With Google as our library and portals as our planners, it seems as if everything is going electronic – even Marlborough’s admission application.

Although prospective families have been able to apply online for five years, 2009 is the first year it has been required.
With about 60% of Marlborough applicants already applying online, this step seemed the most logical.

“We feel at this point everyone has access to the internet,” Director of Admissions Jeanette Woo Chitjian said, “and it’s just more efficient to have it go to an online data base.”

The application has two components: One gives the applicant’s basic biographical information and the other includes recommendations and transcripts. It is the biographical aspect that’s going electronic. The school will still use paper for transcripts and recommendations, although the forms are accessible online.

“It’s our way of showing families that we’re using 21st century technology in a smart way and taking steps toward a greener process,” said Woo Chitjian.

Admission Assistant Elena Cortez prefers the efficiency of the electronic application.

“Getting everything instantly and in a more timely manner minimizes slight errors that are bound to happen with manual entries,” she said.
Keith Sarkisian, Director of Admissions at Brentwood School, feels the same way.  After having about 75% of the applicants apply online, Brentwood went purely digital this year as well.

“Each paper application takes us approximately 7 – 10 minutes to enter data – thus, we save staff time eliminating data entry,” said Sarkisian.

However both schools agree that the acceptance and rejection letters for students will never go digital.

“We think that there is great value in receiving that letter and I don’t feel comfortable only sending emails to admits,” said Woo Chitjian. “We even put confetti in the envelopes.”