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What follows is a list of frequently asked questions applicable to the 2008-2009 admission season. FAQ's for the 2009-2010 admission season will be updated on this page by the end of August. Please check back later in the summer for more up to date information.
I’m not sure whether I want to apply or not. What is the best way just to see the school and take a tour?
We offer Open Houses on both campuses during the fall for students and parents to see the school, take a student-led tour, talk with faculty members, and hear our students and administrators talk about St. Andrew’s. One is held during the school week in November so visitors can see classes in session, and one is held on a Saturday in December for those who prefer weekend tours. You do not need a reservation to attend, and both students and parents are welcome.
We also offer parent-only tours led by a parent guide or Admission Office staff member every Wednesday morning at 9 am by request from late September through the end of the school year. These are small group tours by reservation only and very popular, so please book early!
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Do I need to submit an application in order to schedule an interview and tour?
When you are ready to submit the application, please call to schedule your tour and interview, which are the next required steps in the application process. You don’t need to send the application in before scheduling your interview, but we do ask that you send it before the actual interview date (or bring it in with you, if time is short) so that we have the application to review before your interview begins. If you bring it in on the day of your interview, please give it to us before your tour begins so that your interviewer will have time to read through it and get to know a little about the student before the interview begins.
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When is the best time to apply?
Apply early in the fall of the year before your student will enter St. Andrew’s. We begin scheduling tours and interviews for applicants in late September. The fall months are a great time to have your admission interview and tour, before families become caught up in the holiday rush and schools close for winter break. All applications, tours, and interviews must be completed by February 1 of the year your student wishes to attend St. Andrew’s in order to be considered in the regular admission process. Late applicants will be considered only as space permits.
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What should I expect during my tour and interview at St. Andrew’s? What should applicants wear?
Your tour, which begins in the Admission Office, will be led by a St. Andrew’s student and will last about 40 minutes. There may be one or two other families taking the tour with you. You will see the entire campus, view classes in action, and have an opportunity to ask your tour guide questions about all facets of life at St. Andrew’s. Your tour guide will bring you back to the Admission Office, where your interviewer will spend 20 minutes or so in private conversation first with the student and then another 20 minutes or so privately with the parents. In getting to know more about the applicant, your interviewer will ask about academic interests, athletic activities, and outside hobbies. This is a great time for students and parents alike to bring up any questions or concerns you may have.
Visitors are welcome to wear whatever they wish, and often wear the uniform of their current school. Our St. Andrew’s students dress in comfortable, casual clothes (not uniforms), but they are not allowed to wear blue jeans or T shirts except on specially designated days.
If there is bad weather on the day of your scheduled tour and interview, please call the school hotline at 301-983-4730, ext. 350 or check this website for information on weather-related closings or delayed openings.
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What are the additional steps beyond the required admission tour and interview?
Applicants should schedule a time to take a standardized test, either the Secondary School Admission Test (go to www.SSAT.org to register), or the Independent School Entrance Exam (go to www.erbtest.org to register), submit the required recommendation forms to the current math and English teachers, and request that the current school send a first-quarter or trimester transcript.
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My student hasn’t had the current math/English teacher very long. Can we submit other recommendations instead?
You are welcome to submit additional recommendations from other teachers, coaches, or counselors, but we do require the current English and math teachers to submit recommendations for all applicants. For any additional recommendations, please use the supplemental form titled, "Common Recommendation for Students Applying to Independent Schools, entering grades 2-12" available for download from our website and at www.aisgw.org.
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Do you require a student essay or writing sample?
No. Both the SSAT and the ISEE include an essay section, which we evaluate instead of requiring a writing sample. Students are welcome to submit additional work if they wish, but it is strictly optional.
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How will I know when the application is complete?
You will receive a card from us when the application is complete. If your application is not complete, you will receive a letter in early January that specifies which parts have not been received.
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I’m not sure whether we will need financial aid or not. How do I find out more about the financial aid process?
Applicants who would like information about financial aid should indicate this on the financial aid question on the last page of the admission application, and we will send you full information about the financial aid process. You may wish to view Affording a St. Andrew's Education on our website for more information. A financial aid workshop will also be held at St. Andrew’s on Tuesday, November 27th, from 7:30 to 8:30 PM —please call 301-983-5200, ext. 236 to reserve a space.
Please be assured that admission and financial aid decisions are made separately; applying for financial aid will not affect decisions regarding admission to St. Andrew’s.
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Can students spend a shadow day at St. Andrew’s?
Applicants who have completed their admission tour and interview are welcome to book an optional half-day shadow visit to St. Andrew’s. These visits take place on specially designated mornings in January and February and are by reservation for applicants only. Applicants normally visit the grade for which they are applying, although other arrangements can be made.
We make every effort to match applicants with hosts who share some of their academic or extracurricular interests, but please be aware that athletics and extracurricular activities do not take place during the morning visits. If you would like to talk or meet with a particular coach or activity sponsor, please let the Admission Office know and we will be happy to set that up for you.
Half-day visitors should come to the Admission Office to meet their hosts and may wish to bring change for a snack, as the visit does not extend through lunch.
Visitors are welcome to wear their own school uniform or clothes similar to those worn for the admission interview. For information on weather-related closings or delayed openings, please call the school hotline at 301-983-4730, ext. 350 or check the website for updates.
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