Make sure you can speak strongly about why this school's mission appeals to you.

It is rumored that if you can't speak about why progressive education is important to you then you won't get in to Green Acres.

But I think it is just as important to smile and relax. And remember it is all a crap shoot.

Anonymous wrote:Ask them if there are oportunities for parents to be involved in the school. Ask as if they just might say no to that question. They will love you.

Uhm, I don't think so. They will likely see it as a ruse to look all involved, and know that this question has been posed by many a helicopter-parent masquerading as a involved-wannabe during parent interviews.

Try instead to get in, as indirectly but clearly as possible, about where they need funds...

Anonymous wrote:My DH did his weird, free association ADD random impulsive comment thing and next thing you know was saying stuff about how much I like to drink wine and beer. DC didn't get in, needless to say. I do like to drink wine and beer, btw, but it was so so awkward with his jolly "you should see my wife put it away!" comment. I just sort of gave up at that moment. Went home and had a drink. kidding.

He did better at another school and we got in there.

My DH did his weird, free association ADD random impulsive comment thing and next thing you know was saying stuff about how much I like to drink wine and beer. DC didn't get in, needless to say. I do like to drink wine and beer, btw, but it was so so awkward with his jolly "you should see my wife put it away!" comment. I just sort of gave up at that moment. Went home and had a drink. kidding.

He did better at another school and we got in there.

There was a thread a while back about a physically unnattractive mom and her fears that would negatively impact on her child's chance of admission. I can't find it. But I did take note. It's not that I'm ugly or anything, but I did take an extra effort to dress and look the part of a parent at the school we were looking at. Yes, even hauled out the pearls, which I had not worn since my sister's wedding.

There was another thread, or maybe a series of threads, that expressed the same sentiment touched on above - my husband is a real introvert, and when he does say something, it's always a wise-ass comment. Usually funny. But always wise-ass. I considered havin him call in sick, but decided that would be counterproductive. I actually practiced q and a with him prior. Of course, he did not cooperate, making wisecracks all the way through the rehearsal. But I must say when we got to the big day, he rose to the occasion and was actually quite charming.

Ask them if there are oportunities for parents to be involved in the school. Ask as if they just might say no to that question. They will love you.

I have to say some of the private schools are still operating as though we're still in the 1950s. When my husband went to the interviews, my DD was accepted. When it was only me, no. Seemed strange. I'm not that bad...but am somewhat overweight. My husband is very handsome, and very successful. I still think the schools like seeing the dads. So, for single moms, I honestly don't know what to say. Dress well and don't talk much.

I (mom) went without my husband. I was very nervous as to what would be asked by the interviewer. But nothing was asked, except if I had any questions about school. I didn't, so I said so, and it was finished. I didn't feel that it went oh-so-well, but DC got accepted to all school. So I really don't know what they are looking for.

Most importantly, they will look at how you interact with a child, so it doesn't matter if you are single, divorced or married. Are you a high-strung mom, helicopter mom, or "I don't give a damn" mom?

Thanks for the answers. I need to encourage my husband to say more than 3 words!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have never brought anything. Just empty-headed and talk But they are watching how you, as a couple, interact with one another so make sure hubby goes and you have laced his coffee with whiskey that morning.

Great. As a single mom, I'll have it in the bag, right?

Yep, the empty-headed part at least

Anonymous wrote:I have never brought anything. Just empty-headed and talk But they are watching how you, as a couple, interact with one another so make sure hubby goes and you have laced his coffee with whiskey that morning.

Great. As a single mom, I'll have it in the bag, right?

I have never brought anything. Just empty-headed and talk But they are watching how you, as a couple, interact with one another so make sure hubby goes and you have laced his coffee with whiskey that morning.

Try to appear sane, relaxed.

Do people bring things to the parent interview at private schools such as your child's writing samples, artwork, pictures or anything like that? Or is it best to go empty-handed and just talk?