A background wave graphic.

Apply To Private Schools With
the Standard Application Online

The Standard Application Online (SAO) is the most efficient way of applying to private schools. Why spend hours pouring over multiple application forms and essays when our premier common application is accepted at over 400 top private schools in North America? Save yourself the time and frustration of individual applications by starting your SAO today!

A mother on a laptop submitting the SAO application to one of her family's top-choice schools.
A light blue cloud in the background.A background cloud image.
A background wave graphic.
An icon of a piece of paper coming out of a folder.

14+ hours saved on average with the SAO. How much time will you save?

How does the SAO work?

The SAO is your best option for submitting private school applications for students entering prekindergarten through grade 12. It works by standardizing all necessary forms and documentation from teacher recommendations to student essays into one simple online application.

A phone icon to represent creating an SAO account.

Account Creation

Get started today by creating an account in our family portal. You can also use your account to access Admission Academy, the SSAT, and the Character Skills Snapshot.

A family icon to represent the SAO handling multi-household families.

Family Profile

The SAO easily handles multi-household families, letting schools know whom to contact and where to send their materials.

A paint pallet icon to represent student interests.

Interests and Achievements

Help schools get to know your child by submitting interests and academic or personal achievements. Even upload multimedia links such as YouTube channels or blog pages to highlight athletic, art, or writing abilities.

A paper and check mark icon to represent required application documentation.

Required Documentation

Add parent statements, student essays, recommendations, and transcripts once and seamlessly submit them to all schools to which you apply. School-specific instructions and supplemental forms are clearly indicated.

A manilla folder icon to represent recommendation and transcript requests.

Recommendation & Transcript Requests

Make recommendation requests and track submissions through the SAO. Likewise, request transcripts from school administrators by officially signing release forms through the system.

A paper and pencil icon to represent submitting standardized admission test results to schools through the SAO.

Standardized Test Results

Track individual school requirements for the SSAT and the Character Skills Snapshot, and individually release scores and results to each school.

A graduation cap and dollar bill icon to represent financial aid.

Financial Aid

Financial aid applications are managed separately through each school; however, you indicate whether your family intends to apply for tuition assistance on the SAO.

A report icon to represent the comprehensive SAO dashboard.

All-in-One Dashboard

Track individual school deadlines and the completion of all SAO applications through one convenient dashboard!

An icon of two parents to represent the parent interview during the private school interview process.

Family Support

Have a question or hit a snag? No problem! Quickly access FAQ answers in our Help Center, or contact our friendly Support team for more detailed questions.

A school icon to represent the private schools that accept the SAO.

School Participation

Participating schools give SAO submissions equal consideration as those submitted through the school’s website. In many cases, schools have integrated the SAO with their native admission application.

An icon of a stack of coins to represent admission application fees.

Application Fees

All school application fees are charged through the SAO, and the convenience cost of using the SAO is only $10 per application. Families that receive an application fee waiver from the school won’t incur either charge.

A light blue cloud in the background.A light blue cloud in the background.A light blue cloud in the background.A light blue cloud in the background.

#admissionchat

Want the inside scoop on using the Standard Application Online? Listen to Jeanne Crowell, associate director of admissions, Pre-K–12, at Princeton Day School, and Sunaina Khanna, associate director of product management at The Enrollment Management Association, discuss the time-saving benefits of applying to private schools with the SAO.

conversation with Kristen Carey
0:00
0:00
Play icon.Pause icon.
Stop icon.
Play icon.Pause icon.
Shuffle icon.Shuffle icon.Repeat icon.
Mute icon.Audio active display.
Volume down icon.
Volume up icon.
A light blue cloud in the background.A light blue cloud in the background.A dotted line icon.

What Our Schools Are Saying

Quentin McDowell

Head of School

Mercersburg Academy (PA)

"At a time when we are trying to reduce barriers, create access, and alleviate unnecessary stress on families, the value of the SAO has never been more evident."

What Our Schools Are Saying

Doug Price

Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid

Middlesex (MA)

"We know that many families find the school application process complex and daunting...The SAO is a rich application platform that is both family friendly and provides admission officers with ample information on each applicant.

Arrow icon pointing left.
Arrow icon pointing right.

Application
Advice Articles

How much time can I save with the SAO?

How much time can your family save applying to private schools with the Standard Application Online (SAO)? Learn how you can save 14 hours or more with the SAO.

Apply Smarter (Not Harder) With the SAO

Watch this recorded presentation to learn how to save time by submitting a single admission application to over 400 private schools.

How to Write an Awesome Private School Admission Essay

Private school admission officers read hundreds of application essays. Here's how your child's essay can stand out from the crowd.

Arrow icon pointing left.
Arrow icon pointing right.

Let’s get going!

One application, over 400 participating schools! Start saving time today with the SAO.

Start Your Application