Application Process

We're thrilled you're considering joining the Emma community!

The Emma Willard School Admissions Team is here to guide you through the application process and make it as stress-free as possible. We are also committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible admissions process at the school, which is why we have established test optional, non-discrimination and gender inclusion guidelines that we closely adhere to. You may find all policies relevant to application below.

To help you get started, we've created a five step process below that outlines the main stages of application for all domestic and international students looking to attend Emma Willard.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1: Methods of Applying

We want to get to know you through the application process. This is your moment to shine, and we're excited to learn all about you! We welcome applications through four platforms: Emma Willard School Application, SAO, Gateway, and TABS.

If you choose to apply using the Emma Willard School Application, don't worry – it's easy and free! Simply click on the Apply button anywhere on our website and follow these easy steps:

You will be prompted to create an account.
Enter your email, create a password, and select the "Create an Account" button.
If our system recognizes your email address, it will be highlighted in red after you submit your information. In that case:
- Select the “Sign In” button
- Click on the blue "Forgot your password?" link and reset your password.
Now that you are logged in, you will have access to the online application where you can track your application progress and learn more about Emma Willard School.

At Emma Willard School, we believe that every student deserves the opportunity to pursue an excellent education, which is why we offer a free application for admission through the Emma Willard School Application to both domestic and international candidates.

Please note: Other application platforms—such as SAO, TABS, Gateway, and others—may have their own application fees. You can find more information about these fees on the respective platform's website.

2: Interview Process

With a commitment to equity and access for our applicants, we conduct interviews virtually via Vericant and Zoom for the 2024–2025 school year. We look forward to meeting you!

Candidates in the United States: Once your application is close to complete, a member of the Admissions team will reach out to schedule your virtual interview.

Candidates from Mainland China: Emma Willard School has partnered with Vericant to assist in interviewing candidates from Mainland China. Candidates living in and attending a school in Mainland China should contact Vericant to schedule a virtual appointment. The Vericant interview will serve as the candidate's interview for admission to Emma Willard. All Vericant interviews must be submitted to Emma Willard School by December 1.

Other International Candidates: Once your application is close to complete, a member of the Admissions team will reach out to schedule your virtual interview.

3: Recommendations

We value hearing from your current teachers! Their unique insights help us gain a deeper understanding of you, your academic strengths, and what really lights your fire in the classroom. We kindly request a total of three (3) completed recommendation forms from: 1) your English teacher, 2) your math teacher and 3) your principal OR head of school OR advisor OR guidance counselor. Whether using the Emma Willard application, Gateway, or SAO, you can log in to your portal to access the teacher recommendation request forms and send them directly to your teachers.

Please note: All recommendations submitted to Emma Willard must be in English. If the documents must be translated into English, please provide the official translation along with the original language copy.

4: Transcripts

To make sure we're getting the complete sense of your qualifications for admission, we require transcripts from an official at your school that cover at least two years of credits.

Please note: All transcripts submitted to Emma Willard must be in English. If your transcripts are in another language, please provide us with the official translation along with the original copy.

5: Testing & Supplemental Materials

All Applicants (Domestic and International):
Optional: Standardized test results (SSAT, ISEE, SAT, or state-based exams)

If you choose not to submit standardized test results, the following supplemental materials are required:

Academic paper or essay (minimum 150 words) from your current or previous English or History class
Assigned by a teacher and graded
Should demonstrate a thorough understanding of course content or discussions
Should be analytical, not creative work
Must be submitted in English, typed or handwritten

International Applicants Only:
Required: Language Proficiency Testing (TOEFL, iBT, or Duolingo)

Important Dates

International app deadline:
January 15

Domestic app deadline:
February 1

Financial aid app deadline:
February 1

Admissions decision:
March 10

Contract and deposit due:
April 10

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FAQ for International Applicants

Some elements of the application process are specific to international students; please review these answers to the most frequently asked questions from our international applicants.

I am a US citizen studying abroad, am I considered an international applicant?

I am not a US citizen but I study at an American school, am I considered an international applicant?

Is there a different application deadline for international applicants?

Are international students eligible to receive financial aid?

Does Emma Willard provide additional support for English language learners?

The admissions and academic offices review incoming international student applications to determine the appropriate English class for each student. Our English courses are designed to both challenge and support students of varied abilities and experiences, including English as Second Language Learners. We provide our English Language Lab instruction for students who require additional support in English language learning.

I am attending an international school where English is the primary language of instruction, do I still have to take the TOEFL or Duolingo exam?

Yes. Students for whom English is not a first language should submit an official score report for the Test of English as a Foreign Language exam (TOEFL) or Duolingo. The exception is at the time of enrollment at Emma Willard School, students will have studied at least 2 academic years within the last 5 years in a country where English is the official and widely spoken language.

If I would like to visit campus, do I need to complete a virtual interview first?

International Student Experience

At Emma Willard School, we are grateful for the rich diversity that our international students bring to our community. Their unique cultures and perspectives help broaden our understanding not only of the world, but each other. We are honored that these students are willing to share their experiences with us and contribute to our campus in countless ways.

Application Policies and Guidelines

Grounded in our girls' school mission and the belief that diversity in all its forms creates the most meaningful learning environment, the Emma Willard Admissions Department commits to recruiting, enrolling, and supporting the retention of a student population that reflects this diversity. We do this using an equitable and accessible application process so that students can be considered for an Emma Willard School education without unnecessary barriers.

We have several policies that guide our practices around admission to the school and we encourage all prospective students and families to review them closely as they consider application.

Non-Discrimination Policy:
Emma Willard School admits students of any race, color, religion, sexual orientation, and/or national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of educational policies, admission policies, scholarship, athletic, or other school-administered programs.

Test-Optional Policy:
Emma Willard School remains SSAT/SAT optional for all applicants, which we find has increasingly become the norm for college admissions as well. We also have established our own Advanced Studies program for current students which has increasingly replaced Advanced Placement (AP) courses and testing.

In-Person and Virtual Visit Policy:
Emma Willard School recognizes that travel to campus may be difficult or cost-prohibitive for some families, therefore we continue to offer both in-person and virtual visit opportunities for prospective students. We have partnered with Vericant to assist in interviewing and visiting with candidates from Mainland China. Please contact Vericant to schedule your virtual appointment if you reside in Mainland China.

As a private boarding and day school for girls, we encourage prospective students to review Emma Willard's gender inclusion guidelines before applying. Our goal is to ensure our mission reaches each student fully while also affirming their gender identity. We believe academic excellence is inextricably linked to fostering a diverse community with respect for all members, therefore our Board of Trustees approved the following guidelines for application in 2019:

Gender Inclusion Guidelines:

Emma Willard School considers for admission any applicant who is inspired and feels well served by Emma Willard’s mission. Emma Willard does not consider for admission any applicant who identifies as a boy.

As we affirm our girls' mission, Emma Willard School respects the gender identities of all current students.

Need help with your application? Contact us anytime!

We know the application process can be confusing for first-year students and families. Fortunately for you, our team does this every year and we are happy to assist in any way we can. Call or email an Admissions' team member anytime:

Admissions Office
518.833.1320
admissions@emmawillard.org

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