Here are some tips from a parent who supported a student going through the process a few years ago.
- Applying to BS is a marathon, not a sprint. Have that mindset.
- Keep organized! We had a separate folder for each school - you can do this on your desktop or in an old fashioned file system. Keep names of AO’s and coaches in each folder, copies of correspondence, supplemental essays, etc.
- Throw a wide net
- Don’t waste your time applying to a school you would never want to attend…some kids do this just to see “if they would get in”. Why play games or add to your stress?
- Do your homework about the schools you are applying to - know the history, the vibe, the sports, arts/performing arts, focus, etc.
- Take stock of your true reasons for wanting to attend a boarding school. You will most likely be asked to share these reasons during interviews.
- Practice for interviews.
- Have a discussion (not argument) with your parents to review your respective expectations about the many aspects of boarding school. It’s ok if your expectations are different. Just have the conversation - it will set the stage for more important ones. Plus, it’s important to figure out what you expect of yourself, what you expect from the experience, and what you expect from the school.