Much like the college application process, applying to a private school is a process that takes research, time, and paperwork. It's a rare school that only requires you to show up and fill out enrollment papers. Private schools are unique and generally competitive, so expect to get started early and be required to meet a series of deadlines and paperwork requirements.

Making a list
The first thing on deck is finding the school that you want your child to attend. Depending on where you live, there may be a lot to choose from in the surrounding area, or there may be very few. Of course, if you're considering a boarding school, the number of schools available nearby may be a moot point altogether.

If you don't already know which ones you want to look into, the best way to get started researching schools is via the Internet. You can search for schools by location, academics, size, type, and specialty areas. In areas where private schools (particularly day schools) are in abundance, you may be able to get leads and "insider" information via word of mouth from other students and their parents, local agencies, and your child's current school counselor.

Checking it twice
Once you've gathered initial information, determine which schools merit a second look based on what you want in a school. From there, it's a process of visiting Web sites, requesting written materials, calling admission officers, and scheduling campus tours. After you've done all your research and considered price tags, location, and your needs versus your child's, it's time to apply. If you have the option of doing so, apply to more than one school that interests you.

Testing 1, 2, 3
Many schools will require admission testing, usually in the form of the SSAT or ISEE, but other tests may be required depending on the school. For instance, New York City has a special test for its Specialized High Schools, and Catholic schools have entrance exams that may differ depending on where the schools are located. Regardless of what tests are required, get on them quickly, as most of them are given only once or twice a year. Your child's scores can be released to the schools of your choice, but if your child misses the test altogether, you may need to wait another year before you can start applying again.

Fill in the blanks
Every school will have its own application requirements, but many of them will probably be quite similar. To help simplify things, some schools belonging to the Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) accept a standard application form that can be sent to more than one school. Aptly dubbed the "Admission Application Form," a copy can be downloaded online, filled out, copied, and sent out to each of your selected schools. There is a portion for parents to fill out, as well as a portion for students, and several different forms for letters of recommendation from various teachers and school administrators.

Not every school accepts this form, and some that do only accept some of the forms rather than all of them. You'll need to check the TABS list of schools that accept the Admission Application Form and then verify with each school which portions of the application they want, as well as what other materials you need to send in. Many will require things such as transcripts, essays, and a student resume.

This common form is unique to schools that belong to TABS. There are many other schools belonging to organizations such as the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) or the National Independent Private Schools Association (NIPSA), and most of them will have their own forms for you to fill out. Most schools will request similar items to those requested by TABS schools.

Wrapping it up
After getting all your paperwork turned in and meeting all your deadlines, it's a matter of waiting to find out which schools have accepted you. Once you hear back you need to let schools know if you'll take them up on their enrollment offer so that if you decide to pass on it, they can make an offer to another student who may be anxiously waiting to hear from them. Take the time to make the decision carefully, but don't wait until the last minute to let a school know that you won't be attending.

When you hear back about your acceptance depends on the schools themselves as some have an application window each winter for the following school year, and others have rolling admissions and accept students all year long. Make sure you know what to expect and time your applications properly to jive with when you want to enroll.

Get rollin'
Once you're in, you'll find yourself part of a whole new community and you may have the opportunity to participate in social activities or "preview" weekends prior to school starting so you can meet some of your peers and their families, as well as teachers and other school officials. These are great opportunities to start forming relationships with people who are sure to influence not only a great educational experience, but some terrific memories and friendships that will be with you for a long time to come.