<p>Seems like an odd time of year to be doing this, but the Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) is doing an online expo tomorrow evening, 1/29. There will be admissions officers from dozens of schools available to chat or video chat with prospective students and parents.</p>
<p>This is a great opportunity for families who are new to this forum to find out about some of the lesser known schools. So, if you're just starting the process of looking for schools, check it out. Even if you're not necessarily interested in the specific schools that will be represented, having the chance to speak with an admissions officer is *always/i] helpful!</p>
<p>And it really is a good way to find out about schools that you might have never heard of. The parents on this forum are always encouraging new applicants to broaden their searches . . . this is a great way to start!</p>
<p>[url=<a href="http://www.boardingschoolexpos.com/%5DHere%5B/url">http://www.boardingschoolexpos.com/]Here[/url</a>] is where you can sign up and find out more.</p>
<p>Wow, thanks dodgersmom! Even for those of us who have already applied, this info might come in handy if we have to reapply next year (hopefully, no one will need to). And you’re right, kind of silly timing :)</p>
<p>I looked at the list of schools who will be attending. I was actually pleasantly surprised. Aubreygal, a few of your schools we will be attending! Here is the list:</p>
<p>Annie Wright Schools (WA)
Asheville School (NC)
Balmoral Hall School (MB)
The Brook Hill School (TX)
Carson Long Military Academy (PN)
Choate Rosemary Hall (CT)
Cranbrook Schools (MI)
Darrow School (NY)
Eagle Hill School (MA)
George School ¶
Georgetown Preparatory School (MD)
Gould Academy (ME)
The Gow School (NY)
Hargrave Military Academy (VA)
Houghton Academy (NY)
The Kildonan School (NY)
The Lowell Whiteman School (CO)
Miller School of Albemarle (VA)
New Hampton School (NH)
New York Military Academy (NY)
Northfield Mount Hermon (MA)
Northwest School (WA)
Oregon Episcopal School (OR)
Peddie School (NJ)
Phillips Academy (MA)
Ridley College (ON)
Riverside Military Academy (GA)
Saint James School (MD)
Salem Academy (NC)
Shawnigan Lake School (BC)
Solebury School ¶
Southwestern Academy (CA)
St. Margaret’s School (VA)
St. Andrew’s College (ON)
St. Michael’s University School (BC)
Subiaco Academy (AK)
The Taft School (CT)
Trinity College School (ON)
Valley Forge Military Academy ¶
The Vanguard School (FL)
Verde Valley School (AZ)
Wasatch Academy
Wayland Academy (WI)
Worcester Academy (MA)
Wyoming Seminary ¶</p>
<p>Thanks starkali, I didn’t know where to find the list!! 
Yes Choate’s going to be there :D</p>
<p>Also, does anyone know what time it starts and ends? Or is it just all day? Can’t find that anywhere either… :l</p>
<p>[url=<a href=“http://www.boardingschoolexpos.com/schools]Here[/url”>http://www.boardingschoolexpos.com/schools]Here[/url</a>] is where starkali found the list, and it does look pretty impressive. I honestly don’t know if they all actually show up, but I’d suggest that if you want to talk to the AO from one of the larger schools, get there right when it starts. It’s a really good opportunity, though, to speak with the AOs from the smaller schools.</p>
<p>And the schedule is [url=<a href=“http://www.boardingschoolexpos.com/whats-happening]here[/url”>http://www.boardingschoolexpos.com/whats-happening]here[/url</a>] - the expo is open from 7:30 to 9:30 pm, Eastern standard time.</p>
<p>I’d suggest registering ahead of time, 'cause that does take a few minutes.</p>
<p>Thanks so much! Should I say my name (so they know who I am) or stay anonymous? I’m interested to see how this all works…</p>
<p>Do whatever you’re comfortable with. There’s no reason not to use your name . . . unless you’re going to say something so ridiculously stupid that the AO will go and look for your application just to make a note of it! 
</p>
<p>Seriously, though, if you’re talking to AO’s at schools that you might apply to in the future, there’s no harm in introducing yourself. If it’s a school you’ve already applied to . . . well, there’s no harm in acknowledging that fact, but I would be cautious (extremely cautious) in asking any question that has to do with the application process. But if you have other questions about the school, there’s no reason not to ask them.</p>
<p>I have never been to one of these this late in the season, but I attended one a couple of years ago in the fall, and it turned out really well. My child had a great conversation with the AO of a school we were considering and I think it may have helped, just by opening a line of communication.</p>
<p>If there is a video chat option, should you dress a little formally (only up top, of course, I would wear sweatpants on the bottom 
) like how you would for an interview? Sorry, the questions just keep rolling out lol. :D</p>
<p>I think it’s a bit more relaxed than an interview . . . but you don’t want to show up in your pajamas! Yes, I guess dress up a bit . . .</p>
<p>Even if it’s a Harvard t-shirt? 
:P</p>
<p>Dodgersmom- I know that this slightly off topic, but you said to stray away from asking questions about the admission process, does that apply to interviews as well? Most of the questions that I asked AOs at my interviews was “admission process” related…</p>
<p>starkali - There’s a big difference between asking questions about the application process then - when you were still in the midst of putting your application together - and now, when the process is complete and your fate lies in the hands of the AO. Then it was absolutely appropriate . . . but now, well, it depends.</p>
<p>If you have specific questions about your application at this point in time (like whether or not you should apply to a different grade than what you originally indicated), the best thing to do is call or email your interviewer directly. A “sales” venue like the expo is just not the appropriate place, I don’t think.</p>
<p>Online now!</p>
<p>Just checked - there were reps from NMH, Taft, Peddie, Choate, & Andover online . . . among others.</p>
<p>Just got off a chat with a Choate AO. Huge thanks to dodgersmom, it was an awesome opportunity.</p>
<p>You’re welcome - glad you were able to take advantage of it!</p>
<p>Same as aubrey. Learned a lot and gained a lot of advice that helped take some things I was worrying about off my shoulders!</p>