Behind the Scenes of Our Admissions Page Refresh
As we updated our admissions webpages, we found ourselves asking a lot of questions:
- What do families really want to know throughout the admissions season? So, we took a look at the frequently asked questions and made sure those answers are covered.
- Then we asked—are we speaking clearly to all families? Whether you’re brand new to independent schools or a seasoned pro, we want the information to be helpful, welcoming, and easy to follow.
- And finally, we paused to consider: are our community values showing up in the information being shared?
So, with all that in mind—let’s take a look at the process.of updating the Admissions pages on the website.
Admissions pages as of 2019
Click on the image to expand
Admissions pages as of 2020
Updates made to the pages:
- Home Page: Added FAQ to the Home Page and a digital version of the Admissions brochure
- Applying to EPS: Consolidated pages into expandable accordions for the online checklist, Steps to Apply to EPS, and International Applications. Added as a section for Homeschool Applicants.
- Added a Transportation Page. Many families ask about the locations of bus stops. We provide the locations but the times.
- Added a Meet the Team page.
Click on the image to expand
Admissions pages as of 2022
Updates made to the pages:
- Financial Aid (FA)and Tuition, and Fees were a big focus on updates this year. We created value and commitment statements are FA, which were highlighted in the new Tuition & Financial Aid Home page that also highlighted applications due dates.
- We created the Am I Eligible for FA? page that goes into more detail about who is eligible for FA, what is covered, and an overview of what is taken into consideration when determining FA.
- Updated the Applying for FA page to have more details about the application process.
- Added a new page that breaks down tuition and other costs.
- Added a page highlighting the Rainier Scholar Program.
Click on the image to expand
Admissions pages as of 2023
This is the last year we have made major updates to the Admissions section. We updated:
- Based on the experiences of families exploring Eastside Prep, we’ve created these content categories to help families navigate the site and our admissions process: How to Get to Know EPS, Apply Now, and Apply for FA.
- We created pages specifically to highlight parts of the season on How EPS Gets to Know You and How You Get to Know EPS.
- We added an online calculator to the FA pages that gives families an estimate of how much FA they may qualify for.
- We launched the Self-Guided Tour website!
Click on the image to expand
The current Admissions section of the website is mostly what you see from the 2023 update, with minor changes here and there. Check it out for yourself!
Reflections
This is a very important moment in my EPS story. This was one of the first projects where I felt like I was making a significate, personal contribution to the team and the admissions experience. Refreshing the Admissions section of our website wasn’t just about updating pages. It’s been a steady climb, created by feedback, collaboration, and a shared and personal goal: making the admissions journey feel easier and more personal for every family who visits our site.