<p>I am having an interview soon for Andover. My case is probably very unusual. My parents aren't supportive of my desire to attend boarding school. However, they are letting me apply (they probably think I wont get in). I really want to go to boarding school and I was wondering if its ok to mention to my interviewer or if it will hurt my chances. I feel like it would show them how strongly I want to go, since I've gone through the entire admissions process by myself. Thanks, I really appreciate your advice!!</p>
<p>You are in a tough spot. I think it’s important to understand why your parents don’t want you to apply to bs. Will you be applying for FA, and is that part of the issue? Frankly, you and your parents need to be on the same page in order to make this a successful experience for you. Like it or not, if you are a minor, the school will have to have a relationship with your parents too, as they will be the ones contracting with the school. I applaud your initiative, but you need to get your parents behind you in order to make this work. Good luck!</p>
<p>Schools are conscious of yield (i.e. will the student actual enroll if admitted?). Schools are already aware that they are competing w other schools for attractive candidates. It will hurt you if the school thinks it is also competing w your parents.</p>
<p>In the meanwhile, you need to figure out how to get your parents on board. Otherwise, the whole enterprise is futile. </p>
<p>Hello, while applying to the schools is not a commitment, but going to the school is a binding contract.
Have you thought about, what is going to happen, when you get in? Will your parents allow you to go? Can they pay for the school? Without clear path and understanding from both parties, the process might NOT bring you the result that you hope for. Do you think that they will allow you to go?
You have mentioned that you do go to a private school, do your parents pay for it, do they support you? Why do you go to this particular school?
MY ADVICE: talk to your parents, explain to them, what this means for you and ask for their support! Communicating with them will spare a lot of heartaches for you an them.
Good luck!</p>
<p>Thank you for all your advice. Just to elaborate more on my situation, I am applying on full pay and finances aren’t a problem for my parents, as i am also currently attending a very expensive private school. I think their main concern is being separated from so early. They have always been extremely overprotective, and while I understand their anxiety of having their child leave them, I personally believe that the beneficial experiences that bs offers are worth it. I’ve tried many times to explain this to them, and I have shown them how much this means to me by engaging in thorough research and showing them everything about the schools. </p>
<p>I have convinced them to take me to visit the schools next year before admission letters are sent out, and I am hoping and praying that seeing the schools in person will change their views…</p>
<p>One thing that i’m really concerned about, aside from them not allowing me to go if i get in, is the parent statement. How much will it affect me if they don’t put very much effort into it?</p>
<p>Also, does anyone have any suggestions for ways to convince them?</p>
<p>I’ve already tried: amazing academics, independence, ec’s, great teachers and support, close community, small class sizes, sat scores, matriculation rate… </p>
<p>Let them read this thread:). On the serious note, are they really involved in your life or is it the way from you to get away? We do not know your parents, but may be you have a trusted adult (teacher, aunt/uncle, grandparent), who can talk to them?
Did they go to a boarding school, did they have a bad experience?
They are giving you an emotional reason, so you have to use your heart, not your head in trying to convince them. Good luck.</p>