This past admission season has seen acceptances for my students at Berkshire, Choate Rosemary Hall (Summer Session) Loomis Chaffee, and Eaglebrook (Summer Session).  

After twenty years in the US and Canada as an admissions director and advancement professional, without forgetting my prior years as a teacher, I now work on behalf of families on the other side of the desk. The dynamics are different now as I counsel and represent families wishing to gain entry into a strong boarding school with the right fit. 

Admission staff are there to embody the mission of their school, to listen and get to know the child and family in front of them. 

On the other side of the desk are somewhat anxious families heading toward major life choices for their children. 

My role as the consultant is to help navigate the often steep boarding school terrain, and to help schools get to know the child.

In June I accompanied one of my families from Hong Kong on guided tours of four American boarding scools: Berkshire, Blair, Hotchkiss and Taft, along with a brief walk around Salisbury and Westminster - in the pouring rain! The two brothers were on their way to attend Choate’s Summer School. 

My other Hong Kong family is attending Eaglebrook Summer School and I have set up tours for them at Bement, Cardigan, Indian Mountain and Rumsey Hall schools at the end of the program. These junior boarding schools are a great option for international students to get a head start in the American independent school approach to learning.  

Most importantly each school was welcoming in their approach to the family, and to me as their consultant. Nervousness was thus kept to a minimum.

Visiting such prestigious schools with tremendous grounds and facilities could have been intimidating. Each school went out of their way to avoid this. As a result, the family thoroughly enjoyed their welcome to campus by staff, and informative tours by excellent student tour guides. 

The very best way to explore a school is to visit. One of my students asked me midway through the school visits, “Which is the best school on the tour?” I replied, “That’s not for me to say, it’s for you to feel.” Of course, the best way to achieve this is when school is in session. My families will be returning in October. 

Doing this work is a great pleasure for me as it takes me back to an area of the US and the schools that I enjoyed working in so much. If you or someone you know is curious about the US or Canadian Boarding School Admissions process - I’m always happy to chat. 

So, visit campuses, look closely and absorb the culture of a school. Can you see yourself there? If so, apply.