HarvestMoon1

We visited 8 boarding schools and my husband could not accompany us on at least half of the visits, due to work related travel. We found that it made no difference whatsoever that one parent accompanied the applicant - my child had outstanding results from the 5 schools to which applications were submitted.

london203

So when you get the "where else are you applying" question: what if that is the only school your child wants to go to? Her number one choice? Good or bad idea to let them know that? And what is a non-slimy way to say so......

My daughter really wants to go to boarding school and we agree on one. There are very very good day and public schools in our area so we are not choosing boarding school for boarding school's sake.... we are choosing that one school because it fits....

girlgeekmom

My husband was very supportive of the process behind-the-scenes, but is supremely uncomfortable in situations where he is being asked pointed questions by strangers. We deemed it best that he not accompany "us girls" on the first round. He was just fine on revisit days. Not a single school (of the 14 we visited) asked why he wasn't there.

If you are not applying anywhere else, let the school know that, of course! And give them an honest, but not bald, take on your reasoning. Schools are looking for "fit" in their incoming classes as much as parents and students are looking for "fit" with their schools.

BAREERS

Great question. I went with D on all 5 visits as my spouse is the homework helper for kids still at home. For the schools, it seemed like a non-issue that only one of us was there (accepted to all) and, I think the continuity of visits helped with my and my d's comfort level with the application process, and discussions on the car rides.

Charger78

^^^ @london203 I think you tell them just what you said in this post. Honesty is expected, after all, and you risk sounding . . . less than honest if you say something else. The school wants to factor in which applicants will matriculate if accepted, and often rewards this confirmation of interest. Knowing that you have alternatives, but find them the right fit above all others, is still the name of the game. Hopefully, the full picture of the applicant has the school finding reasons why this kid will add to the class, including those things out of your hands, like geographic diversity. Good luck -- we're in the same boat!