<p><a href=“http://www.auap.com/prepschoolusa.html[/url]”>http://www.auap.com/prepschoolusa.html</a></p>
<p>^^^</p>
<p>It’s basically where you pay $2,000 for someone to walk you through the process and help you with interviews and essays and stuff. </p>
<p>I was wondering if anyone on this board has heard of it, or has used it. I seems kind of like cheating, though. I don’t know…</p>
<p>Just one parent’s opinion - it sounds more like robbery to me than cheating. Charging $2,000 for information that’s readily available on school and SSAT websites AND this forum. If you can’t get there from here, maybe you shouldn’t be there (I’m not referring to you, Jonathan).</p>
<p>This looks like a program geared for wealthy international applicants who don’t know how or don’t want to be bothered to play the application game. Their “guarantee” is meaningless as they simply select one of the many schools that take essentially all applicants.</p>
<p>There are consultants who help students select and apply to boarding schools. Often these same people help with the college process. Some independent schools end 8th or 9th grade, and these students have the benefit of a placement counselor to help them select and apply to schools. The consultants you selected seem to specialize in international applications. I think they would be of marginal value to you and not worth the $2000 fee. Your list of schools is highly selective. I doubt that any of them would be influenced by a prep school consultant. Because you have been on this board for some time, you already know most of the things a consultant could help you with.</p>
<p>There are consultants that offer services that I’m sure are well worth while. I would guess with their expertise they can match you with a group of schools. When we started to look at bs I spoke to a consultant. He was very nice and informative, but, with no experience of my own,I felt with diligence I could do the same. For most people on CC, this would probably not be worth the $$$$$$$$$. Most people on CC, seem bent on all the top schools, so there is no need for paying someone to tell you different. They may be helpful with the interviews and some other minor things. I think when everyone is back online, it would be a very good idea to start a thread with actual interview questions.</p>
<p>my experience has been that it is not particularly helpful if the consultant does not know the applicant well. </p>
<p>schools can be great schools, but not a good school for that particular student.</p>
<p>How could I find a consultant? I don’t live in New England, so not many people around here know about boarding schools. Do you think I need a consultant?</p>
<p>What I’m worried about is the interview. I’ve really only had one real interview in my life, and it was to go to Japan. I got a little nervous, but as it went on I was okay. Are the questions that they ask the applicants really tough? What are some examples?</p>
<p>I too would like a list of interview questions…</p>
<p>Read some of the old threads. You will find some interview questions. I think that most of the questions are similar to the application questions. I’ve heard some people say that you should schedule your lower rated school choices first, so you get the feel of the interview process. As a parent, I felt a little vulnerable at my first interview when the interviewer asked me how I felt about my child leaving home. After the first time, answering that question was easy. Also, keep in mind that the students who give you a tour often provide feedback to Admissions.</p>
<p>I just found this - <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=33802[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=33802</a></p>
<p>Also, <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=12005&highlight=interview+questions+prep+schools[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=12005&highlight=interview+questions+prep+schools</a></p>
<p>Quote from a post in the above thread:</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>How should we dress for an interview? One person said to wear a coat and tie. Does that seem a little over the top? I was just thinking of wearing khaki’s and a dress shirt…</p>
<p>khakis, dress shirt, tie, and coat. youll knock em dead!</p>
<p>so here’s the deal, when ya’ll get back to school and as fall approaches prep CC will be hot and heavy…at this time we shall introduce the question/interview thread.</p>
<p>I can’t hardly wait…</p>
<p>I interviewed consultants before my daughter applied last year. I actally got better info on this site. I think the consultants can be useful for those not applying to the top schools. There are many kids going to boarding school because of “issues” and consultants know the schools where these kids will have a chance. If you’re applying to the usual suspect top schools as we were, there’s pleanty of info on web sites and in books. If you need help interviewing, ask a friend who interviews as part of their job to drill you.</p>
<p>Okay, thank you.</p>
<p>Could you tell us any tips about the whole application process?</p>
<p>How should I dress for an interview to Phillips Exeter/Andover?</p>
<p>Okay, I’m going to answer this question for all that are interested the best I can. Exeter is FORMAL-- I agree with the other person that khakis, nice shoes, dress shirt, tie, coat for boys. And something along the lines of nice corduroy pants, nice skirt, semi-fancy shoes, nice sweater/blouse for girls. Pretty easy 
, you’ll all survive it no sweat.</p>
<p>Interview questions… both places asked me about a favorite book or book I was reading now and to tell them about it… they both asked about my family and to describe them… “do I have any questions about the school? etc.” and then a lot about extra curriculur activities and your school. I was so nervous when I was there, but it wasn’t that bad in retrospect. </p>
<p>Good luck!!</p>