Boarding School Decisions... Now What?
A Step-by-Step Guide to Navigating Boarding School Offers
Congratulations! March 10 marks a major milestone in your boarding school journey. After months of hard work, applications, and interviews, decision letters have arrived. It's a time to celebrate how far your child has come – their growth, independence, and self-awareness are truly remarkable.
Now, with enrollment contracts due on April 10, it's time to make some important decisions. Here are some tips to help you navigate this exciting (and perhaps overwhelming) time:
1. Process the Decisions:
It's important to acknowledge the range of emotions that come with admission decisions. Boarding schools have seen a surge in applications, making the process even more competitive.
If your child was waitlisted or denied admission, remember that it doesn't diminish their accomplishments. Schools often have limited space and may not be the right fit for every applicant. Often it is not about what was lacking in an application but more about the abundance of incredibly strong ones.
Focus on the positive! Review the offers of acceptance and start exploring those schools in more depth.
2. Take a Fresh Look:
When applications were submitted, attending boarding school may have felt like a distant concept. Now, with acceptances in hand, it's suddenly real!
Revisit each school with fresh eyes. Returning as an accepted student offers a new perspective. What aspects resonate most with your child? What excites them about each opportunity?
3. Empower Your Child:
This is their journey. Encourage your child to take the lead in discussions and voice their opinions about each school.
This process fosters ownership and allows them to make a decision that truly aligns with their goals and aspirations.
4. Experience Campus Life:
Take advantage of revisit days! Many schools offer on-site events where accepted students can attend classes, meet with faculty, and experience the campus culture firsthand.
If an in-person visit isn't possible, explore virtual options to get a feel for the school environment.
5. Focus on Top Choices:
It's okay if your child's preferences have changed throughout the process. Growth and self-discovery are natural parts of the journey.
Once you've made a decision, promptly inform the schools your child won't be attending. This allows them to offer spots to waitlisted students.
6. Savor the Moment:
Choosing a boarding school is a significant milestone. Celebrate this accomplishment with your child and acknowledge the growth and maturity they've demonstrated throughout the process.
At The Bertram Group, we're honored to be part of your family's journey. Our consultants have been working behind the scenes to ensure your child's application received thorough consideration. We're passionate about helping students find the perfect educational fit, and we're here to support you every step of the way.
Contact us today to discuss your child's boarding school options and make a confident, informed decision.