<p>Hi, I am applying for Groton, Governor's, Peddie, St. Andrew's, Andover, Hotchkiss, and SPS for 10th grade admission in September 2012. </p>
<p>Due to financial obstacles, I am unable to visit most schools on the list for an on-campus interview, except Peddie since it is the closest on my list to NYC. For all other schools, I will be conducting an off-campus alumni interview, telephone interview, or Skype interview, depending on what each school offers. </p>
<p>Both my parents did not attend college and are immigrants. I am lucky to have been raised in an environment where education is highly valued and regarded, and have some relatives in private day schools who made me aware of boarding schools. My parents both don't speak English very fluently, although they can understand to a certain extent.
Are parents generally interviewed during an off-campus alumni/telephone/Skype interview? If so, what is asked? Is it as thorough as the student one, or do they usually just ask if the parent has any questions? And, is the applicant allowed to translate for the parent, or are we allowed to bring an English-speaking relative?</p>
<p>I suggest you contact each school’s admissions office and explain the situation just as you have in you post. Many schools require an on-campus interview if you live w/in a certain distance from the school-- perhaps this requirement may be waived for extenuating circumstances. I think the AO’s will be impressed by your self-initiative to pursue a BS education, in light of your family’s financial and cultural challenges. Many of the schools value cultural & socio-economic diversity in their student body-- especially schools w a significant proportion of kids on financial aid.</p>
<p>As for parental interviews, for the all the schools to which our S applied, none of them interviewed the parents, though the parents were asked after the interview whether they had any questions. Some of the school applications did, however, have a written Parent Statement. If you translate your parents’ statement, you should add a comment in their statement that you have translated for them.</p>
<p>Skype interviews are VERY awkward. Alumni interview is a MUCH BETTER option. If you do Skype interviews (not the ideal way to do an interview), give some thought to the setup on your end. Do a dry-run w a friend to see how you look and sound on video. Consider lighting and the positioning of your webcam.</p>
<p>I strongly urge you to try to visit the schools and interview on campus (still explain to the school about your financial & cultural issues). It will make a better impression and demonstrate that you are SERIOUS about the school.</p>
<p>Don’t worry. Your situation is not unique and the school’s have seen similar situations. I do local interviews and I’m always impressed by the students who make an effort to come long distances but I’m also impressed when parents don’t speak English but are still supportive.</p>
<p>My D had one off campus interview with an alumni (Andover - worked well) and one telephone interview when a snowstorm resulted in flights being cancelled. In both of the latter cases I was not interviewed. It didn’t have an effect on the applications, IMHO.</p>
<p>The interview is just to get to know you. In this economy, the school’s are aware that sometimes travel is a hardship - even for parents from NYC. But - if at all possible, I’d make the drive. Many are not far from NYC and a campus visit is really worthwhile. It will help you decide if the school is a good fit “for you” or not.</p>
<p>I just wanted to add a few tips for a Skype interview. Make sure you are in a quiet room where no one (including younger siblings and pets) will distract you. Dress at least your top half (all that will show on camera) like you would for a real interview. One good way is to put a desk in front of a plain wall, you sit facing out from the wall with the desk and computer in front of you. You could also post a few reminders- such as speak clearly, smile, etc. out of the view of the interviewer. Good Luck!!</p>
<p>Dear NYCKevin - do not worry. An off-campus alumni interview is perfectly fine. We are understanding people and know that not everyone can afford to visit our campuses or afford to take time off of work. It depends on the school whether or not your parent will be interviewed as well as you. Usually the parent interview is not an interview per se but just an opportunity for the parents to ask US questions. At my school, it is okay to have the applicant translate for the parents. Best of luck to you.</p>
Best of luck to you.</p>