<p>At the conclusion of a recent BS interview, the interviewer told my child, "Look for a thick packet to arrive in mid-March and then we would like you to come back for a re-visit in April. During the re-visit you can attend classes for a day and we can make arrangements for you to stay in a dorm." </p>
<p>Perhaps it's simply wishful thinking on my part, but I interpreted the comment as a positive sign. Am I reading too much into the statement? I presume that the interviewer does not unilaterally make the decision for admission, rather it's decided by committee. How much influence does the interviewer typically have in the final decision to extend an offer for admission?</p>
<p>If the interview was conducted by the Head of Admissions then pack your bags. This would also be true if it were the Associate Head or head of grade that your child is entering. Now...let's assume that ssat, recs,and grades are in order. Sounds like your child was recruited to fill a need.</p>
<p>Personally, my mom always taught me not to count my chickens before they are hatched. </p>
<p>My son has had three interviews where we were told words to the same effect -- all three by the head of admissions. Follow-up from each school tends to support the original thought that he was "in". We won't believe anything until letters are in hand. I would rather he be pleasantly surprised than stunned and disappointed.</p>
<p>It is true....my son was recruited and he also had excellent scores, grades, recs and essays. He was pretty much told he was in at his interview (we have a gold star next to your name) and then we received and e-mail about a week and a-half before March 10 saying "it's all up to fa now".
I am editing my post to add, though, that I also could not believe that they would really let you know....and I didn't believe it until we received the actual congratulatory e-mail on March 10th. I would not celebrate until I knew for sure.</p>
<p>Key and Momstef, those were two very nice posts . FA is always a wild card but my experience is limited to Andover and Exeter, where it is unlikely any promise would be made with such certainty. I may not be familiar with the ethics of the schools with lower yields. Now, sometimes what a child hears and what is said is tricky.</p>
<p>Thank you for the responses. I would agree with you Blueviszla that what a child reports to hear isn't always accurate. But in this case, the child was standing between both parents when the statement was made. We heard it too. </p>
<p>Hsmomstef and keylyme are right... don't count your chickens before they're hatched.</p>
<p>Old School -- It certainly sounds promising. However, what the Ad officer was describing is what happens if your child receives an acceptance. It reminds me of a preliminary job interview I had years ago. The interviewer described in detail all the things I would do and the people I would meet at the call back interview, down to when it would be. I thought I was on the call back list! Guess what? No call back.</p>
<p>Burb Parent -- My husband has had that experience! This is what happens when decisions are made in committee (like boarding school admissions or jobs). The person you interviewed with absolutely loves you -- but for some reason, some other person nukes you in committee.</p>
<p>I just have had a couple of experiences with my younger son when he was just sure that he had something "in the bag" -- a spot on the basketball team, an award, etc. He was told by numerous people in the know that he had it "locked down" and he was clearly a front contender from the general looks of things. When he didn't get it, he was devastated -- it seriously undermined his confidence.</p>
<p>On the other hand, there have been a few times where he was the clear front runner for something (History Day comes to mind) and we talked about how others see things, how judges can judge based on factors you don't notice, about how preferences come into play, etc. When it came time for the awards ceremony, he was pleasantly surprised to win -- but wouldn't have been devastated if he lost.</p>
<p>We are taking the same approach to BS -- we have been telling him that most of the kids applying are excellent students, a good fit, etc. That until the committee meets, they don't really know what the possibilties are for forming the new class. And, of course, FA plays a part. I want that excitement and surprise if/when he is accepted -- but I don't want the devastation.</p>
<p>my approach has been to recognize that the odds are against me. i put my best foot forward but things are very competitive today. hopefully i get a choice but even getting one school would be a blessing. people are amazed when i give them the admission stats like 15 out of 100. some just think it is about having the money to attend. this is part of it but the selection process is about grades, scores, ec's, etc. i now realize what high school seniors are going thru and will be better prepared myself.</p>
<p>Nothing is assured until you have the acceptance letter in your hand on March 10! We were burned by our Andover interviewer in a similar way and received the thin envelope.</p>