What questions are asked at the 'parent interview'
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Anonymous
I appreciate your hesitation to court every school, but I think your friend is right. Especially if you are hoping they will commit FA to your family. Lots of people do this, if it's any consolation. |
Anonymous
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Why are you choosing a private school?
Do you understand and agree with our educational philosophy? (We got a lecture on the greatness of Chicago math, back in the day. Lol.) Agree with the PP who said you should talk about what your family can bring to the school, even if you aren't asked. They are looking to build a community, not just to exchange $ for your kid. Don't be overbearing about it, but do mention it. You definitely don't have to say you'll be bringing cash, but it would be good if you can say you plan to volunteer a lot. |
Anonymous
| Thank you for the replies. We have had a chance to chat with the staff on the tours and have expressed our interest to volunteer and to help build the community in as many ways as possible. It still doesn't feel right to let all know they are our first choice but I understand the reason. That is what we will do, thanks again |
Anonymous
| They usually ask what other schools your DC is considering. |
Anonymous
I do NOT think that's a good idea, and schools don't appreciate being played that way. And yes, it can have consequences when it comes time to for the siblings to apply. Why make yourself a liar? (Is it the worst lie in the world? No. Understandable. But dishonest.) You don't sound like you'd be comfortable doing that. Why not just express basically what you've done here -- that your family worked hard to narrow the choices and your daughter would be excited to go to any. You've advised her to keep an open mind throughout the process, consider what actual choices she may have (hopefully she'll have some choices), and then on the back end take advantage of shadow days at the schools at which she is admitted. If, after you're done with all the tours and interviews, there is a clear "first choice school," then send a "first choice letter" to that school -- that's often when that occurs. Good luck in the process. |
Anonymous
| I had an interview yesterday and, while the administrator and I had a lengthy conversation, I feel miserable about it. I wear my heart on my sleeve and looking back feel I was too friendly and honest. I had no guard up and feel like a flake. She said I was "a breath of fresh air." |
Anonymous
| 20:14 again. She asked about my DC. His personality, current homework and how he handles it, our hobbies, etc... |
Anonymous
| It's interesting to hear other responses. Granted, I'm no expert, but I went into interviews as a way of knowing more about the school to see if it would be a good fit for my child. I was very honest about dc, and very straightforward about what I wanted/needed from the school. I did not mention anything about having a first choice. Much less that donations (although I'm pretty sure that poster was being sarcastic). This was for a young child, maybe things change when they get older. |
Anonymous
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You can talk about other volunteer work your family is involved in, especially if child has helped out, and say you would look forward to volunteering at the school
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Anonymous
Please don't feel miserable. You are genuine and earnest. |
Anonymous
| If the school has a specific affiliation (religious) or a specific educational approach (progressive, for example) be prepared to answer why you want to send your child to a Quaker, Jewish, Progressive, Catholic or whatever school. |
Anonymous
| An admissions director in a big New England school told me that the parent interviews are only there to weed out instantly annoying parents that you don't want hanging around your school for years. Just have a normal conversation and you'll be fine. Not worth stressing over. Nothing you say will help your child get in. |
Anonymous
| 16:47 - This is good insight. I can absolutely see that from the perspective of the school. Thanks for sharing that piece of information. |
Anonymous
Hah! We suspect that part of the reason that DD got wait listed at one area school (but got into a Big 3) was because another mom got up during the parent session, identified herself as being from our small suburban town, asked a totally annoying, embarrassing and PITA question, and then didn't apply her kid. So we think they thought we were that mom. Yes, don't expose any latent PITA tendencies during the parent interview. |
Anonymous
ha ha I forgot about this. I remember going to an open house for applicants for our kids' school. We had one in already, so were applying the sibling. We knew the principal and the culture of the school. One new parent who was applying her first child raised her hand and said "My Larlo, who is a very advanced reader, blah blah blah" and proceeded to ask for an age-waiver. The school had a strict rule about not breaking the age requirements, not even current school families' sibling kids could get in early. The principal explained this, in the X years history of the school, it was never done. This mom would not give up. "But Larlo's brilliant! etc" three times… Afterwards (like a couple days later) we were at a school event and I remember that some parents were joking with the principal about this situation, and the principal said, "Yes, I just thought, note-to-self: don't accept any kid named Larlo!" They don't want PITA parents, because they take up too much time and energy. |