An on-campus interview is one of the most important parts of the application process. While local and regional information gatherings and interviews are helpful and convenient, most schools place a great deal of importance on the quality of a candidate’s interview. The admission officers at each school want to meet you face to face.

Just as admission officers are assessing you for a good fit for their school, you should be evaluating the school, the demeanor of the staff and students, and the overall feel you get from the school to determine if it will be a good fit for you. Campus visits are absolutely crucial in determining fit. Until you spend a good portion of a day on campus, you can’t know how you will feel once you live there. If possible, request an overnight stay in a dorm as well, and experience residence life, the cafeteria and the dorm parent relationships that are built into boarding schools.

If possible, try not to schedule several campus interviews in a single day. We typically advise students to schedule only one interview a day. This way you can take your time, enjoy your visit and not feel rushed. When you give yourself and your parents time to take everything in, you’ll feel like you’re better able to make the right decision on the best school for you.