Open House events are one of the best opportunities to experience many aspects of a school. At the event you will get the feel of the staff, students and administrators. You will have the opportunity to walk the halls, experience the classrooms and unique features. While the format of these events may differ across institutions, most will introduce you to the faculty, offer tours of the premises, and spotlight clubs and other extracurricular activities. With the rise of technology, many schools now opt for virtual Open House events. While these can be informative, it’s essential to visit the campus at some point during the admissions process. Whether you’re attending virtually or in-person, here are eight tips to make the most of your Open House experience:
1. Register in Advance
Let schools know you are coming as soon as you can. You will be rewarded by a better prepared school. It is not unusual for these events to fill up so don’t wait to reserve your space. Plus, schools will most likely send you an agenda of the event and important admissions information. And, if you can’t make it for some reason let the school know ahead of time. Click here to view upcoming admission on our admission events online calendar.
2. Do Your Homework
By this stage, you should have reviewed the school’s websites, look books, social media and YouTube channels. Conduct a thorough online search for any relevant news on the school. Talk to your child about the school and what is of particular interest.
3. Pay Attention to Arrival Time
While some schools have flexible drop-in events, others have specific check in times. Consider arriving early to mix with staff and current students. If time doesn’t allow you to go early, be on time so you are not rushed.
4. Familiarize Yourself and Child with the Agenda
Hopefully, since you registered the school has provided an agenda ahead of time. Otherwise, check the school’s website or email the admissions team ahead of time. An Open House can be an overwhelming experience for your child due to unfamiliar surroundings and faces. Familiarizing them with the event’s flow can alleviate anxiety. Some events might have separate schedules for parents and prospective students, so discuss logistics and potential rendezvous points.
5. Take Notes
Most likely you will be visiting more than one schools events. After a few events, keeping track of information can be tough. Take good notes of teacher and student engagement, important dates and opportunities to further engage with the school. Write down a teacher or student that has similar interests as your child or of programs and new projects of interest. Also, after the event, write down your overall impression of the school and how your child reacts, new questions and next steps.
6. Ask Questions
Talk to as many students and teachers as possible. Ask why they chose this school and what they like most about it. Find out what life is like day-to-day, what are the important school wide events, favorite teachers or classes. Evaluate the level of excitement of the students. Questions to Ask.
7. Evaluate if this School a Good Fit
Do you see your child flourishing academically, socially and physically here? Is school staff welcoming and approachable? Are students engaging with other students. What does the school do to help integrate new students?
8. Evaluate Communication Efficacy
Effective school communication is a reflection of its administrative efficiency. Assess if the provided information facilitated a smooth open house experience. Were there areas where more clarity would have been beneficial? Ensure you comprehend the school’s expectations of students and their families.
Use Open House events to help understand the school and determine its compatibility. The school should educate you on what they are looking for in a student and what they promise to provide. If you made a good connection with a staff member, or they took extra time with you, drop them a quick note of appreciation. Also, consider sending the admissions a thank-you note, accompanied by a positive observation.
