Standard Application Online (SAO)

Reach new applicants and create a simpler, more equitable application process by accepting the most widely used K–12 common application for independent schools.

Get Started Family Information

ON-DEMAND PRESENTATION

What Parents Want:
An Easier Application Process

Access The Ride to Independent Schools

The Ride Reports…

As the most widely used common K–12 application with a growing candidate funnel generated from Admission.org, the SAO is uniquely positioned to simplify the application experience and reduce families' stress. Take a look at how the data supports SAO usage.

55%

Rated the independent school application process as too stressful.

49%

Said the work to apply was more than they expected.

49%

Indicated essays are the most stressful aspect for students.

Data Speaks for the SAO

The Benefits of a Common K–12 Application

Through the Standard Application Online, families save time by compiling their information, essays, transcripts, and recommendations once and submitting them to any school that accepts the SAO. In turn, schools enjoy the following benefits.

Increased Applications

Schools that go all-in on SAO can see first-year application growth as high as 20%.

Ease of Use

As a cloud-based application, the SAO operates in real-time and is available to schools and families anywhere with an internet connection.

Simple Setup

You can customize application components and immediately receive submitted applications and pre-application inquiries.

Seamless Data Integration

The SAO’s partnership with leading enrollment management system providers allows for seamless integration with existing school databases.

Superior User Support

EMA operates a full-time customer service center to support families and provides training and instructions to support EMA member schools.

Expanded Access

EMA’s Community-Based Organization (CBO) program combines the SAO and the application fee waiver process to provide students and access organizations with a simple, one-stop option.

581,668+ SAO applications submitted—and counting!

ADDED VALUE

Standard application. Remarkable results.

Free to Members

As a free, member-exclusive service, the SAO boosts membership ROI and works seamlessly with other EMA enrollment tools such as the SSAT and Character Skills Snapshot for reporting results.

Customization

Standardization of forms, recommendations, and essays simplifies the application process, but the SAO is also flexible, supporting school-specific supplemental forms, student body cohorts, and admission event dates.

Enrollment Funnel

Through Admission.org, EMA’s resource site for families, new candidates from around the world are discovering and applying to independent schools that accept the SAO.

Data-Rich Dashboards

Perfect for board reports, easily track enrollment trends with previous-year and peer-school comparisons. See a breakdown of applicants from your school’s website and EMA referrals, and monitor the overlap report for competitive insights.

Application Fees

Customize and collect your school’s application fee, charged to families in one sum payment with EMA’s nominal SAO processing fee.

Parent Appreciation

Parents will thank you for accepting the SAO. Displaying the SAO badge on your school’s website strongly indicates that the school cares about the parent experience.

See what admission professionals say about the Standard Application Online.

"At a time when we are trying to reduce barriers, create access, and alleviate unnecessary stress on families, the value of the SAO has never been more evident."

Quentin McDowell

Head of School

Mercersburg Academy (PA)

“The Standard Application Online is a game-changer. It gets us the application pieces we need in a more streamlined fashion, we can customize certain components for our different divisions, and there’s seamless processing with our backend enrollment management system."