Our admissions team always looks forward to speaking with prospective parents and students during an interview, so we can get to know one another better. Below are a few suggestions for getting the most out of your meeting.
- Do a bit of homework. Prior to your appointment, spend some time on the school’s website, and come prepared to share messages from the school that resonate with you, and ask questions that may have come up during your exploration. . Not only does it show a level of commitment and interest in the school, but it will also give you clarity about the areas of the school that are important to you.
- Communicate what is important to you in a school. Be clear about your goals or hopes for your child’s education. Fit is a two-way street, and it needs to be mutual from both your perspective and the school’s. Sharing your educational priorities will create an opportunity for an open conversation, in which each party can share their values, and both sides can assess if the school is a good fit.
- Share helpful information. Admission officers first and foremost want to bring students to their schools that they feel they can serve best. Families can help in this effort by being honest and forthcoming about their child’s strengths, weaknesses and previous school experiences, including any additional support they received or disciplinary issues. Own your child’s narrative, and don’t wait for the admission officers to find out the real scoop after you’ve left the conversation.
- Have a practice run. In addition to preparing yourself or your child for their interview with some casual dinner time conversations the night prior (“What’s something you’re proud of?” or “Why are you interested in Avenues?”), you can also be strategic about the order in which you schedule your school visits. One approach is to save your number one choice until after you’ve interviewed at a few schools, so you arrive at your top choice school comfortable with the interview process.
- Following up. Although it’s not required, following up is an easy way to stay top of mind in the admission office, and it deepens the connection between your family and the school.
As always, our admissions team is here to help you through this process. Please feel free to call 646.664.0800 or email admissions@avenues-ny.org with any questions.
