Applications Timeline

---

In the table below, we outline some general guidelines for applying to both private and select public schools.

Private Schools	Public Schools
Summer Before the Year of Matriculation
• Decide on the criteria you'll use to choose a  school.
• Browse school websites, take online tours,  and look at photos.
• Request catalogs and videos from selected  schools.	• Browse HISD's magnet schools at  houstonisd.org/magnet.
Fall Before the Year of Matriculation
• Attend the Private School Preview.	• Attend the Magnet Open House.
• Verify and list admissions deadlines and  requirements.
• Ask teachers to complete reference forms  if necessary.
• Start preparing your student for standardized  admissions and/or IQ tests.
• Start financial aid request process if needed.	• Attend Magnet Awareness Week activities  at interested schools.
Winter Before the Year of Matriculation
December--Deadline for HISD is 12/21/14
• Register for ISEE and/or HSPT standardized  tests.	• Schedule standardized testing as required.
• Complete applications.	• Submit applications by 12/21/14.
• Schedule school visits, interviews, and  auditions as necessary.
January
• Watch your deadlines.  Beat them by a week  or more, if possible.
• Take HSPT/ISEE tests.
• Complete financial aid forms.
• Submit school applications.
February
• If application deadline was in December or  January, relax!
• If applying under rolling admissions, get your application in ASAP, as fewer spaces are available the longer you wait.
Spring of the Year of Matriculation
March
• Decision letters should begin arriving by  mid-month.
• Take the appropriate action(s) stated in  the letter.
April
• Let schools know your decision.
• Examine options for schools which  wait-listed your child.

Article last updated on March 7, 2014.

---

Join the Discussion

Comments for this Advice article