4 Phases of the Placement Process - Admissions Timeline, Interviews & Fees

Sep 16, 2026

Uploaded by Fez

Guidance outlines a four-phase placement process for independent school admissions, covering preparation, application, decision, and placement. It details key steps such as member school research, summer leadership activities, interview skills, essay writing, financial aid planning, parent workshops, and school visits. The document also provides SSAT and ISEE testing options, pricing and rescheduling rules, fee-waiver eligibility based on income thresholds, possible additional costs, and a month-by-month timeline with parent learning sessions and admissions 101.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

4 Phases of the Placement Process

Preparation

Application

Decision

Placement

Testing Fees and Prep

Additional Fees

Timeline

4 Phases of the Placement Process Preparation Member School Research Summer Leadership Academy Interview Skills Essay Writing Financial Aid Parent Workshops Parent Socials Application Member School Preference List (ranked) Financial Aid Application Overall Application School Interviews School Visits (Visit in person if you can!) Standardized Testing (SSAT, ISEE) Decision Typical decisions issued are Deny, Waitlist, or Admit S&P speaks to Member Schools to advocate for students Placement Accept offer from Member School Submit signed contract to ABetter Chance in order to become an official Scholar What Fees Should You Expect To Pay? ISEE Paper At-School testing Standard Registration- $140.00 Late Registration- $170.00 Walk-In Registration- $180 ISEE Online At-School Standard Registration- $140.00 Rescheduling Fee- $40.00 Walk-In Registration can only be purchased online. Online tests do not offer late registration. SSAT Pricing Standard Testing-$95.00 Standard Testing With Consultant-$135 Rescheduling Fee-$40 .00 -Families are encouraged to register for testing as early as possible in order to secure an ideal date. -Pricing varies based on the level of testing. -Fee waivers are available for qualified families! -Families with the income of $75,000 or less will automatically qualify for testing and school application fee waivers. Testing Prep SSAT Prep: Elementary Level- $79.99- $149.99 SSAT Prep: Middle Level- $79.99- $399.99 SSAT Prep: Upper Level- $79.99- $399.99 ISEE Prep: Lower Level- $84.99- $379.99 ISEE Prep: Middle Level- $84.99- $379.99 ISEE Prep: Upper Level- $84.99- $379.99 Additional Fees School admission's application Fees: $45.00-$50.00 Financial Aid Application Fees: $55.00-100.00 Gas and Travel Fees: $100.00- $200.00 Timeline June 23 July 11 July 14 July 19 July 20 July 21 Preliminary School List Due Students will turn in their preliminary school list. Decisions To Come Parents will begin to learn about how admissions decisions work. Admissions 101 Families will learn about the steps they should take to have a completed application Parent Social Parents will have the opportunity to meet and greet with other parents. Financial Aid Workshop Parents will have the opportunity to learn more about how to apply for financial Aid. SAO Student Application Online Parents will have the opportunity to understand the application process for independent schools and students. . July 25 July 27-28 August 03 August 29 Parent Social Parents will have the opportunity to meet and greet with other parents. Member School Panels Parents will have the opportunity to learn about our different types of Member schools directly from the admissions teams. Parent Social Parents will have the opportunity to meet and greet with other parents. SAO Student Application Online Parents will have the opportunity to understand the application process for independent schools and students.

FAQs

What are the four phases of the placement process?

The process includes Preparation, Application, Decision, and Placement. Each phase covers specific activities such as research, interviews and essays, receiving decisions, and accepting an offer with required paperwork.

How much do SSAT and ISEE tests cost, and what are the rescheduling rules?

The document lists SSAT standard testing at $95, with an option including a consultant for $135, plus a $40 rescheduling fee. For ISEE, paper at-school testing includes standard registration and walk-in registration prices; online tests do not offer late registration, and rescheduling fees apply to ISEE online at-school.

Who qualifies for fee waivers for testing and school application fees?

Families with an income of $75,000 or less automatically qualify for testing and school application fee waivers. The document also notes that fee waivers are available for qualified families.

Sep 16, 2026

Uploaded by Fez