<p>I have my first interview on Thursday, and my mom might not make it because of work. She could take off work, but she is very busy right now and it would be an inconvenience to her. She keeps asking me if it is really necessary for me to go, but I don't really know. So, would it be better for my mom to take off work and have both of my parents go or would just my dad going be okay?</p>
<p>It's fine if just one parent goes. I just went with my mom when I interviewed. It isn't a big deal at all if only one parent goes - from my experience most kids just had one parent with them.</p>
<p>I hope it doesn't matter. I'm pretty sure it doesn't. My dad's not a very active part of my life- my mom is the only one attending the interviews.</p>
<p>Not to offend anyone, and I really mean that. I think the main reason for the parent interview is to show the interviewer that the applicant comes from a stable and healthy background. While the applicant interview is not pass or fail (in my opinion), the parent interview probably is. If the parents are separated, I would think that showing stability is particularly important. </p>
<p>So... It shouldn't be a problem if you mom doesn't come as long as your dad shows that you come from a happy family.
Again, I can't stress enough that this is just my opinion and that I have no more insider knowledge that you do.</p>
<p>It would be good if you could get both of your parents to come, but then again it's not necessary, especially if one (or both) aren't interested. Luckily my family is really into the whole boarding school thing that it's more like my parents dragging me along instead of the other way around.</p>
<p>melissax225...don't give it a second's worry. One interested, enthusiastic parent is plenty. A good boarding school always tries to admit a family, not just a kid. But that doesn't mean both parents need to be there, or even to be married to one another. What's important is that the parent who accompanies you evidences warmth, love and support for you.</p>
<p>Admission officers understand that parents work. It is not necessary--ever--to have both present.</p>
<p>It's even fine if no parents attend. If an applicant is particularly self-assured and confident, not having a parent attend can be an asset. However, such independence can be conveyed even if a parent attends. When I took my daughter to interview last year, I made a point of staying in the background and and allowing her to tour, interview and ask questions without me tagging along.</p>
<p>I think the admissions office is trying to figure out if the student is getting pushed by the parents to go to boarding school, or if it is a mutual decision. One or both parents would make little difference. Good luck and have fun!</p>
<p>It's great if both parents can attend, but I think it's mostly great for the parents. They can get all their questions answered at the same time without one having to pass along information to the other. This is one of your best chances to get a sense of the philosophy of the school. How do they approach different sorts of problems? How flexible are they about things?</p>
<p>But I usually just meet with one parent. It's really important that at least one parent attend.</p>
<p>We saw both situations when we interviewed - I didn't notice that "most" had only one parent and I think I may have since we came as a couple.</p>
<p>My mother wouldn't attend(Willingly) and I didn't talk about her beyond what I deemed appropriate. </p>
<p>My mother and father cannot talk to one person, they have very different styles. My dad says alot of profound things and steers the conversation into a deep level of thought.</p>
<p>My mother would talk about vacations, and the moment I stopped believe in Santa being the day my childhood wonder "died"(It happened at one interview two years ago for an achievement program)</p>
<p>I don't know about this one. We were struggling with it too and I thought it might not matter either way. In the end we both decided to go since we didn't want to take a chance. I was very glad we both took off and went because when the interviewer came out to get us for the parent interview my husband was in the bathroom. He then asked where Dad was specifically before I even stood up to go with him to the interview! I was very glad I could say he was in the rest room and would be right out!!! </p>
<p>Now this may have been an anomaly and we won't both be able to both go to all interviews because of work trips ect... If they ask where dad is at our next interview at least I'll be able to say he is away on business as the honest reason why he isn't there! I think if you say the parent is working/away/sick ect.. and that is the honest reason it won't be held against you. What they don't want to hear is " Oh they just weren't interested." (Of course noone on CC would make that mistake anyway :) )</p>
<p>We were in the same situation as Melissax -- only one of us could go to the interviews with our son due to work schedules and other siblings at home. I remember being concerned about this, but in the end, it seemed not to matter; not a single admissions officer inquired where the other parent is. It seemed to me that it was fairly split between students accompanied by one or both parents. As mentioned by others above, I think most important is for parent that is present to be supportive and seem interested. Though would agree with Mozzie that its mostly great for the parents if both parents can attend, just so that when it comes time for decisions, both parents can also have a well informed opinion about the schools.</p>
<p>ideally, both parents should attend the tour and interview. it gives the applicant and parents three sets of eyes instead of two in evaluating the schools. however, my son and i operated as a duo with no downside. people are busy and have commitments. besides, the applications ask whether or not the applicant comes from a divorce situation.</p>
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He then asked where Dad was specifically before I even stood up to go with him to the interview! I was very glad I could say he was in the rest room and would be right out!!!
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<p>From another perspective, this could have been not because they always expected students to have both parents with him, but because the interviewer knew that both parents were there. </p>
<p>At my school, even the students always knew when visitors were coming and who exactly was coming - emails were sent out saying prospective student so and so and her mother so and so and/or father so and so will be on campus and have a tour with so and so and then an interview with so and so afterwards.</p>
<p>^^Oh, and just to add on that, even if they didn't know both parents were coming beforehand, when you arrived they most likely were told there were two parents so they knew who to expect. Especially if you went on a tour first, but even if you were interviewing first, I guess. Either way, I'd say they knew your husband had arrived with you and that's why they asked where he was.</p>
<p>hj0519,
good points. I am glad to think that's what it was since our next interview is at SPS and my dh will be away on business so it'll just be me and my son. Hopefully they will understand.<br>
Thanks again~</p>
<p>Neither parent went with me for my Georgetown Interview. I was told it was a big no no because it shows you can't listen for yourself. I did take my mom actually I just left her in the car out of sight from where me and the interviewer met.</p>
<p>oh sorry I thought you were talking college type stuff.. sorry. =8</p>