Is it possible for a problem parent to blow a good candidate’s chances? Definitely, say admissions directors. One says she’s written “no” on the file after meeting with a parent, before even meeting with the child.
Make sure you’re helping – not hurting – your child’s chances.
Do:
- Return calls from the admissions staff promptly
- Make time for school visits
- Be on time for appointments
- Meet all deadlines
Don’t:
- Call the admissions office too often
- Try to impress the staff with your business or social contacts
- Badmouth the school the child attends now or his or her current teachers
- Lie about the child’s needs
- Put excessive pressure on the child to perform
- Ask inappropriate questions like, “Is this school better than X School nearby?” (Schools don’t draw comparisons. They leave that to you.)
- Cancel appointments – especially more than once
- Miss deadlines