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| Private Education |
The Pivotal Decision
Jill Rachlin Marbaix
05/03/2004
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Interviews are
important, even for our youngest. Pre-school admissions in New York City, for
example, are determined largely by the interview and the family’s background,
says Emily Glickman, founder of Abacus Guide Consulting, a firm that assists
families in selecting private schools and facilitating admissions. Schools are
interested in what family members do for a living—and how they fit into the
culture of the school. Parents who are investment bankers might receive
preferential treatment if the children of lawyers already populate the class in
question—or vice versa. It is a matter of luck as to how our family may or may
not fit into a given year’s demographic mix. However, we can increase the odds
of success if we schedule interviews at a time of day when our child will be
most rested and lively.
“[Parents] should understand what is special about their child and what is
special about the school and why it is a good fit.”
Emily Glickman |
For older children, says Glickman, “I counsel
families to be confident and comfortable. They should understand what is special
about their child and what is special about the school and why it is a good fit.
Their questions should be to the point and highlight the student’s strengths and
the family’s values.”
Family ties, though never a guarantee, do not hurt.
“The legacy connection is very important for a private school and for colleges,”
says Schoenfeld. “Legacies bring a sense of spirit and community—and donations
down the road.” A child who is a direct descendant of alumni has a distinct
advantage, while having an older child already at the school also helps, as do
recommendations from alumni, benefactors, board members, or parents of children
currently enrolled.
Schools appreciate donations—but not those that smack of
bribery. Never mention money during an interview, Glickman advises. The correct
protocol in these situations is to be indirect; we should let the school know
that we have supported other educational institutions before, and that we intend
to back strongly any school our child attends.
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