Boarding Schools

Boarding School Application

Great boarding schools abound. The challenge is to find the right one for your child, and equally important, to get your child in. If the process starts early enough, we also guide your family in designing and building the most suitable experience and skill portfolio for your child.

Is boarding school right for your family?

Boarding schools are an environment for growth and development. They offer a range of courses that suit your child’s interests and abilities and have the resources to provide invaluable support. The diverse demographic of intelligent, driven children promise insightful exposure to new ideas and points of view. Beyond academics, there are wonderful opportunities for sports, arts and extracurriculars. And of course, living independently is an opportunity for character building and personal growth. Studying at a boarding school is ultimately an experience that develops your child not simply in academic performance, but as a well-rounded individual prepared to tackle the challenges of the world today.

What is the right age for boarding school?

Situations vary case by case and it is important to consider different needs and situations. What is your child’s English ability? Does your child have the maturity to study and live abroad independently yet? While some children begin studying abroad in senior boarding schools (ages 13-17), others are better benefitted by going abroad earlier to attend junior boarding schools (ages 8 -13). At Foundation, we work closely with both student and parents to help you make the best judgment through a comprehensive understanding of your child.

How do you choose which school?

Getting into great schools require much attention to details. We work closely with both student and parents to cover every aspect of the process together. We help you build a multi-year education plan for your child, evaluate top education systems and corresponding entry points, compile a list of suitable schools and establish your child’s key positioning and training focus. Our role is to help the student not just get in to a great school, but also receive an education that best fits the student and best prepares the student for qualities that top universities will value.

When should I start preparing for the application?

It is now not uncommon for parents to plan and prepare for their child’s overseas education four years in advance. Foundation offers a through-train service assisting the student’s family with the entire process of overseas secondary school (or university) selection and application. We recommend that the family embark on the process 12-18 months for US schools or 24-36 months for UK schools prior to the student’s proposed entry.

Our Process

Profile Analysis

Profile Analysis

Over the past decade, the number of boarding school applicants has increased tenfold, yet the number of boarding schools has remained largely the same. More than ever before, every detail in an application matters. At Foundation we believe that every student has a unique case to present. We conduct an in-depth analysis for every student and consider their academic achievements, interests, personality, upbringing and family background; no stone should be left unturned. With this information we develop a tailor-made strategy and personalised training program to help the student reach maximum potential in the application process.

School Selection

School Selection

Foundation’s affiliation with boarding schools can be traced back to the 80s, when our founder and director Mr. Daniel Szeto attended boarding school in the US. Since Foundation’s establishment in 2001, we have collectively completed more than 1000 boarding school campus visits in the US, Canada, UK, Switzerland and Jordan. We understand our schools, and we truly know our students. There is a school for every student, and we want to help you find the best fit.

Fundamentals and Skills

Fundamentals and Skills

We aim to develop a long-term relationship with each and every family. Education is a never-ending journey, and a child’s development only takes shape over time. We take it upon ourself to promote the importance of establishing solid fundamentals such as language ability, presentation skills, reading and writing habits at a young age. Our experienced teachers and counselors equip students with the necessary skills so they are prepared to present themselves confidently and effectively.

Portfolio Building

Portfolio Building

From junior schools to colleges, student contribution is a major area of consideration for admissions officers. How will the student perform inside and outside the classroom? Is the student a good fit in our school? How will this student contribute to our school? Character matters, and schools are constantly looking for individuals who will bring unique and diverse contributions to the community. It is therefore important that a student’s trains shine throughout the admission process. Whether it is in sports, arts, music, or other activities, our counselors are here to help students develop their portfolios to best showcase their talents.

Interview Training

Interview Training

Interviews are arguably the most decisive factor in the boarding school admission process. We offer an effective training program, which has a proven track record for over 15 years. Our workshops and one-on-one training cover comprehensive grounds from positioning, profile building to communication skills. The key is to have students present their strengths and experiences effectively, while letting their personality shine through.

Essay Guidance

Essay Guidance

A good essay is about more than grammar and writing skills. Every personal statement tells a story. It is a chance for students to demonstrate their strengths and unique qualities. Our counselors do not merely teach ‘English writing’, but guide students through the process step-by-step, from overall positioning and brainstorming to effective writing. We go beyond the surface to help students utilise their experiences thoroughly so that their personal statement demonstrates intellectual maturity and self-understanding.

Advocacy

Advocacy

Being true to the spirit of an independent consultant, Foundation does not solicit or accept compensation from any institute for student placement. While our obligation to our clients is to recommend schools most suited for the students’ individual needs, we also work hard to ensure students we refer to any institute are school-appropriate and are positioned for continuous success after enrollment. Foundation counselors collectively spend more than 300 days visiting the campuses of schools and universities, as well as more than 2000 hours connecting with admission officers each year - all part of our effort in constantly renewing our knowledge and understanding about each institute to form the best match between students and schools.

Campus Visit

Campus Visit

Campus visit is an indispensable part of the application. It provides the opportunity for families to experience the school while on-campus interviews also give the schools a first-hand understanding of students. Every year we organize campus tours for families and accompany them on the journey. Our counselors provide extensive information as well as on-the-road training so families get the best out of their visits.

Testimonials