Considering a Military School?

In this article, we're going to do a little role-playing. I will assume the role of the boarding school advertising a position. I want you to see and understand what goes on behind the scenes as applications come in online, via email or snail mail. With that knowledge, I am confident you will take the extra time and care necessary to submit the application, which will make the first cut. After all, you want to get an interview. Otherwise, all bets are off.

In the following, I will present the school and its point of view. Then, I will follow that with editorial comments and advice based on my professional experience to determine which applicants get an interview and which don't meet the requirements.

The School: We expect to receive hundreds of applications and resumes when advertising a position. Some of these are from people we know; however, most applications are from people we do not know. So, tell me now, why should I look at your resume? Here are some reasons why your application will go into the "Review" folder.

1. You presented your application in the format we specified.

School: Following instructions is a trait most employers value. As a result, a simple thing like following the instructions on applying for the job opening at our school speaks well of you. Our school uses a standardized application form to comply with various legal requirements. So, if you use something other than the form we specify,

Visiting boarding schools that you and your child are seriously considering is an exciting step in the admissions process. During these visits, you'll meet with admissions staff and possibly even a dean or the head of school. It's natural to want to make a great impression. You will put your best foot forward when you meet with these people. However, you will be in unfamiliar surroundings.

When parents think about secondary school interviews, they tend to focus on prepping their child for the all-important, anxiety-inducing applicant interview. The parent interview, which usually takes place during the same visit, can seem less significant, and parents often neglect to prepare for it in the same way. However, with a little planning, the parent interview can be a real asset to your student's application. Source: Secondary School Admission: The Do's and Don'ts of The Parent Interview...The Fay School

So, my advice is to relax, stay calm, and, above all, not let your nerves get the better of you. Here are some tips to help you navigate the admissions interview successfully.

This video shows a day in the life of Exeter.

1. Be Mindful About Discussing Learning Challenges

While honesty is important, there's no need to highlight minor learning issues during the interview. Admissions staff are adept at interpreting academic records and test scores, so let those documents speak for themselves. On the other hand, if

If you live overseas and are considering sending your child to a boarding school in the United States, consider the following five admissions tips for international students. I assume you are not an American citizen or a green card holder, and English is not your first language. Many students from countries outside the United States want to attend American private schools. According to The Association of Boarding Schools, international students make up about 15% of the student population in American boarding schools.

The I-20 Form

Be aware that not every boarding school is certified by the United States Immigration Service to accept foreign students. Why is that important? Always confirm that the school you are interested in is a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certified school. If the school is not SEVP-certified to accept international students, it cannot issue the I-20 form, which is the first step in applying for and obtaining a student visa from the U.S. Immigration Service. Once you receive the I-20 from the school you chose to attend, you will pay the I-901 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Fee. The Immigration Service will not allow your child to enter the United States as a student without the proper paperwork. If in doubt, ask the school if it can issue the I-20 form. Do not assume anything.

Pay Attention to The Deadlines

Applying for admission to an American boarding school requires staying organized and on top

Here is a compilation of the various concerns and questions I have fielded from readers. Don't hesitate to DM me on Facebook or Instagram with your questions. I will do my best to answer them.

Tell me about the advantages of sending my daughter to a boarding schools.

Your child will build a network of friends that she will have for life. The demands of rigorous academic studies combined with compulsory athletics and required extracurricular activities will stretch her ways you never thought possible. She will build confidence in her own abilities as she accomplishes things she probably didn't realize she could accomplish. You will know that your child is receiving a comprehensive and balanced education consisting of academics, sports and extracurricular activities.

How do I know which school is the best one?

You determine that by comparing schools. So, make lists of schools. Review their websites. Watch their videos. Check out their social media pages pages. Did you find any that offer the academic subjects, sports, and extracurricular activities you feel are essential for your child? Put those schools on another shorter list. Then visit those three or four schools. The visit and interview will reveal much about each school. Then apply to the schools with the best fit.

I want my daughter to have great teachers.

Teachers want to teach. They love their subject. They know it inside and out at the level at which they have been teaching. They know all the tricks and