September 10, 2025
Every admissions season, we field hundreds of questions about the admissions process, our program, the transition, student life, electives, extracurriculars, and so much more! We are always happy to hear from and speak with every one of our families, and we have found that many of the same questions tend to come up often.
Keep reading below to learn more about the top five questions asked every admissions season.
1. How many students will be admitted in each grade?
Our most commonly asked question! Seat capacity changes from year to year depending on the reenrollment of our current families and our graduating class. We also have the ability to shift how many sections of classes we offer based on the total enrollment of the school. As this is an ever-changing number, we aren’t able to determine seat capacity until around February, after the reenrollment deadline of our current families, which is why we make the majority of our admissions offers Regular Admissions in March. So, though we cannot provide you with specifics of exactly how many seats are available “this year” and in “this grade,” if you are interested in a BASIS Independent McLean (BIM) education, we encourage you to apply!
2. What is the difference between Early Admissions and Regular Admissions?
We offer two application cycles during our core season. Early Admissions will require families to complete their application, receive an admissions decision, and accept their seat earlier. Regular Admissions will all have the same requirements, but later.
For current families with siblings or families whose first choice is BIM, we encourage them to apply for Early Admissions. For families who are looking at other schools or are unable to commit early, we recommend applying during Regular Admissions.
3. What can my child do to prepare for the Entrance Exam (required for G2-10)?
Students pursuing admissions to BIM for 2026-2027 will take the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE). This exam, developed by the Educational Records Bureau (ERB), is a comprehensive admission test accepted by over 1,200 independent schools, and gives us a well-rounded understanding of each student’s academic strengths. ERB provides free online sample tests to help students familiarize themselves with the exam portal and question types. Sample tests can be found here.
BIM will offer two dates for on-site ISEE administration: one during the Early Admissions period on Saturday, November 15, 2025, and one during the Regular Admissions period on Saturday, February 7, 2026. Families who are unable to make the BIM testing dates may opt for their child to take the ISEE at another testing center and have their scores sent to BIM, or they may take a digital version of the ISEE under the supervision of an ERB proctor.
Only students applying to BIM may participate in our on-site ISEE administrations. Upon submitting your application, applicants to grades 2 – 10 will be provided with our unique event code with which to register.
4. Can a student successfully transition from a public school to your program?
Every year, we have students join us from public schools across all grade levels, including middle and high school. We have a strong support network to ensure that a student has the toolkit to succeed. In the beginning, there is always some adjustment for students from both public and private schools. Workloads may be higher than the average in the beginning, as students adjust to the structure and practices of our day-to-day program and classroom experience. However, we see time and again that students adjust and learn how to utilize their resources to thrive in their school life.
School administration, faculty, and staff are present to participate in supporting and guiding students, as well as helping develop good work and study habits and time management skills.
5. How much homework should students expect in middle and high school?
This depends on the student, their core classes, electives, after-school activities, and even what time of year it is, especially in high school. Grade 5 students will typically see an hour to an hour and a half of homework every night, but that will depend on the day and the student. Grade 6 -7 students will have 60 to 90 minutes of homework. Grade 8 students, as they prepare for our high school program, could have 90 to 120 minutes of homework each night, but that once again depends on the student and their schedule.
Our Student Affairs Team assists in monitoring homework, but since each student, their work habits, and their personal schedules can vary, it is hard to say an exact time for each grade.
Stay tuned for Part 2!
BASIS Independent McLean is a PreK–Grade 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the Bears community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.
