![Three Santa Catalina School girls pose in a dorm room with a wall of photos in the bakcground]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1645632924/santacatalina/r8ntxdkpzm0akd62vaj1/Admissionblog-boardingtips.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1645632924/santacatalina/r8ntxdkpzm0akd62vaj1/Admissionblog-boardingtips.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1645632924/santacatalina/r8ntxdkpzm0akd62vaj1/Admissionblog-boardingtips.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1645632924/santacatalina/r8ntxdkpzm0akd62vaj1/Admissionblog-boardingtips.jpg","width":1200}])
Director of Admission Jamie Buffington Browne '85 talks to U.S. News & World Report about realistic expectations and thoughtful planning.
Admission Blog — In It Together
Applying to an independent school can feel overwhelming sometimes. Let Santa Catalina School's admission team be your guide.
![Financial aid: Answers to your burning questions]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1641939585/santacatalina/v9gxyqd1bifynyiieddm/Admissionblog-TA.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1641939585/santacatalina/v9gxyqd1bifynyiieddm/Admissionblog-TA.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1641939585/santacatalina/v9gxyqd1bifynyiieddm/Admissionblog-TA.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1641939585/santacatalina/v9gxyqd1bifynyiieddm/Admissionblog-TA.jpg","width":1200}])
Don't let the cost of tuition stop you from pursuing a high-quality education.
![Three Santa Catalina School girls walk and laugh]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1640631948/santacatalina/xrvre0hkdkk9xijrowls/Admissionblog-girls.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1640631948/santacatalina/xrvre0hkdkk9xijrowls/Admissionblog-girls.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1640631948/santacatalina/xrvre0hkdkk9xijrowls/Admissionblog-girls.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1640631948/santacatalina/xrvre0hkdkk9xijrowls/Admissionblog-girls.jpg","width":1200}])
There are clear benefits to having a unique high school experience, without cookie-cutter outcomes.
![Two groups of Santa Catalina School students walk in front of Study Hall while one student points out a location.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1636045116/santacatalina/irmss2mp7eh5gevoglrd/Admissionblog-tourqs.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1636045116/santacatalina/irmss2mp7eh5gevoglrd/Admissionblog-tourqs.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1636045116/santacatalina/irmss2mp7eh5gevoglrd/Admissionblog-tourqs.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1636045116/santacatalina/irmss2mp7eh5gevoglrd/Admissionblog-tourqs.jpg","width":1200}])
Students are the experts of the schools you are looking at. Here are some tips to make the best use of your time with them.
![Santa Catalina School student writing in library]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1633967029/santacatalina/rpodl14jypyzxjztjobd/Admissionblogessays.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1633967029/santacatalina/rpodl14jypyzxjztjobd/Admissionblogessays.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1633967029/santacatalina/rpodl14jypyzxjztjobd/Admissionblogessays.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1633967029/santacatalina/rpodl14jypyzxjztjobd/Admissionblogessays.jpg","width":1200}])
When you apply to an independent school you can expect writing to be a part of the process. These tips will set you up for success.
![A smiling Summer at Santa Catalina girl holds up a clay bowl in progress]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1617032760/santacatalina/kifo3khauwn488zudvi5/Admissionblog-SummerCamp.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1617032760/santacatalina/kifo3khauwn488zudvi5/Admissionblog-SummerCamp.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1617032760/santacatalina/kifo3khauwn488zudvi5/Admissionblog-SummerCamp.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1617032760/santacatalina/kifo3khauwn488zudvi5/Admissionblog-SummerCamp.jpg","width":1200}])
When faced with tough decisions—like exploring a new high school that none of your friends are exploring—bravery helps you navigate the choice with resilience.