SAO: 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 the Standard Application Online is accepted at over 400 top private schools in North America? Save yourself the time and frustration of individual applications by starting your Standard Application Online today.

So how does the Standard Application Online 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.

Here are some simple steps to follow to get started.

Step 1: 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.

Step 2: Family Profile. The SAO easily handles multi-household families, letting schools know whom to contact and where to send their materials.

Step 3: Interests and Achievements. Help schools get to know your child by submitting interests and academic or personal achievements. You can even upload multimedia links such as YouTube channels or blog pages to highlight athletic, art, or writing abilities.

Step 4: 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.

Step 5: 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.

Step 6: Standardized Test Results. Track individual school requirements for the SSAT and the Character Skills Snapshot, and individually release scores and results to each school.

Step 7: 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.

Step 8: All-in-One Dashboard. Track individual school deadlines and the completion of all SAO applications through one convenient dashboard!

Step 9: 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.

Step 10: 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.

Step 11: 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.

For more information about the SAO, please click here.

Need help preparing for the SSAT? Visit our website to see what Boston Tutoring Services has to offer.

Allison Green
Boston Tutoring Services