A university my daughter is interested in is scheduling appointments to meet with a rep at Starbucks this month. Do parents attend these, or no? |
No. You should not be seen with your daughter. But if it makes you feel better you could be across the room out of sight.
Our HS does school visits for college reps but it can have a down side. One of our DC was actually hassled by his teacher for missing class to attend (and DC was serious about the school - it was the one he ended up attending). |
Yes, I went and we both talked to the rep. |
I would not attend. The rep has purposely selected a public place so safety should not be an issue. |
I hear the whir of a helicopter. That will make for an interesting write-up to the admissions committee. |
We received a confirmation email that said "students, feel free to bring parents" so I went alongn but I don't think it's required. |
No, really shouldn't. The message you are sending is "DC is a child and still need my oversight." |
Admissions interview, no, but just a general visit with an admissions counselor is fine. |
Somehow I end up getting a ton of emails from colleges that all basically say the same thing "here's why you should consider sending Larlo to XYZ University" so if it's just a meet and greet and a chance to ask questions I think it's fine for you to go. It's not out of the norm for a parent to want to ask a few questions about a place they are getting ready to drop 200-250K for their kid to attend. Like a PP said, its not an admissions interview it just a general visit so I think you're fine to attend if you want. |
True, but DC still needs my checkbook. |
LOL! They want your checkbook, not you. |
+100,000$ |
And maybe "DC" won't need your funds since you"re jeopardizing his/her chances of admission. |
Admissions will tolerate you there. They do not want you there - unless your child won't apply without your "ok". Really parent, can't you learn what you need to know from the internet. If you attend you will dominate the conversation. It changes the whole tenor of the event for every student that attends. |
Even if they say parents can attend DO NOT GO. DC's school was very clear about this -- it will harm your DC's chances if you appear too involved. DC should make all appointments for tours and visits (you can obviously oversee this if you are concerned about logistics). Parents can go on campus tours and to large information sessions. But you should not attend smaller groups, information sessions at your DC's high school, class visits, interviews, college fairs. You may hear about other parents going to these things but your DC will look better if they appear to be independent. And its good for them to start using those skills on their own to prepare for college.
The only questions from parents that are appropriate are about money. Questions about the content of the education, student life, etc, should come from the applicant. For example, if you, the parent, ask about greek life, that sends the signal that you want to be involved with your DC's social life when they go to school. If your DC cares about greek like, they'll ask the question themselves. If your DC is interested in a school they should attend every local visit with admissions reps that they are invited to. These will involve the specific admissions reps for this region and they will get to know your DC and see their strong interest. |