Are private schools required to contact you after they receive your application to set up interviews and school visits?
Applying to private schools can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time parents navigating admissions deadlines, interviews, school visits, testing requirements, and application portals. One common question parents ask is whether private schools are required to contact families after receiving an application to schedule interviews, playdates, tours, or parent meetings.
In most cases, private schools will contact you after your application has been submitted successfully. Schools typically reach out by email or through their admissions portal to schedule interviews, student evaluations, campus visits, or kindergarten playdates. However, admissions offices often manage hundreds of applications during busy admissions seasons, so delays can occur.
If you submitted your application and have not heard back within what seems like a reasonable timeframe, it is perfectly acceptable—and often a good idea—to follow up directly with the admissions office. A polite phone call or email confirming receipt of your application shows initiative and helps ensure nothing was lost or overlooked during the process.
You can simply say something like:
“Hello, I’m calling to confirm that you received our application materials and to see if there are any next steps we should complete regarding interviews or school visits.”
As long as you already have someone from admissions on the phone, it is also a great opportunity to ask about scheduling important appointments or clarifying admissions timelines.
In some cities, particularly New York City, many private schools now use online admissions platforms such as Ravenna, where families are responsible for scheduling interviews, tours, and testing appointments themselves. These systems allow parents to manage applications, deadlines, and appointments in one centralized location.
It is important to carefully monitor your email inbox, spam folder, and admissions portal throughout the process so you do not miss deadlines or scheduling opportunities. Staying organized and proactive can make the private school admissions process much less stressful for families.
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