Gathering Information
After you make a list of schools which you think will be a good fit, visit these schools virtually. Take their online tours. Read all you can about them. This will give you a good feel for the schools.
Call the schools to request admissions materials.
The next step is to request admissions materials. This will usually include a catalog and an application form. Now, I understand that it is somewhat old-fashioned to call admissions offices, but I strongly encourage you to do that. Talk to the admissions staff. Ask lots of questions about things like student-teacher ratios, special programs, living arrangements, sports -- in short, anything which concerns you and your decision about that school. Personally, I am always impressed positively or negatively by the telephone manner and responses of the person on the other end of the line.
Since I am considering entrusting my own little darling to that institution, I want to know that there are real, live, caring souls to look after her at all times!
You can always request admissions materials online or via email if you are pressed for time. While e-mail is fast and anonymous, you won't have the same personal interaction with the school as you will when you call.
Watch the videos.
Most schools will send you a DVD tour of the school. This is an excellent way of getting a feel for the school. Even though it is obviously a "perfect" view of everything the school wants you to see, it will give you a good idea of the school community and its setting.
Make a short list.
When you and your child have thoroughly reviewed all the materials, eliminate the schools which don't meet your needs. You should end up with a short list of three to five schools. There are no hard and fast rules in this process. Be flexible. If you end up with only two schools which meet your needs, that's fine. If the list includes half a dozen, that's fine too -- more work, but quite fine! Discuss this short list with your educational consultant. Heed her expert advice.
Plan a trip to China
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