Admissions Procedures

Are you interested in applying to Scattergood? Follow these simple steps to make sure you have gathered and completed everything you need by the appropriate deadlines.

Step 1: Gather information about Scattergood

The easiest way to complete this step is by filling out an inquiry form. This will give the Admissions Committee a better idea of who you are and make sure you are sent all the necessary information. Usually, you will receive a view book, a copy of our most recent newsletter and important facts about Scattergood. You are welcome to request an application by mail, or you can download it from our web site.

If you have specific questions, please feel free to contact the Admissions Office at 319-643-7628 or via email.

Step 2: Submit a completed application

A Scattergood application has many sections so that the Admissions Committee can see a more holistic picture of our applicants. There are four main parts to this process:

Section 1:
The Student Application. We require that students complete several open-ended questions regarding their academic, artistic and athletic interests, as well as why they are interested in attending a boarding school like Scattergood. This section of the student application must be handwritten. The other part is a short essay. We will give you a few general options for topics, but feel free to be creative and write about something else. This section does not need to be handwritten.
Section 2:
The Parent Application. In addition to the student writing about him or herself, we want to hear from the parent or guardian of the student. Don't worry I am sure they will say nice things! This application asks many of the same questions as the student application, but also includes questions about the student's academic history as well as any physical, academic or social issues we should be aware of. This can be anything from the student being enrolled in a gifted and talented program to the student having asthma. We also ask that parents fill out a more detailed Parental Disclosure Form that asks more specific questions about the student's history.
Section 3:
Personal and Teacher Recommendations. Unlike many schools and colleges, we ask that our recommendation forms be given to your current Math and English or Social Studies teachers. We feel this gives us a better idea of how that student is currently doing in these subjects and what materials they are covering. Any adult of the student's choice may fill out the personal recommendation. This can be another teacher, a coach, pastor, neighbor, or employer. This is the student's chance to show off in the area where they excel. We really do want to see what you are passionate about!
Section 4:
School Transcripts. We will give you a form to fill out and send in to your current school. After the school has received the form, they should mail a copy of your transcript to Scattergood.

Step 3: Complete an interview and visit

Call or email the Admissions Office to set up a time to visit the school. This is the best way for any family to learn about the different areas of Scattergood life and get a chance to speak with the students and staff. We try to be as flexible as possible with visit dates and arrival times. The visit usually includes arriving in the late afternoon or early evening one day and leaving early afternoon the following day. The prospective student stays with a Scattergood student host in the dorm and parents and siblings may stay in our guest house. The prospective student shadows their host student, attending classes, meetings, crews and collection. The parents are free to attend classes and meetings as they choose.

While Scattergood highly recommends that a family complete the interview while visiting the campus, we do understand that this can sometimes be difficult, especially for international students. Therefore, we do offer phone interviews or may have a conversation via email or instant messaging, when appropriate.

Deadline

  • April 1st is the suggested Admission deadline

  • A Rolling Admissions process is utilized

  • Applications will still be accepted after April 1st if all spaces are not filled.

  • Please contact the Admissions Office to inquire about openings.