So you wish to have your son or daughter study at a private boarding school. That’s fine but there are a number of matters you should understand and act upon.

The first thing to know is that it is a two-way street. You want the best school for your child and will check out a few to choose the right one. But private boarding schools want the best students for their institution so they too will be checking out you and certainly your child.

There is a procedure which needs to be followed if you are to be accepted. It’s basically divided into two parts – the paperwork and the interview. The paperwork is just that, the forms you need to complete and provide. The school will have its papers but you must have yours. You should have the exam results attained by your child plus any references or letters from a previous school. It helps if there are copies of any awards or prizes your child has attained in the past. Remember private boarding schools want top achievers as it reflects well on them.

The interview is essential. It may only be one but could be more. Usually the interview takes place at the school but some institutions send a school representative to areas away from the school thus allowing parents to be interviewed without traveling a great distance. Like a job interview you should present well and be well prepared. It is not a fashion competition but dressing well and having all your documentation in place and easy to find makes for a good start.

At the risk of making the interview process sound too grand, remember this is your opportunity to sell yourself. Places for many private boarding schools are tight with many having a waiting list. There is competition to gain a place in many of the prestigious schools. It is to your advantage to impress the school and make them want to have your son or daughter attend their institution.

Fees are an important part of every private boarding school. Money may not be a problem but if you are not wealthy, schools cater for parents who may require financial assistance. You can discover the school’s fees and financial support packages through the prospectus. Some information may even be available online.

Every year there will be a time when applications for the school are accepted. You must pay attention to that window of time. In many cases the school will not consider a late application. You cannot prepare too well and following the guidelines announced by the school is essential.

Now all this activity may seem too much for you. Building a portfolio, filling in the appropriate application forms, preparing for an interview, investigating the financial aid packages etc may be overwhelming for some parents. There is an alternative. You can engage an agent so to speak, an educational consultant. This person is experienced in private school applications and will know many of the questions the school will ask. For a fee you can have all the hard work undertaken by someone who is experienced and capable.

Here are additional resources you might be interested in:

How to Find the Perfect Boarding School

Common Myths About Boarding Schools