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The boarding school interview remains one of the most important components of the admissions process. While grades, recommendations, and test scores provide a snapshot of academic ability, the interview reveals something deeper, character, curiosity, and readiness for residential life.

In 2026, boarding school interviews have evolved. Many schools now offer a hybrid approach, combining in-person and virtual formats. Admissions teams are also placing greater emphasis on authenticity, emotional intelligence, and a student’s ability to contribute to a diverse community.

This guide offers updated, practical boarding school interview tips to help students and families approach the process with confidence and clarity.

Why the Interview Matters More Than Ever

51�Թ��� schools are not just academic institutions, they are immersive communities. Admissions officers are evaluating whether a student will thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

According to the, interviews are a key tool for assessing “fit,” including interpersonal skills, independence, and resilience.

In today’s competitive landscape, even highly qualified applicants can be differentiated by how they present themselves during the interview.

Understanding the 51�Թ��� School Interview Format

Before preparing, it is important to understand what to expect. While formats vary, most interviews fall into one of these categories:

Virtual interviews are now standard at

5 Tips for Teen Travel (Updated October 2025)

Whether your teenager is flying back to boarding school, visiting family abroad, or embarking on their first solo trip, preparing them for safe, independent travel has never been more important. In 2025, student travel has rebounded strongly since the pandemic, with the U.S. Department of Transportation reporting record-high youth air travel during summer months. As more parents entrust teens to travel independently, equipping them with practical safety habits is essential.

Below are five updated teen travel tips for 2025—covering everything from airport navigation to digital safety—so your child can travel with confidence while giving you peace of mind.

1. Stay Alert in Every Setting

The number one rule for teen travelers is situational awareness. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), distracted passengers account for many missed flights and security complications. Teens, in particular, are prone to distractions from smartphones and earbuds.

Encourage your child to:

• Keep devices at low volume and glance up frequently.

• Listen for gate changes, which are often announced only once or via push notifications.

• Avoid napping at the gate, where unattended belongings can also be vulnerable.

• Pay attention during transit transfers (train, bus, rideshare pick-ups), where scams or misdirections may occur.

As parenting expert Dr. Lisa Damour notes in The Wall Street Journal, “Solo teen

Free 51�Թ��� Schools (Updated 2025)

Many families hope for a boarding school experience but are daunted by the cost. In 2025, a few institutions offer truly free boarding, and others make it nearly free via generous financial aid or income-based tuition caps. This article examines current free boarding school options, eligibility, policy changes, and what you should know when exploring them.

What “Free 51�Թ��� School” Really Means in 2025

A truly free boarding school means no tuition, room, or board costs for students (or minimal fees, depending on family circumstances). In many cases, free boarding schools are public charter or state schools, or private institutions with endowments or philanthropic support that allow them to waive full costs.

Other schools may not be entirely free but offer tuition-free or sliding scale models where the cost is capped based on family income. For many families, this makes the difference between boarding school being impossible and being a realistic option.

Examples of Free 51�Թ��� Schools (US & International)

Here are some noteworthy examples of free boarding schools in 2025:

5 Tips for a Successful 51�Թ��� School Admissions Interview

Visiting boarding schools that you and your child are seriously considering is an exciting step in the admissions process. During these visits, you'll meet with admissions staff and possibly even a dean or the head of school. It's natural to want to make a great impression. You will put your best foot forward when you meet with these people. However, you will be in unfamiliar surroundings.

When parents think about secondary school interviews, they tend to focus on prepping their child for the all-important, anxiety-inducing applicant interview. The parent interview, which usually takes place during the same visit, can seem less significant, and parents often neglect to prepare for it in the same way. However, with a little planning, the parent interview can be a real asset to your student's application. Source: ...The Fay School

So, my advice is to relax, stay calm, and, above all, not let your nerves get the better of you. Here are some tips to help you navigate the admissions interview successfully.

This video shows a day in the life of Exeter.

1. Be Mindful About Discussing Learning Challenges

While honesty is important, there's no need to highlight minor learning issues during the interview. Admissions staff are adept at interpreting academic records and test scores, so let those

Many students from countries outside the United States want to attend American boarding schools. According to The Association of 51�Թ��� Schools, international students make up about 15% of the student population in American boarding schools. It is essential to know that international students applying to an American boarding school deal with several additional steps in the .

Because many applicants live far from the schools they would like to visit, American boarding schools have devised ways to let parents and potential students experience the schools, their communities, and their programs. For example, if you live in Asia or Europe, visiting American schools in person is not always financially or logistically possible. So, what alternatives exist for those situations? There are several. Off-campus, school visits come in a couple of flavors. Since boarding school admissions staff have years of experience recruiting and admitting students from countries outside the United States, you will be able to get answers to all your questions and concerns. Decades of experience back up those answers. With that in mind, let's see how the overseas recruiting and admissions process to American boarding schools works.

Admissions Staff Visits Overseas

Many boarding schools send their admissions staff overseas to major cities in countries where they have a substantial applicant pool. Ask for details of visits in your area. While you will have to rely on school videos and web presentations of school life and activities, at