As this year’s admission season comes to an end, as a parent, you must look beyond the decision letter(s) and consider what is means for the next steps in planning your child’s education path. Make sure you take the adequate steps to prepare for what is to come at the start of next year and beyond.

1. Yes

Obviously, of the three possible outcomes, this is the one you have been hoping for. However, the journey is not over just yet. Yes, your child has been accepted to a wonderful institution, but he also needs to be prepared when he walks through those doors of his new school in the fall. If your child is entering into a new school, he likely will have some catching up to do over the summer to reach the readiness level of those students currently attending that school. Some schools will provide summer reading lists while others will provide catch up work. Make sure you take every step you can to make sure your child is on a level playing field when he starts. Remember, just because your child has been accepted does not mean he can rest on his laurels and that he doesn’t need to continue to work and develop his skills. The environment at his new school may be more competitive and challenging than at his previous school so it is important to prepare him as best you can before he enters into a new learning experience.

2. Waitlist

Nobody likes to wait, but in this case, it could lead to a favourable outcome, so be patient. If you child is placed on the waitlist, it means he is admission appropriate, but there is just not space for him at this moment. Waitlists are constantly being drawn upon, as current students may not re-enroll at the school, or students who have gained acceptance may defer, or choose to attend another school. The difficulty with being put on the waitlist is the lack of a definitive answer. Schools can contact families from the waitlist up until the end of August. Continue to work on any areas of weakness and prepare as if your child is starting at a competitive school in the fall.

3. No

This is not the desired outcome you had hoped for. However, remember that “no” only means “no” for this year and that your child is not currently ready. However, many students will apply to schools multiple times before gaining entry. Take this opportunity to find out the reasons why your child was not admissions ready and set up the necessary steps to increase his chances for next year. Was it his behavior? Were his English language skills up to an acceptable level? Many schools will set up appointments to explain why your child did not gain admission this year. Enroll your child in programs to address his weaknesses so that next year when your family applies, the various schools will be able to see your child’s progress.

Regardless of the admission decision, it is still important to remember that preparation is important.

Amy graduated from Havergal College in Toronto, one of Canada’s top private girl schools. After obtaining her Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University, she worked for three years as a member of the admissions team at Upper Canada College, considered by many to be Canada’s most famous private school.