A critical part of choosing a school is actually visiting it. Your visit could be an overnight visit, an open house or a guided tour.
Many boarding schools have overnight visits. These are a terrific way of letting your child experience boarding school life. Day schools generally have open houses, and since you probably live close by, this will accomplish the same purpose. Let's face it: seeing faculty, staff and students in a variety of settings will just confirm or deny a lot of hunches you might have had in the first place. This is a most worthwhile exercise. Take advantage of it. If you have traveled any distance to see a school, you will want to have a guided tour of the facilities at the same time as your interview.
2. Plan Your Visit.
If the school only gives a tour followed by an interview, then make your travel plans accordingly. School admissions offices will generally have a list of local lodgings. Ask for it. The important thing to do is to plan on getting there the night before the tour so that you and your child can both get a good night's rest. Remember: this is an exciting, stressful time for both of you.
3. Prepare Questions.
Before you leave home, make sure that you have written down all the questions you have about the school. Make a list of things which you want to see. Then use your travel time and mealtimes to review this list. Don't be afraid to refer to it during the tour and the interview. Being organized and efficient will impress the admissions staff.
4. Be Prepared.
The day of the tour has finally arrived! Be sure to rise early, eat a nourishing meal, and get to the school ten to fifteen minutes early. It is always smart to know where on campus you have to go and to allow time for parking and rest stops!
5. Dress To Impress.
The school visit is not the appropriate time for a fashion statement from either parent or child. That would be a mistake. So dress sensibly and comfortably. Be yourself. Remember that the process works both ways: you are looking over the school, and the school is looking over you.
The Tour Guide
In most cases your tour guide will be a student. He or she will probably make written observations about you. So be alert. If you are not in a group tour, be sure to ask pertinent questions and be interested in the facts which are mentioned by the guide. Even if you have decided that you can't stand this school, good manners require that you put on your best face and soldier on.
It's a Wrap.
When the tour is over, spend a few minutes reviewing your impressions and comparing notes. This information will be useful when you make your final choice.
