Unpacking Standardized Testing: SAT, ACT, TOEFL, AP, and Test-Optional Policies
With standardized testing season approaching, it’s time to plan. Learn about the major tests you will encounter, what test-optional means for your student, and how to prepare.
Webinar – Behind Admission Committee Doors
Ever wondered what happens behind closed doors in the admissions committee? We spoke with representatives from Blair Academy, The Loomis Chaffee School, and The Webb Schools about the admissions process – from what makes essays stand out to how decisions are actually finalized.
Late Applications Are Possible – When You Know Where to Look
When time is limited, the right opportunity can still be within reach. Discover how Sesameed helped a student secure a late admission offer in just 9 days.
Signature Programs at Boarding Schools: Why They Matter
Signature programs reveal more about a boarding school’s true priorities and culture than test scores or mission statements ever could. Families should look past the marketing to check a program’s real participation, resources, and accessibility, since finding genuine depth in a student’s area of passion (or a strong menu of programs for undecided students) can shape their entire boarding school experience.
School Rankings: What Can and Can’t They Tell You?
If you’re researching boarding schools, it’s almost impossible to avoid rankings. Learn how to use them to your advantage with this guide.
Free University Webinar: Stand Out In College Admissions: Research. Essays. Admissions Success.
Learn how to use research and essay writing strategically to stand out in university admissions. This webinar is a collaboration between Sesameed and RISE Research, a selective one-on-one mentorship program where PhD mentors help high school students conduct and publish original research, win prestigious awards, and earn global recognition.
Finalizing Boarding School Registration: Submitting Forms and Selecting Housing Preferences
Getting your child registered for boarding school involves more than paperwork — from enrollment contracts and health forms to roommate questionnaires, each step shapes how smoothly the year begins. Start early, stay organized with a checklist, and be honest on housing preferences to help your student settle into campus life with confidence.
Inside the SSAT: Scoring, Strategy, and What Scores Actually Matter
Curious how the SSAT is actually scored, and why percentiles matter more than the number itself? This guide breaks down raw vs. scaled scoring, what admissions officers really look at, and the test-day strategies that can boost your child’s results.
Day school vs Boarding School: Which is Right for You?
Choosing between a day school and a boarding school means weighing more than logistics — it shapes your child’s academic rhythm, social world, and path to independence. This guide breaks down how each model differs in daily life, community, and personal growth, helping families find the right fit for their student.
Which College Application Timeline Is Right for You?
Read this guide to figure out the best College Application Timeline for you! learn about Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision deadlines.
Webinar – Athletic Excellence at America’s Top Boarding Schools
How can sports strengthen a university application? Meet representatives from Mercersburg, NMH, and Hotchkiss to learn how athletics can help students stand out in the college admissions process.
Which College Application Timeline Is Right for You?
Choosing the right college application timeline — Early Action, Early Decision, or Regular Decision — can significantly impact both your admissions outcome. Early Action offers flexibility and early results without binding commitment, Early Decision provides a potential admissions edge in exchange for a binding enrollment agreement, and Regular Decision grants maximum time and flexibility to compare financial aid packages and refine your application.