualify for grants, scholarships, or other assistance to make school more affordable!
First-Generation Student: A first-generation student is someone who is the first in their family to attend boarding school. This is a significant achievement, and many schools offer resources to support first-generation students in their academic and personal success.
Global Studies Program: A global studies program at a boarding school focuses on exploring international cultures, global issues, and perspectives. It might include special classes, cultural exchanges, travel opportunities, or projects that connect you with the world beyond the classroom. It’s a fantastic way to expand your horizons and become a globally-minded student!
Holistic Review: Holistic review is when a boarding school thoughtfully considers your entire application, not just test scores or grades. They review things like your personal statement, extracurricular activities, recommendations, and how you’ll contribute to the school community. It’s all about getting to know the full picture of who you are!
Honors or Advanced Courses: Honors or advanced courses at a boarding school are more challenging classes designed for students who are ready to dive deeper into a subject. They cover material at a faster pace or in more depth, and they give you a chance to push yourself academically. It’s a great way to explore your strengths and prepare for college-level work!”
Information Session: A boarding school information session is an event where you can learn all about a school’s programs, values, and campus life. It’s usually led by admissions staff, and sometimes current students or alumni join in too. You’ll get key details and have a chance to ask questions, making it a great way to see if the school matches what you’re looking for!
Institutional Fit: Institutional fit is when your goals, values, and interests align well with a boarding school’s culture, programs, and community. It means the school is a good match for you, and you’re a great match for them, helping you thrive academically and personally. It’s about finding a place where you’ll feel right at home!
Interview Prep: Interview prep is getting ready for your boarding school interview by practicing how to talk about yourself, your interests, and why you want to attend that particular school. It’s about feeling confident and being prepared to answer questions about your goals, hobbies, and what makes you unique. A little practice can go a long way in making a great impression!
ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam): The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) is a standardized test used by many private and boarding schools during admissions. It evaluates your skills in areas like math, reading, and writing. It’s just one way for schools to get a sense of your academic abilities and preparedness for boarding school!
Learning Support Plan (LSP): A learning support plan is a personalized plan that helps students with unique learning needs succeed in boarding school. It might include extra tutoring, modified assignments, or other resources to ensure you get the support you need to thrive academically. It’s all about helping you reach your full potential in a way that works best for you!
Legacy Applicant: A legacy applicant is someone applying to a boarding school where a close family member—like a parent or grandparent—attended. Some schools consider legacy status as a factor in admissions, though it’s not a guarantee. It’s a way for schools to honor their long-standing connections with alumni!
Matriculation Rate: Matriculation rate is the percentage of students who choose to enroll at a school after being accepted. It shows how many admitted students say “yes” to attending, giving you an idea of how popular the school is with applicants!
Merit Aid: Merit aid is a type of financial award given by boarding schools based on your achievements, such as academic performance, talents, leadership, or extracurricular involvement, rather than financial need. It’s often in the form of scholarships and can help reduce the cost of school significantly. Be sure to research schools that offer strong merit aid programs if you think you might qualify!
Need-Aware Admissions: Need-aware admissions at a boarding school means the school considers your family’s financial situation as part of the admissions process. While they still focus on your qualifications, they also look at whether they have the resources to meet your financial need. It helps the school balance offering aid while admitting a great mix of students!
Need-Blind Admissions: Need-blind admissions at a boarding school means the school reviews your application without considering your family’s ability to pay. They focus entirely on your qualifications, like academics, talents, and character. It’s all about making sure financial need doesn’t impact your chances of getting in!
Net Price Calculator: A Net Price Calculator is an online tool many schools provide to estimate how much you’ll pay for school after financial aid like scholarships and grants. It helps you understand the total cost, including tuition, fees, and living expenses, based on your family’s finances. The estimate is a helpful starting point, though final costs may vary.
Parent Financial Statement (PFS): A parent financial statement (PFS) is a form where parents provide details about their finances, like income and expenses, to the school you’re planning to attend. Schools use it to determine how much financial aid your family might qualify for. It’s a key part of the process to help make tuition more affordable if you need assistance!
Parent Statement: A parent statement is a part of the boarding school application where parents share insights about their child in writing. It’s a chance to highlight strengths, interests, and unique qualities from a parent’s perspective!
Performing Arts Portfolio: A performing arts portfolio is a collection of your best work—like videos, photos, or recordings—that showcases your talent in areas like music, dance, or theater. Schools use it to see your skills and passion for the arts. It’s your chance to shine and show them what makes you unique as a performer!
Post-Graduate Year (PG Year): A post-graduate (PG) year at a boarding school is an additional year of study after high school, typically for students who want to strengthen their academic or athletic skills, improve their college application, or develop personally before heading to college. It’s a great way to gain extra experience, focus on goals, and make sure you’re fully ready for the next step in your education!
Priority Deadline: A priority deadline is an earlier application deadline at a baording school that gives you a better chance of being considered for scholarships, financial aid, or limited spots. Applying by this date shows you’re serious about the school and helps ensure your application gets reviewed early in the process!
Recommedation Letter: A recommendation letter is a letter written as part of your application by someone who knows you well—like a teacher, counselor, or coach—to share more about your strengths, character, and potential. It’s a way for schools to hear about you from someone else who can highlight your achievements and what makes you stand out!
Resident Assistant (RA): A resident assistant (RA) in boarding school is an older student who helps out in the dorms by supporting and guiding younger students. They’re there to create a welcoming community, organize fun activities, and be someone you can go to for advice or help. Think of them as a friendly mentor right in your dorm!
Rolling Admissions: A boarding school with rolling admissions means the school reviews applications and makes decisions as they come in, rather than waiting until a specific deadline. This gives you the flexibility to apply earlier and get your results sooner, and sometimes, even secure a spot before the official deadline!
Room and Board: Room and board refers to the cost of housing and food while you’re at a boarding school. It includes your dorm or apartment cost and the meal plans offered by the school. This is an important part of the total cost of attendance, alongside tuition and fees.
Shadow Day: A boarding school shadow day is when you spend a day at the school, attending classes and experiencing campus life as if you were already a student. It’s a fun way to see what it’s really like, meet current students, and get a feel for the school’s atmosphere before you apply or before you make your decision to attend!
SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test): The SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) is a standardized test many boarding schools use as part of their admissions process. It measures your math, reading, and verbal skills to help schools understand your academic strengths. Think of it as one piece of the puzzle to show what you’re capable of!
Student Leadership Opportunities: Student leadership opportunities at a boarding school let you take on roles like being a prefect, student council member, club leader, or team captain. It’s a chance to build your skills, represent your peers, and make a positive impact on campus. Plus, it’s a great way to grow as a leader while doing something you’re passionate about!
Student Statement: A personal statement is an important part of your boarding school application where you share your story, goals, and why you’re excited about the school. It’s your chance to show who you are beyond grades and activities—what makes you unique and why you’d be a great fit for a school!
Summer Bridge Program: A summer bridge program is a short orientation program designed to help new students get ready for boarding school life before the academic year starts. You’ll get to meet other students, adjust to the campus, and build skills to feel confident and prepared. It’s like a fun, supportive head start on your boarding school journey!
Test-Blind: A test-blind boarding school is one that doesn’t consider standardized test scores at all during the admissions process, even if you submit them. They focus solely on other parts of your application, like your grades, personal statement, and recommendations.
Test-Optional: A test-optional boarding school is one that doesn’t require you to submit standardized test scores, like the SSAT or ISEE, as part of your application. If you choose not to send your scores, the school will focus on other parts of your application, like your grades, essays, and recommendations. It gives you the option to decide if your test scores truly reflect your abilities!
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a test for non-native English speakers to show their English skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Many boarding schools use it to make sure you’re ready to thrive in an English-speaking classroom.
Virtual Visit: A virtual visit to a boarding school is an online tour or meeting where you can explore a school without leaving home. You’ll get to see the campus through videos, hear from staff and students, and ask questions—all from your computer or phone. It’s a convenient way to learn about the school and get a feel for what it’s like without having to travel!
Visual Arts Portfolio: A visual arts portfolio is a collection of your best artwork—like drawings, paintings, sculptures, or digital designs—that shows your creativity and skills. Schools use it to understand your artistic style and potential. It’s a great way to share your passion for art and make your application stand out!
Waitlist: A waitlist is a list of applicants to a boarding school who may be offered admission if spots open up after the initial round of acceptances. Being waitlisted means the school likes your application but can’t guarantee a spot yet. Many schools admit applicants from the waitlist each year, so don’t lose hope if you land on one!
Weekend Programming: Weekend programming at a boarding school is all the fun and engaging activities planned for students on weekends. It can include things like movie nights, sports tournaments, trips to nearby cities, hiking, or creative workshops. It’s designed to keep weekends exciting, help you unwind, and give you a chance to bond with friends!

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