AtomicMind 8th Graders: November Highlights

As we approach the holiday season, it's an ideal time for students to reflect on their progress and plan ahead for the journey to high school. For eighth graders hoping to apply to private high schools, it's time to work on their applications.
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Students should have submitted their preliminary applications on or before November 15th, 2024. Most schools require that students submit their comprehensive application in early to mid January.  We recommend that students finalize the entirety of their application before the start of winter break. In order to help you stay on track, we've compiled a checklist of application components.

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Private High School Applications

1. Basic Application: Each school will ask for students and parents to complete the primary application form, which requests profile information about the student and their family.
2. Essays: Depending on the school, students will be required to write and submit essays that discuss their background, interests, and values. During November, students should meet regularly with their Head Advisor and Writing Coach to complete these essays.
3. Standardized Tests: Students should plan to study for, schedule, and take their standardized exams, like the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE), by school deadlines. Most schools require that these scores are submitted by early January. For support, reach out to your student's Head Advisor to be paired with an AtomicMine ISEE specialist.
4. Information Release: Contact your student's current school to ensure they are aware of your student's intent to transfer. You will likely need to provide consent to release student information. Without providing this consent, your student's application may be delayed or denied, as schools require transcript information to make admissions decisions.
5. Transcripts: Please ensure that schools have accurate transcripts to review.
6. Recommendations: Before Thanksgiving break, students should reach out to their teachers or counselors requesting letters of recommendation. Most high schools require 1-2 recommendations, ideally from core subject teachers. It is often helpful to provide them with a "brag sheet" of information relevant to your student and their interests; to get support compiling one for your student, please contact your AtomicMind Head Advisor. Please make sure that teachers are apprised of the application deadlines.
7. Interviews: The interview is an important element of your student's application, as schools are able to get a sense of your student's personality and ability to articulate their interests and qualifications in person. As soon as schools open up interview slots, students should sign up. Head Advisors are able to pair students with specialists who can help them run through questions and prepare for their interviews.
8. Final Review and Submit: With the support your student's Head Advisor, all application material need to be double-checked for completeness, accuracy, and content. Once everything has been reviewed successfully, it's time to submit!
9. Follow-Up and Final Transcripts: Students and families should confirm receipt of all application materials. Once grades are available for the Fall semester, request that your student's updated transcripts are sent out as soon as possible.

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Communication with your student's current school and teachers is key to make sure that everything stays on track, especially as holidays approach. As always, please contact AtomicMind for any support on your students upcoming applications.
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Top Resume Builders of the Month:

This November, we're particularly excited about the following opportunities available to your 8th grade students:

1. Scholastic Art and Writing Awards
2. New York Times Tiny Memoir Contest
3. Write the World Writing Contest
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Please contact AtomicMind to learn more about how we can support your 8th grader.

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