They definitely don't ask for feedback from the host students on the visiting prospect. If anything the schools want to make sure that hosting doesn't interfere with their classes etc. There are too many issues to take into account student opinions, that's why they have interviews.

DC’s close friend was a student ambassador/host student in 9th (and continues to be a tour guide for open houses now, in 11th). DC says the friend was never asked for feedback about the visiting students. I suspect this is the case at most schools. The shadow experience really is to help the prospective student learn more about the school.

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, very helpful! Curious if the shadow day has changed your/your kids minds about the school at all?

Yes, before his shadow days, my DS had two top choices for HS and was leaning slightly toward one. After shadowing at both, he still liked both but the school that had been his slightly second choice was now his very clear first choice. He came home from his shadow day at that school and spent hours in his room working on his essays. He now attends that school and it’s a great fit for him. I think he really felt that after spending the day there.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Went through this last year. Basically, your kid follows another 9th grader around and attends classes and moves through the daily schedule. I don't know how much feedback is sought from the host. My sense is that is more for your kid to get a sense of the school, but I could be wrong.

+1. One of my kids did this two years ago when he was in 8th and my current 8th grader is doing it now. My older kid also hosted when he was a freshman and the school did not ask him to assess his shadows. I agree that the purpose is for 8th graders to get a sense of a day in the life of a 9th grader at the school, and for my kids, it was the most helpful experience in helping them decide which school was right for them. Teachers might ask the shadow a few questions, but unless the shadow does something significantly positive or negative, it likely does not make any difference for admission.

Yep, the shadow day at my DC’s HS is mostly for the benefit of the shadow day student. My DC is in 9th grade and has hosted shadows several times now and has never been asked to evaluate their kids. That being said, I advise shadow day students to be polite and act naturally. I’m sure that teachers alert admissions if a shadow is disruptive, but that is super rare from what my DC has seen.

Most of my DC’s shadows have been quiet, and calmly follow my DC throughout their day as they chat about the shadow’s interests, what school they are coming from, where else they are applying, what they are doing to prep for the admissions test/essays etc. Some of the shadows are more interactive and ask DC specific questions about the HS experience, but it is normal for shadow kids to quietly follow along and soak it all in. My DC and other hosts were just in their shoes a year ago so most see the opportunity as not just showing off the school, but as a mini-mentorship. My DC lucked out and had really good shadow day hosts last year as an 8th grader, so they are excited to do the same for others this year as a freshman.

The other kids don't assess the shadow. There will likely be an interview part for parent and kid. Have your kid dress close to the dress code, put their phone away, and be prepared to answer questions about favorite classes, hobbies, a book they liked.

I would be very surprised if admissions staff asked the host student for feedback (my son has never been asked that), but teachers often let admissions know if someone makes an impression one way or the other.

In general, the experience is for the prospective student to get a feel for the school and, while sometimes you get unlucky with a less than stellar host, DCs shadow experiences absolutely helped them zero in on favorites and best fit.

Our small private solicits feedback from any teacher who experienced the shadow student that day to see how they interacted with peers and staff. We are asked directly if there is any reason we wouldn't want this kid in our classroom permanently.

So it behooves the DC to be on best behavior and get along with everyone in a reasonable, outgoing way. Just be natural.

Anonymous wrote:Went through this last year. Basically, your kid follows another 9th grader around and attends classes and moves through the daily schedule. I don't know how much feedback is sought from the host. My sense is that is more for your kid to get a sense of the school, but I could be wrong.

+1. One of my kids did this two years ago when he was in 8th and my current 8th grader is doing it now. My older kid also hosted when he was a freshman and the school did not ask him to assess his shadows. I agree that the purpose is for 8th graders to get a sense of a day in the life of a 9th grader at the school, and for my kids, it was the most helpful experience in helping them decide which school was right for them. Teachers might ask the shadow a few questions, but unless the shadow does something significantly positive or negative, it likely does not make any difference for admission.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, very helpful! Curious if the shadow day has changed your/your kids minds about the school at all?

There was one school my kid took off his list after the shadow day. It is a very nice school
but he didn’t like it/feel comfortable (it is also single sex).

Similar experience for my ds. There was alot of wealth at the school and my ds didn’t feel comfortable there. We ended up not applying. He liked the other schools he shadowed at better.

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, very helpful! Curious if the shadow day has changed your/your kids minds about the school at all?

There was one school my kid took off his list after the shadow day. It is a very nice school
but he didn’t like it/feel comfortable (it is also single sex).

Thanks, very helpful! Curious if the shadow day has changed your/your kids minds about the school at all?

Usually they ask about interests so they can pair your child up with a 9th grader with similar interests. There might be a little feedback from the 9th grader, but it mostly gives your child a good preview of the school. My 8th grader said it has been the most useful part of the application process (tours, open houses, interviews, etc)

Anonymous wrote:Went through this last year. Basically, your kid follows another 9th grader around and attends classes and moves through the daily schedule. I don't know how much feedback is sought from the host. My sense is that is more for your kid to get a sense of the school, but I could be wrong.

+1 - it’s for the visiting student to see how they like the school. In rare cases, the school might decide not to admit the visiting student if their behavior is poor.

Went through this last year. Basically, your kid follows another 9th grader around and attends classes and moves through the daily schedule. I don't know how much feedback is sought from the host. My sense is that is more for your kid to get a sense of the school, but I could be wrong.

Has anyone had any so far? Kid has first one next week, not sure what to expect. I assume they will be assessed throughout, will host kid be asked for feedback?