Students and parents often wonder whether applicants have good enough scores on the private school admissions tests, including the SSAT and ISEE, to be admitted to the school of their choice. The reality is that schools use a variety of criteria for admission, including the interview, transcripts, a student's record of extracurricular activities, and teacher recommendations. In addition, a student' score on an admissions test is an important part of the application, and while there is no one answer about what makes a "good" score, here's more information about how to understand your SSAT or ISEE score and how these scores position you for admission to the school of your choice.

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Students often make a new year's resolution to lead a more balanced life--to get their homework done early and get to bed. However, with the intense workload at many private schools, such resolutions are hard to implement. Fortunately, private schools around the country are taking a serious look at how to reduce their students' stress levels. They are staggering work, and even offering yoga classes. Read more about how schools are trying to help students lead more balanced lives.

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The new year is the perfect time to evaluate how well your child is working. Is her homework taking too long, and could she be more efficient? Though private schools tend to give a lot of homework in the older grades, there may be ways your child could work smarter--and get to bed earlier. Here are five strategies to speed up homework and end the nightly stress.

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Crew is an elegant and demanding sport that dates back to ancient times, when people used oars to propel themselves down rivers such as the Nile. Traditionally a boarding school sport, crew has spread to urban areas and opened up opportunities for students in these areas to participate in the sport and attain college scholarships. Students from special education schools are also discovering the benefits of crew, a sport that builds rowers' athletic skills and cardiovascular health and that improves their self-confidence. Read more about how crew is broadening its appeal.

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