Parent Interviews

[alooknac]

<p>A question about parent interviews cropped up in another thread. </p>

<p>It would be good to hear of some recent experiences that the latest crop of applicant families have had.</p>

<p>What follows is a compilation of some of my posts concerning my parent interivews at four BS in the fall of 2011. I know some parents just experienced minor chit-chat sessions but I want to alert families that they may be asked some questions that require a little thought.</p>

<p>I also know there are two schools of thought about prepping for interviews, whether the student’s or the parents,’ but personally I like having some clue ahead of time. If someone asks you out of the blue how your child handles stress, do you have a clear answer? Can you right away think of some examples? I’m not very good at thinking on my feet especially when under stress, so I like to prep. (Prep meaning giving it some thought ahead of time, not memorizing canned answers.)</p>

<p>On a side note, YIPPEE!!! I finally mastered the art of inserting a quote!</p>

<p>

I, as a parent, felt I was interviewed just as much and as for as long a time as my daughter was. It went way beyond “Oh, Ms. A, do you have any questions about XYZ school?” or “How do you feel about Suzie attending boarding school?”</p>

<p>I was asked questions about her background, how she handles stress, how I thought she would react in a particular scenario, etc. It was more in depth at some schools compared to others.

• and -

Just to clarify, at every school my daughter applied to, we were BOTH interviewed, separately. And it wasn’t just a Do You Have Any Questions or Concerns sort of thing. Most times it was quite long and had questions that required thought, along the lines of job interview questions. I suggest doing a little prep/research/thinking beforehand. </p>

<p>There were the expected questions as to what are your child’s strengths and weaknesses. Sorry I can’t think of any others at the moment. Some of the questions were difficult especially when part of you is simultaneously trying to analyze the effect your answers will have on the application.</p>

<p>I am a single legal guardian and I used the interviews to explain, for better or worse, some gaps in my daughter’s “resume.” She applied to four, got into two including her first choice, with very good financial aid, so we are happy.

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