Published
March 11, 2012
As I have mentioned several times in other articles about choosing and evaluating private schools, you really must set foot on the campus. Those professionally produced videos on the schools' web sites are great. The students' YouTube videos reveal a bit of what life is like at their school. But these presentations are all carefully edited - and rightly so - and designed to encourage you to learn more about their school. After you do your in-depth reading of all the schools' materials, it's time for you to decide which schools to visit.
For example, let's say you had 6 schools which really appear to be a good match for your requirements and your child's needs. Then you must eliminate 2, preferably 3 schools from that larger list. Especially if you have selected schools located at a distance from where you live. Visiting 6 schools away from home will be both time-consuming and expensive. So, make that short list of 3 schools to actually visit.
The visits will take one of these forms:
Open House
The way an open house works is that the school advertises that it will be open on a specified date and time. For anybody who wants to look around. The admissions staff will be on hand to answer questions. It's a wonderful way to walk around and see the facilities. The downside is that you won't necessarily get to see any classes. Those kind of logistics can
become a bit complicated during an open house. Having 50 parents crowding...
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Published
July 11, 2011
Most of these suggestions are common sense. But take time to review them well in advance of visiting schools and doing the actual applications.
1. Write a good essay.
"Essay?" " Write?" I can just imagine what you are thinking about what your child will do on this part of the application. However, why not do what you always do: plan ahead. Download the Candidate Statement portion of the school's application. Print out a couple of copies. Then, starting in July or August, though you can do it any time, of course, have your child work the questions and think about the answers. That way, when it comes time in December and January to complete those parts of the application, she'll will be able to write confidently, clearly and concisely.
"But her spelling is atrocious. She texts all the time and doesn't spell or capitalize according to the rules." That is a very real concern that you should have. And it's another reason why she needs to do a couple of dry runs before the real thing. While I don't suggest that you correct her work for content, I strongly suggest that you remind her how important it is to follow the rules of good grammar and syntax. Teach her the skill of mirroring the context or person she is dealing with. It's a valuable life skill as you very well know. Again, don't attempt to write the essay for her. Why? Because when you go for the interview, the admissions staff...
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Published
June 08, 2008
When you and your child visit schools that you are seriously interested in, you will also have an appointment with the admissions staff. Depending on the school, you might even meet with a dean or perhaps the head of school. Obviously when you meet with these people, you will be trying to put your best foot forward. But you will be in unfamiliar surroundings. Relax. Stay calm. Don't let your nerves get the better of you. Follow these tips for a successful admissions interview .
1. Don't draw attention to any minor learning issues.
Let test scores and academic records speak for themselves. Blurting out that your son has a slight learning difficulty could nix your chances of his getting in. On the other hand if he has been diagnosed with dyslexia or ADD or some other learning difficulty, then you need to be applying to a school which has qualified staff and programs in place to address those learning issues. But your son's B grade in mathematics or his lack of prowess in fine arts are not deal breakers at most schools.
2. Don't brag about your child's accomplishments.
An oblique reference to your daughter's field hockey abilities is far better than bragging. After all, the admissions staff can read all about her accomplishments in the application. (You did make sure to include all that sort of thing, didn't you?) On the other hand, if she is indeed a very talented athlete, make sure you have her current coach call the school...
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Published
June 08, 2008
Many applicants live at great distances from the schools which they would like to visit. If you live in Asia or Europe, for example, it is not always financially or logistically possible to visit schools in person. What alternatives exist for those situations? Actually several. Off campus school visits come in a couple of flavors.
Admisisons Staff Visits Overseas
Many private schools send their admissions staff overseas to major cities in countries where they have a substantial applicant pool. Ask for details of visits in your area. While you will have to rely on the school's video and web presentations of its school life and activities, at least you will have a live person to whom you can pose questions. If English is not your first language, this meeting with school officials will give you a deadline to meet. After all, you are planning to attend school in a country where English is the instructional language used in most classes. You will be expected to have your interview in English.
Interviews With Local Alumni
Just like many universities and colleges do, private schools also will arrange an interview with an alumnus or alumna who lives in your local area. This is a quite common practice for meeting candidates who live here in the United States. Remember that most schools are looking for qualified candidates who may not have considered applying because of financial constraints. If you cannot afford to pay the school fees, chances are that you cannot afford to travel to the...
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Published
February 29, 2008
Visiting the schools on your short list is very important. Why? Because you need to inspect the campus yourself. It's like buying a house or renting an apartment. A Web site and a video will not show you what you really need to see. Likewise you cannot experience what a school is really like by viewing a video or a photo gallery on the Web.
Plan your visit well in advance
If you are applying for fall 2013, you need to schedule your campus visits over the summer and early fall. If you leave it until November and December, you will find it increasingly difficult to make appointments. If you are flying, booking flights in advance will save you some money. It helps too if the schools you have chosen are in the same general area. For example, flying into Boston makes great sense if you are looking at New England schools. There are dozens of schools within an hour or so drive of Logan International Airport. The admissions staff will have a list of hotels and bed and breakfasts in the local area. Be sure to ask.
Things to look for when you visit
First impressions are lasting impressions. Does the campus make a good impression on you? Note anything which doesn't make a good impression. Most schools are rather good about putting their best foot forward.
Does the campus look well maintained?
If it is not, find out why. Stinting on maintenance could indicate financial problems. On the other hand, if the school...
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PublishedMay 29, 2013
Ever wish you could pick the brain of A+ students? Well, we did it for you — we spoke with dozens of students and educators to find out their secrets for success.
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Here are a dozen or so boys' schools' public thoughts about themselves and their missions.
Marketing the Small Private School
Some marketing resources and tips for small private schools with limited marketing budgets.
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After exploring schools on the web, you need to explore the ones which you are considering applying to in person.
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5 Admissions Mistakes
These five common admissions mistakes can and should be avoided.
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Why Should I Admit Your Child?
Why should I admit your child? We examine some of the things needed to get into private school.
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5 Challenges To Getting Your Child Into Private School
If you are good at organizing projects, the challenges involved in getting your child into private school will not seem especially daunting.
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Admissions to Private School: A-Z
Admissions to Private School: A-Z puts all the information you need to navigate the private school admissions process in one convenient place. Whether you are just beginning or have been through this before, you will find help and advice to guide you.
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Application Calendar
Keep track of all aspects of choosing a school as well as the application deadlines.
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5 Admissions Tips for International Students
In addition to complying with all the usual admissions requirements, international students must also obtain a student visa. Here are five tips to help you navigate the admissions process.
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Play the Hand You Have Been Dealt
Card games such as bridge and solitaire with multiple decks of cards fascinate me. I have learned to play the hand dealt me. So must we all when applying to private school.
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Does Your Child's Application Have Legs?
Will your child's application make it to the "Approved" pile? Here's how to give your child's application legs.
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Why Should I Send My Child to Your School?
There are many reasons why you would want to send your child to a particular school. Let's examine the main ones.
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Waitlisted? What Next?
Being waitlisted is not the end of the world. More here.
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Your Admissions Profile
The admissions process can seem confusing, even intimidating. In reality all the admissions staff want to do is to get to know you.
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Applications (9)
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First Choice Letters and Personal Letters of Recommendation
Getting your child into a competitive school is a tough assignment. Don't let the many challenges overwhelm you. There is a simple solution.
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Applications - The Parent's Statement
Part of most school's admissions package is something called the Parent's Statement. We take a look at this document and offer advice on how to complete it.
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Admissions - The Acceptance Letter
The desired result of taking the admissions test, visiting schools and submitting all that paperwork is to receive an acceptance letter. Here's how to handle this part of the admissions process.
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They Didn't Accept My Child!
You thought everything was set. The test scores were excellent. She had glowing teacher recommendations. The visit and the interview went well. But the school didn't accept your child. What do you do now?
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Applications - Teacher Recommendations and Transcripts
Teacher recommendations and transcripts are an important part of the applications process.
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Is It Too Late to Apply?
Starting the admissions process and getting into a private school in late spring and early summer is a challenge.
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How Do I Apply?
You can apply online or submit a paper application via snail mail.
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Applications - The Candidate's Statement
Among the many forms which you must complete when applying to private school is something called The Candidate Statement. Here's what it is involved in preparing this document.
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Applications - Principal/Head/Counselor Recommendation Form
Most schools require confidential recommendation forms as part of the application process. The forms coming from your child's current school and teachers need to be handled according instructions given in the admissions materials.
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Test Preparation (8)
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The Writing Sample
At some point in the admissions' process, your child is going to have to write an essay sometimes referred to as The Writing Sample. Here's how to cope with that challenge.
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SSAT and ISSE
Most private schools use standardized tests as part of their admissions process. The SSAT and ISEE are the common tests you will encounter at independent schools.
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Preparing for Admissions Tests
Don't leave admissions test preparation to the last minute. Adequate test preparation will give you the confidence to take the test and do as well as you can.
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Preparing for TOEFL
Applicants to American private schools for whom English is not their first language must take a test known as TOEFL.
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How To Read The Test Scores
SSAT test scores can be mysterious to most parents. What do they mean? How does the admissions staff use them?
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Do My SSAT or ISEE Scores Really Matter?
SSAT and ISEE scores are one part of the total picture which most private school admissions staff review. These standardized tests reveal what you have learned in key mastery areas.
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COOP, HSPT and TACHS
You will encounter COOP, HSPT and TACHS if you are applying to some Roman Catholic high schools.
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Admissions Test Preparation: 2 Strategies
Admissions tests are supposed to measure accomplishments. But what if your child has serious problems in math or English? What do you do then?
Note: Data has been gathered from the Dept. of Education, schools, and commercial data sources.
