Interviews and Visits

Many parents feel they know a boarding school because they have spent time on its website. They have "liked" the school's Facebook page and followed it on Instagram. They also watched all the videos the school posted on its YouTube channel. They and their child are convinced that the school is a good fit for them and their requirements. So why bother hopping on a plane, renting a car, booking accommodations, and taking all that time to visit the school?

The answer is simple. You need to visit any school you are considering sending your child to. The school will insist on it because they want to meet you in person whenever possible. While virtual tours and online information have become more sophisticated in 2026, nothing replaces experiencing a campus firsthand, meeting faculty and students, and observing the school's culture for yourself.

Your educational consultant may have given the schools glowing reports. Your great uncle has always fondly spoken about his years at one of the schools on your shortlist. He has given generously to his alma mater. One of your colleagues has a daughter at another school on your shortlist. She loves her school's equestrian program. But that's their opinion.

You and your child need to set foot on each campus on your shortlist, scope each one out, and use your judgment about whether your child will be happy there for three or four years.

Before scheduling your visits, Boarding School Review's guide to Questions to

This article has been updated to reflect 2026 data and recent developments.

I wish that during the 15 years I worked in boarding school admissions, I had kept track of how many students I interviewed. I imagine it’s a greater number than I would even guess. I loved to interview students and have that time to really get to know them, who they are, what they hope to do, what they are looking for, how they might fit in at my school, and what they bring with them. Sometimes, it was very clear to me that a student was nervous, perhaps it was their first time in an interview situation. So I would start with, “Are you nervous?” It’s amazing how identifying that fear could somehow easily dissipate it as well. From there, we could talk comfortably with one another and explore what we wanted to explore. Many of the students I work with in boarding school guidance have not been interviewed before this point, which makes sense given their age. I like to guide them beforehand with how they might be more prepared, both in terms of what they might be asked in an interview and what they might ask, as well as how to make a good impression.

For students applying in 2026, the interview may take place on campus or virtually, depending on the school. The purpose remains the same: to help the student and the school get to know one another. Families can also