Congratulations! Your child has been accepted to one (or multiple!) of your top-choice private schools. Now, the decision on where your child will receive their education is in your hands. What do you do next?
Before you make any final decisions or sign the paperwork, consider attending school revisit days at the private schools that made it to the top of your list. These school-planned events can help your family feel confident and excited about your ultimate choice for your child.
Admissions revisit day is when private schools invite accepted students and their families back to campus (or to a virtual event) to provide any final insights that may sway their decision.
Whether held in-person or online, revisit day will most likely include meeting with current students or parents, sitting in on classes or activities, and attending a few presentations or panel discussions that include students, faculty, staff, or leadership.
During this visit, private schools aim to demonstrate the value they provide for a family’s investment and help prospective students determine if the school’s community and educational approach align with their own. It’s a time when your child can better experience what it’s like to be a student at a school through both observation and candid conversations.
Even if you think you have your mind made up, it’s always a good idea to attend revisit days at your top contenders. Revisit days can validate your choice, or they can open your eyes to new possibilities. They’re a useful tool in the private school admissions process.
The best way to make the most of private school revisit days is to come prepared and pay attention. This opportunity is your chance to get any final questions answered, to explore any programs or offerings that you haven’t yet experienced, and to talk to any faculty, staff, or current students with whom you have not yet connected.
Make sure you bring a list of topics you want to cover or areas you still need to explore. You may even want to create a spreadsheet to log answers and information to compare and contrast your top schools post-visit.
However you decide to collect your information, there are specific questions that can provide you with clarity during your revisit experience:
ASK THE SCHOOL...
ASK YOUR CHILD…
Revisit day is a time to observe campus life around you. Consider attending class visits, athletic practices, or special programs to watch learning in action. Some areas in which to pay attention:
While private school revisit days may not cement your final decision, they’re a great way to finalize any lingering questions or concerns. You never know — you may end the day with a decision made, a school bumper sticker on your car, and a signed contract in your pocket.
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