Much of what we’ve written over the years to help families approach the admission process focuses on stripping the gloss and making sure that school strengths fit well with student potential. We’ve covered reading between the lines and presentations, the lingo of school catalogs, evaluating your student, what questions to ask of schools and how to ask them.

This week The Independent (UK) published “How to get past the spin at open school days.” While, it’s geared toward applying to English schools, the examples, points, and suggestions prove applicable to any private school application process. Author Matilda Battersby nicely covers when, how and what to do as part of your admission visit (avoid special visitation days; they’re fully constructed).

“….Open days at independent schools are full of pizzazz and performance, giving students and teachers a chance to shout about what they love about their school, but it can be difficult for parents to see past the shiny surfaces and into an establishment’s daily life. So, with the “all singing, all dancing” approach, some wonderful facilities on display and fierce entry competition between schools, what can you do to ensure you choose the most suitable place for your child?

“Beware of the varnish and spin,” says Niall Hamilton, senior admissions tutor at Marlborough College in Wiltshire. “There’s always going to be spin, but the best way to really get to know what a school is like is to talk to the parents and to see the school under normal circumstances…” (TI)

Do your homework and plan the questions you want to ask.

“…Think carefully before you go about the questions you want to ask and, if you’re not brave enough to stick your hand up in public, most heads will be happy to have a quick word afterwards or to arrange a short meeting at a later date. Do speak to the head if you can because he or she is responsible for the ethos of the school. It’s a good idea to ask them about their teaching policies, the academic focus and their attitudes toward discipline…”(TI)

To get the good accurate picture and feel for a school, visit on a regular school day. Know what you want to ask and why. Be keenly observant. Attend a class or two. Observe students in action. Chat with students. Talk with the faculty. Eat a meal.