<p>For those of you who have been through this process w/ older siblings, do you find revisit days truly helpful and informative. Have you ever had a child change his/her mind based on these second visits? Would love your thoughts....</p>
<p>Yes yes yes-- revisit days are totally worth going to – for schools you are seriously considering (as in: if you applied to lots of schools and them were lucky enough to get accepted to many, narrow the list down to two or three at the max). Really sitting in on classes and spending the day with students will give students a real feel for the school that you don’t get on interview tours; sitting in on classes (usually NOT with your child) and hearing faculty talk gives you a real sense (as a parent) of how schools differ. We went to 2 revisit days. My son was leaning toward one, partly because it seemed friendlier than the other, and partly because by then it was pretty clear a good friend of his would be going there (the friend needed FA and got a great award there). In fact, my son DID find this school friendlier on revisit day than the one he later chose, and classes were all fine. Then we visited the other school, and the classes were absolutely amazing (for both of us), as were all the talks. It was pretty friendly, but seemed slightly less warm than the first school. Still, both he and I felt like the school was SO exciting academically, he said, at the end of the day, “I just don’t think we can say no, mom.” We picked it, and he’s very happy there so far-- and has actually found it very friendly, since his first day at school. He really feels like he fits in. He does have one pretty mediocre teacher this year (nice, but mediocre and REALLY lazy), but my understanding is he won’t be there after this year. So no place will be perfect. Anyway, revisit day mattered, because my son was initially leaning toward the other school and we would have let him choose it if that’s what he wanted. But we’re all happy with his final choice.</p>
<p>Thanks for your input! My daughter is so excited about getting accepted to her first choice school. We are now deciding on 2 other schools to revisit. She doesn’t see the need. I will let her read your comments. </p>
<p>Definitely go. Even if you are sure of your decision you can use the visit to start learning about your new school. It is also a chance to meet some of the other incoming kids (and their parents).</p>
<p>I meant she doesn’t see the need to visit any other than her first choice school. I couldn’t keep her from going for a revisit there!</p>
<p>Here’s a revisit thread from my older daughter’s application cycle:
<a href=“2011 Revisits... - Prep School Admissions - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/prep-school-admissions/1112976-2011-revisits.html</a></p>
<p>For us, the revisits really made a difference in choosing between the two options she had.</p>
<p>I agree. Go to revisits. The list of favorites was reordered after spending a day at different schools. One school was knocked completely off the list within the first hour. </p>
<p>I have had friends tell me the same thing - that the order of preference shifted after revisits. In some cases, pretty dramatically.</p>
<p>If you can, do revisit the schools. It will make a difference.
Your first impressions on the schools could change a lot.</p>
<p>Try to attend extra events such as sports games and talk with students.
Feel free to ask as many questions as possible. It is now the schools that need to sell themselves to you. </p>
<p>Revisited her top two, and it was very helpful and left us all sure of which one to pick. Also gives a great orientation to the school, curriculum, etc. </p>
<p>Revisit days are also the one part in the process where the schools are “courting” you… instead of the other way around. It’s a nice change from the stress of applying and a more relaxed way to see if the school actually suits you - never mind the chance to visit the school store and buy the hat, the hoodie and the sticker! :)</p>
<p>I recommend attending as many revisits as you can. Four is possible, but five would be a challenge.</p>
<p>Both my children changed their opinions after revisits. Observing classes can be very eye-opening–as can observing enrolled students and the group of acceptees. If possible, bring both parents. You can split up to take part in different classes. (It may not be possible for both parent to attend, but perhaps an aunt or grandparent could help out.)</p>
<p>Looks like it will be 4 revisits for us. My D is very set on her first choice. I would be shocked if she changed her mind, but you never know. </p>
<p>Msclvr721: Even if Emma Willard is not on your revisit list, this is a good document to consult:
<a href=“http://www.emmawillard.org//sites/emmawillard.org/files/best_fit_guide.pdf”>http://www.emmawillard.org//sites/emmawillard.org/files/best_fit_guide.pdf</a></p>
<p>We did four revisits last year. They really are very helpful. I highly suggest going to as many as you can. Even if you think you know which school you favor. That may change after spending at day at the school. I also second the suggestion to bring another adult if at all possible. </p>
<p>@SevenDad thank you so much for that helpful list! We will definitely be using it. </p>
<p>Another idea which may be helpful - Milton included course planning info in their acceptance packet. They recommended that DD look it all over & become familiar with graduation requirements, course offerings etc. before revisits. They even suggested trying to plan out her four years & to speak with someone at Milton to discuss. All before revisits, so that she can really get down to specifics about what she wants. I’m sure that other schools do this, but if not, it seems like a worthwhile exercise to me. Of course, it wouldn’t be anywhere near final, but just to start thinking about it in the context of the specific school that you are considering makes sense.</p>
<p>@SevenDad and @GMC2918 Both great suggestions. Will work on these before our revisits. </p>
<p>When revisiting Andover we asked admissions to coordinate a meeting with several of the teachers we thought would be important to D, and they were friendly and glad to meet with us all. The info was very helpful. </p>
Bumping for current students considering revisits
My child received admission to St. Paul’s, Andover, and Exeter. I am a blue collar dad. We have a parent dinner at SPS on Day 1 with admissions and faculty. My wardrobe consists of bluejeans, polo shirts and a few suits for funerals and weddings. It looks like I am going shopping. What is appropriate in a setting such as this? I neither want to be under nor overdressed.