This website is your one-stop-shopping destination for all things secondary school placement. You can find all the information you need to manage the school search along with lots of advice and pro tips. Thanks for visiting!

All 7th-grade families are expected to schedule an initial 45-minute conversation with Dr. Silverstein regarding the secondary school placement process.

Before the initial meeting, families should complete the Secondary School Placement Student Information Form that has been emailed to all families. Please contact Dr. Silverstein if you cannot find this form in your inbox.

Students are expected to complete the Secondary School Placement Student Report.

To schedule a 45-minute conversation with Dr. Silverstein, please click below. If there are no slots that might work for you, please let dr. Silverstein know at jsilverstein@elisabethmorrow.org.

https://calendar.app.google/WADbEjPwq4iBXbWE8

ISEE / SSAT @ EMS

EMS 8th graders are encouraged to register for the SSAT and/or ISEE tests administered on campus. These will be tests closed to non-EMS students, administered in comfortable surroundings, and proctored by familiar faces. Please do not hesitate to register for these exams with ISEE and/or SSAT.

SSAT Testing Date: October 25, 2025

The code to register for this test is not available until August 1, 2025.

Registration begins at 8:30. Testing begins promptly at 9:00.
Testing locations are all in Morrow House.
Bring your Admissions Ticket (this will be sent to you via email once you're registered)
Bring 2-3 sharpened #2 pencils with erasers attached and in good shape
Bring healthy snacks and a water bottle or electrolyte drink (like Gatorade) for scheduled testing breaks
For standard-time test takers, students will be available for pickup at approximately 12:10 PM. Extended-time test takers will be available for pickup at approximately 1:35 PM.
Click HERE to request testing accommodations for the SSAT. Please note that Dr. Silverstein approves accommodation requests, so list him as the approver.
Click HERE if you need additional support for SSAT registration.

ISEE Testing Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025

Families will not be able to register for the ISEE until August 1, 2025.

Use closed-access event code WBVZ6JMD when registering for Elisabeth Morrow School (311705).

Registration begins at 8:30. Testing begins promptly at 9:00.
Testing locations are all in Morrow House.
Bring your Admissions Ticket (this will be sent to you via email once you're registered)
Bring 2-3 sharpened #2 pencils with erasers attached and in good shape
Bring healthy snacks and a water bottle or electrolyte drink (like Gatorade) for scheduled testing breaks
Standard-time test takers should be ready for pick-up by 12:00 PM. Extended-time (1.5) test takers should be ready for pickup by 1:15 PM. Please do not come into Morrow House to pick up your student. They will come out to you when finished.
Click HERE to request testing accommodations for the ISEE. Please note that Dr. Silverstein approves accommodation requests, so send him the form.
Click HERE if you need additional support for ISEE registration.

If the registration fees are a financial hardship for your family, please notify Jed Silverstein @ jsilverstein@elisabethmorrow.org.

EMS Secondary School Placement Calendar

Stay on top of all the secondary school placement events and deadlines by adding the EMS Secondary School Placement Calendar to your personal calendar.

Click below to add the calendar:

https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0?cid=Y19jcWNhdnZlYjQ4dDU4am0xZm04YjhzZGRiY0Bncm91cC5jYWxlbmRhci5nb29nbGUuY29t

Secondary School Tours

Independent secondary schools are offering tours to prospective applicant families. We recommend visiting one or two schools as soon as possible to help inform ongoing research and conversations about where families might apply. Please check the Admissions page on the secondary schools of interest to schedule a tour. I highly recommend scheduling tours when school is in session so you can assess the campus culture and pedagogy.

School Representative Visits

Representatives from different independent and boarding schools regularly visit EMS in the fall to meet with interested 8th graders. These information sessions are excellent opportunities for our students to learn more about schools, express their interest in a school, and create a connection with a member of the admissions team.

All school representative visits are posted on the Secondary School Placement Calendar. Families and students can click on the link below to add the Secondary School Placement Calendar to Google Calendar:

https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0?cid=Y19jcWNhdnZlYjQ4dDU4am0xZm04YjhzZGRiY0Bncm91cC5jYWxlbmRhci5nb29nbGUuY29t

All School Visits happen from 11:45-12:15 PM in Dr. Silverstein's Office. Upcoming school representative visits include:

Thursday, May 1st from 11:45-12:15: The Putney School (VT) [Coed Boarding]

Thursday, May 1st from 12:15-12:45: Emma Willard School (NY) [All-girls Boarding]

Thursday, May 8th: Loyola School (NY) [Coed Catholic Day]

Monday, May 12th: The Hun School (NJ) [Coed Boarding]

Thursday, September 18th: Mercersberg Academy (PA) [Coed Boarding]

Before students attend a school representative visit, they should:

1) RSVP Yes to the Google Calendar invite on the Secondary School Placement Calendar.

2) Spend time on the school's website exploring the school's mission, academics, extracurriculars, etc.

3) Come to the session prepared to ask at least 2 specific questions about the school.

4) Greet the school representative at the start of the session. Listen with attention and respect. Ask your questions!

5) Take a business card or write down the representative's name and email address. Send a thank you note/email to the school representative with additional questions and/or your level of interest in attending the school.

How to Update Your School Preference List

There is a simple system for communicating your family's priorities and progress regarding the secondary school placement process. The school's ability to support and advocate for our students depends on families providing Dr. Silverstein with up-to-date information.

To update the school list at any time, do a search in your inbox for "Secondary School Preference Form." Click on the link embedded in the body of the email and update your school list with ranked preferences, stages of progress, or admissions outcomes.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT THIS CRITICAL PROCESS, PLEASE EMAIL DR. SILVERSTEIN IMMEDIATELY @ jsilverstein@elisabethmorrow.org.

How to request secondary school transcripts

Please use this form to request transcripts to be sent to secondary schools. You are permitted to submit additional form requests if you choose to add more schools to your child's application list.

SECONDARY SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT REQUEST FORM

SSP Intro 25.MOV

This is a video of last year's introduction to the secondary school placement process for 7th-grade families.

Stage 1: An Introduction to the Secondary School Placement Process

In summary, here's what you need to know:

The Secondary School Process at EMS is a partnership between families and EMS. Families help their students to clarify their interests, needs, and hopes. The school helps families translate that essential knowledge into an action plan to guide the secondary school search.
The SSP process is an opportunity for personal growth and self-awareness for students. Students should use the SSP process to find a secondary school where their interests, values, and aspirations will flourish.
In advance of your first secondary school meeting with me, families should complete at least the Student Info Form and students should complete the Secondary School Placement Student Report.

Secondary School Placement Student Report

Here are the essential components of an application to independent schools, boarding schools, and selective public schools:

Basic student information
Application essay(s)
Teacher recommendations
Principal/guidance counselor recommendation
Academic transcript
Standardized testing (required or optional)
Student interview
Family interview

Stage 2: Understanding the Application Timeline

In summary, here's what you need to know:

1) The SSP process is a multi-month journey with distinct stages. Families are responsible for making progress throughout these different phases. I am always available to help or counsel families during this process.

2) I will send occasional reminders about the need to update information in the Secondary School Placement Form. Please feel free to fill out this form whenever you'd like to update me on your progress or would like to consult with me.

Recommended Timeline for the Application Process

Early Decision Applications

We are starting to see a couple of schools (e.g., Saddle River Day School and the Millbrook School) offer an early decision application option. Students who submit applications by an early decision deadline (usually early December) can expect to receive an admissions decision in mid-December, i.e., approximately 2-3 months before regular admissions notifications. Please be mindful that early decision applications are binding, which means a commitment to enroll once admitted. Families should not submit early decision applications unless they have a high degree of confidence regarding the fit of the school.

Stage 3: Standardized Testing

In summary, here's what you need to know:

Each secondary school has testing requirements and deadlines that families are responsible for meeting.
Please check with each school of interest to identify the appropriate tests required.
In deciding which standardized test your child should take, there are a number of considerations outlined in the table below.

ISEE / SSAT @ EMS

EMS 8th graders are encouraged to register for the SSAT and/or ISEE tests administered on campus. These will be tests closed to non-EMS students, administered in comfortable surroundings, and proctored by familiar faces. Please do not hesitate to register for these exams with ISEE and/or SSAT.

SSAT Testing Date: October 25, 2025

The code to register for this test is not available until August 2025.

Registration begins at 8:30. Testing begins promptly at 9:00.
Testing locations are all in Morrow House.
Bring your Admissions Ticket (this will be sent to you via email once you're registered)
Bring 2-3 sharpened #2 pencils with erasers attached and in good shape
Bring healthy snacks and a water bottle or electrolyte drink (like Gatorade) for scheduled testing breaks
For standard-time test takers, students will be available for pickup at approximately 12:10 PM. Extended-time test takers will be available for pickup at approximately 1:35 PM.
Click HERE to request testing accommodations for the SSAT. Please note that Dr. Silverstein approves accommodation requests, so list him as the approver.
Click HERE if you need additional support for SSAT registration.

ISEE Testing Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025

Families will not be able to register for the ISEE until August 1, 2025.

Use closed-access event code WBVZ6JMD when registering for Elisabeth Morrow School (311705).

Registration begins at 8:30. Testing begins promptly at 9:00.
Testing locations are all in Morrow House.
Bring your Admissions Ticket (this will be sent to you via email once you're registered)
Bring 2-3 sharpened #2 pencils with erasers attached and in good shape
Bring healthy snacks and a water bottle or electrolyte drink (like Gatorade) for scheduled testing breaks
Standard-time test takers should be ready for pick-up by 12:00 PM. Extended-time (1.5) test takers should be ready for pickup by 1:15 PM. Please do not come into Morrow House to pick up your student. They will come out to you when finished.
Click HERE to request testing accommodations for the ISEE. Please note that Dr. Silverstein approves accommodation requests, so send him the form.
Click HERE if you need additional support for ISEE registration.

If the registration fees are a financial hardship for your family, please notify Jed Silverstein @ jsilverstein@elisabethmorrow.org.

Jessica Gorlin of Private Prep presented a webinar on standardized testing for all EMS families. Please take a look!

7th gr intro to SSP 2024.mp4

For your convenience, click HERE for Jessica's presentation slides.

Our test prep classes have proven to be highly effective for students. Below is a graphic showing the average percentile increases on the verbal subtest for EMS students who have attended our prep classes compared to their performance on a practice ISEE before prep classes. In short, we're seeing significant improvement across the board for our kids who take the prep classes! (Thanks to Dr. Nebel for crunching and visualizing the data)

Standardized Testing Table

Standardized Testing Table 2022

Below is a recommended standardized testing timeline. Please note that the majority of EMS students only take the SSAT or ISEE once.

Pro Tip: Don't sign up to have your ISEE or SSAT scores sent automatically to schools. Share them with Dr. Silverstein as soon as possible so he can provide guidance on which score might be most advantageous.

Applying for Testing Accommodations on Standardized Tests

All standardized tests are legally obligated to consider all requests for accommodations such as Extended Time. Testing organizations have slightly different application processes for accommodation requests, but all require that families provide documentation to support their application. All application processes require EMS to either submit documentation or confirm that appropriate documentation is on file. In all cases, the first step is for families to learn about each test's application process and initiate the application to request testing accommodations. The application process for accommodations can take significant time, so please do not leave these requests to the last minute. To help families get going, below is a list of resources:

SSAT Accommodations

ISEE Accommodations

COOP/HSPT Accommodations (for most Catholic schools)

Dr. Sybille Bruun-Moss is the EMS approver of all standardized testing accommodations requests, so please arrange to send all necessary forms to him at sbruunmoss@elisabethmorrow.org.

Pro Tip: My general advice is not to share with secondary schools that a student has neuropsychological testing or has been granted accommodations until the student has received an acceptance. Unfortunately, I have come across admissions officials who do not have an informed perspective on learning differences.

Stage 4: Applying to schools

In summary, here's what you need to know:

1) We use the terms "Target," "Reach," and "High Reach" to infer the likelihood of admission for an individual student.

2) Regarding the number and mix of schools to apply to, we recommend 2-3 applications to Target schools, 3-4 applications to Reach schools, and 2-3 applications to High Reach schools. We recommend applying to approximately 7-10 schools not including local public options with open enrollment.

To do a comprehensive search of independent schools in the NJ/NY area, consider using the National Association of Independent School's School Finder tool. For Catholic high schools in NJ, HERE is a comprehensive list of high schools in Bergen County, etc. For a comprehensive list of Catholic high schools in NY, click HERE. I use Niche for learning about the academic standards and college orientation of day schools and boarding schools, but please don't put too much weight on their rankings of schools.

Requesting Transcripts and Letters of Recommendations

Secondary school applications will require you to send a transcript release form providing permission for EMS to send your child's transcript to the secondary school. Please use the Transcript Request Form to request transcripts sent to secondary schools. If you have questions or concerns about the transcript, please contact Ms. Hughes directly at (201) 568-5566, x 7130 or at ahughes@elisabethmorrow.org.

All requests for recommendations from classroom teachers can be sent via the application platform directly to EMS faculty.

All requests for recommendations from EMS's Guidance Counselor / Principal / Administrator can be directed to Dr. Jed Silverstein at jsilverstein@elisabethmorrow.org. If you have questions or concerns about recommendations, please contact Dr. Silverstein directly at (201) 568-5566, x 7167.

Please plan to have all requests for transcripts and teacher recommendations delivered before the Thanksgiving school break.

It's helpful for students and families to know what secondary schools ask on recommendation forms. Below is a typical recommendation form for teachers and the recommendation form for guidance counselors/principals that Dr. Silverstein submits on behalf of every student.

We have partnered with The Baly Group to provide your student with high-quality support for secondary school applications. Please click HERE for a summary of important information regarding application essays.

ISAAGNY_Teacher_Recommendation_Form.pdf

ISAAGNY Recommendation GuidanceCounselor_Principal.pdf

Pro Tip: Teachers expect to write recommendations for students. Nevertheless, it is in the student's best interests to ask the teacher if they would be willing to write a recommendation and to express gratitude when they agree. Courtesy is one of our 4 C's, and it gives the teacher something to write about, i.e. "Marek has such good manners...."

Here's how students should manage EMS absences to visit secondary schools:

When the visit is planned, the student looks at their schedule and emails all teachers whose classes they are going to miss. They may ask if any work/info can be given beforehand, but the teacher is not required to provide concrete answers in advance.
Then the student is required to promptly follow up after the visit via email to ask how to make up the work. This email should have all the teachers, the advisor, and the Director of Secondary School Placement (jsilverstein@elisabethmorrow.org) cc'd on the email.
As always, families are expected to enter the absence on SchoolPass and specify the reason for the absence.

How to Update Your School List

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT THIS CRITICAL PROCESS, PLEASE EMAIL DR. SILVERSTEIN IMMEDIATELY @ jsilverstein@elisabethmorrow.org.

Stage 5: The Campus Interview

In summary, here's what you need to know:

1) Interviewing well is mostly a matter of preparation. The Google Slides presentation below offers some of the essential tips for interview preparation.

2) The campus interview is a 2-way street. Students need to know their interests, strengths and passions but they also need to know specific information about the school's programs and mission. An effective interview demonstrates a good fit between the applicant's goals and the school's opportunities.

3) Prepare questions to ask. Asking questions in an interview demonstrates enthusiasm, curiosity and effort.

SSP Campus Interview Video

Pro Tip: Most independent schools will require a family interview. In fact, some independent schools have said to me, "We don't admit students. We admit families." What schools want are families that are enthusiastic about being members of the community, and are ready and willing to partner with the school to support the education of the student. My advice for families is to be yourself, but make sure you express your enthusiasm for joining the school and use the magic phrase, "We want to partner with you."

Here are two articles that are worth taking a look at in preparing for campus interviews:

20 Common Private High School Interview Questions

Common Interview Mistakes and What to Do Instead

(This second article is for professional interviewing, but most of its content is applicable to secondary school interviews.)

Pro Tip: Interviewing well is a skill that can be improved through deliberative practice. This means that we should try to provide as much experience interviewing as possible before the stakes are the highest. Book interviews at target schools first, so students can practice their interview skills in a relatively low-stakes context. Save the high reach schools for last when the student's interview skills are as honed as possible.

Stage 6: Application Outcomes

In summary, here's what you need to know:

1) School decisions are sent out from January-April. Family decisions about which school to attend will have to be made soon after receiving an acceptance and financial aid package.

2) Dr. Silverstein is always available to counsel students who are struggling with the outcomes of their application process.

3) Please keep Dr. Silverstein informed of all application outcomes and financial aid offers.

Independent day school decisions are usually sent out no later than the last week of February. Boarding school decisions are usually sent out no later than the second week of March.

Your Final Placement Report & Feedback Form

It is critically important to EMS that you use this Form to report the final results of your family's secondary school process. EMS uses this information to ensure that we are providing effective support and guidance for families and students. In addition, you are strongly encouraged to provide feedback on the secondary school placement process to help improve the process for future generations of EMS students. Please do not provide your email address or name if you prefer your feedback to be anonymous.

Click below for the Final Placement Report:

Final Placement Report

Click below for the SSP Feedback Form:

SSP Feedback Form