Unlike public school, students have to apply to attend a private high school. Why? There are usually a limited number of spots. If more students apply than spots are available, difficult decisions have to be made.

What Schools Want
So how do you impress the folks in the admission office? In most cases, offers of admission aren't limited to straight-A students. However, a student's credentials-the qualities that "attract" a school-will play an important role, especially when applying to a more selective school. (The fewer students a school accepts, the more selective it is.)

The most selective schools want a student body that is bright, motivated, diverse, and talented.

What You Can Do
Academics are only one part of the credentials equation. To increase your student's chances of getting in, you will need to make the most of their talents. How? Nurture them!

Focus on your talents
Get in the habit of sitting down with your student and discussing their interests on a regular basis. Not only will they feel good; you'll be able to help them develop the talents that will impress college and private school admission committees.

Take it to the next level
Encourage your student to participate in a diverse range of activities. Schools look favorably on candidates who will be active participants in the school community.

Keep things in perspective
It's tempting to load your student's schedule with everything you can think of.  Let them take the lead. There's a difference between demanding that they do something and demanding that they participate in an activity in which they may have no interest.

Whatever you do, don't get overwhelmed. Though it can sometimes be competitive, the admission process is centered on determining if a student and a program are a good fit. As long as you focus your search on the right schools, you're halfway there!