| Choosing a School | |
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So your child didn't make it into The Best Prep School! What to do now? Let's look at the options and also examine how to handle acceptances - especially more than one acceptance!
Rejection
In one of several articles which
I have written on choosing a school - Which
School Is The Right One? - I make the point that you should always
hire an educational consultant to help you choose a school which will be
a good fit for your child. Assuming that you did this, your child will
most likely have applied to three schools. One will have been a bit of
a reach, by which I mean that chances of acceptance are 30-40%. Then
there will be one in the 80-90% range, and finally one which will, for
lack of a better description, be a safe school - one in which you know
that your child is practically guaranteed a place.
So, how do you handle the inevitable rejection letters? Try to understand the reasons for the rejection. If the school is extremely competitive, console your child with that fact. Let's face it: if 1500 applicants are received for 300 places, there are going to be many rejection letters. The experience gained and lessons learned from aiming for the stars are invaluable and character building. Nothing ventured, nothing gained!
Acceptance
Acceptances require action on your
part. Make sure that you go back for the "Return Visit" which many schools
offer to accepted candidates. Particularly in the case of multiple acceptances,
let your child go back to the school and spend some quality time sitting
in on classes. Perhaps an overnight can be arranged. Do whatever it takes
to confirm your initial good impressions of the institution. Ask follow-up
questions - lots of them. Finally, respond to the offer of a place in a
timely fashion. To delay means to lose the place!
Share your stories and experiences about admissions in the Private Schools Forum. We want to hear from you.
--Rob Kennedy, Private Schools Guide
