Boarding School "Fit" Assessment

PhotographerMom
Wed, 22 Oct 2014 15:05:03 +0000

I think it’s possible for parents/students to determine fit between the interview and revisit. The leap of faith aspect isn’t totally wiped away (for anyone) with only two visits but I haven’t known many students who chose the wrong school (Unless their reasoning was flawed in the first place. Example: Choosing a school for it’s name)… So that might be comforting to some parents.

One thing above and beyond what little is afforded to all parents is a SS admission team willing to put current parents in touch with applicant parents. It doesn’t sound like much ( some might assume it’s a propaganda tool for admissions ) but I’ve found most interaction with current parents during admissions to be honest, helpful and informative. As a parent/alum working with admissions now, I think I’m pretty open and candid about what a school offers and what it doesn’t - like most parents/alums are.

The good news is (depending on the school)- you might be called anyway as a follow up to the tour/interview to see if you have any questions, or again between M10-A10. I call parents all the time for admissions. Just one word of advice ( for now) if you don’t recognize a number on Caller ID… don’t be hostile when you answer the phone! At least until after A10. I’ve had more parents get embarrassed (when I identify myself) and apologize profusely… and it’s totally fine. You should see how I treat phone solicitors!! I get it. Most people working with BS admissions do, too.

I think most BS admissions will put you in touch with a current parent or alum (before the application deadline and after M10) if you ask.

Also- Student tour guides are always ready, willing and able to answer questions (via email) from student applicants , too.

The other thing that was helpful to us when we were looking at schools was watching sports competitions. As parents, we’d pay close attention to the Coach, conduct and sportsmanship/unity of the players. We were lucky because we had two years at JBS (JBS competes against Secondary schools) before we applied. My kids and I ruled out several schools by watching them in action- or the kids ruled them out when they competed against them. If it’s possible, I highly recommend catching a game or two. Even from the sidelines you can see a lot.

Another suggestion would be to check out a school on Social Media. Look at their YouTube videos, FB and twitter. You will learn quite a bit!

The most important thing (in my book) is for parents to ultimately hand the reins over to their kids and give them the final decision M10. Sure- parents should weigh in and give their opinion… but for this to work (well) you have to let them make the final call. If they want to choose a Hidden Gem over a Big School- let them! Just my two cents… but I’ve done this three times now and watched many nieces and nephews go through this process, too. No one made a bad BS decision and the kids were all in and successful. Most of all- they are happy.