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Interviews are an important part of the U.S. boarding school admissions process. While much of the attention is often on the student interview, many schools also value the parent interview just as highly. So what exactly are admissions officers hoping to learn from these conversations, and how can you, as a parent, show genuine support for your child throughout the process?
Amy Thompson, Director of Admissions at Loomis Chaffee, shares insight drawn from her experience in both independent school and college admissions. With a background in college counseling, she offers a clear understanding of what schools are looking for in parent interviews and how families can approach them with confidence.
Why Parent Interviews Matter
During admissions season, Amy shared a moment that stood out to her. After a student finished their interview, the parent joked that now they would find out whether their child had really shown who they are. The comment was meant to be lighthearted, but it reflected a concern many families share. Are students truly being themselves during these conversations? At the same time, it also highlights something often overlooked. While students typically receive plenty of support and preparation, parents often enter their interviews without much guidance on what to expect or how to prepare.
So how important is the parent interview? Can it impact your child’s chances? And what should you say, or avoid saying?
Amy explained that the structure and role of parent interviews can vary significantly from school to school. Some schools do not include them at all, while others treat them as a valuable part of the admissions process. In some cases, the adult participating may not be a biological parent but rather a guardian or other caregiver. And depending on the child’s age, the parent interview can play a very different role. For example, in early education admissions, parents are often the only ones interviewed. In college admissions, they are rarely interviewed at all. At the high school level, schools take a more blended approach.
At Loomis Chaffee, the parent interview is generally shorter and is designed to focus on two key goals.
First, the interviews give families a chance to offer additional context about the applicant. This might mean clarifying something from the application, adding a new perspective, or correcting a misunderstanding. There’s no need to repeat what was written in the parent statement unless there is something particularly important to update. By this point, admissions officers already have a good understanding of your child’s background.
Second, the conversation explores whether the school is the right fit for your family. The admissions team wants to understand why you’re interested in Loomis, and for boarding school applicants, why you are considering boarding education in general. This part of the discussion often covers topics that many parents are concerned about, such as student wellbeing, campus safety, faculty support, communication with families, and opportunities for parent involvement.
While these are important subjects, much of this information is also available through the school’s website or admissions materials. That’s why it is important to ask thoughtful, specific questions that help you get a better understanding of how the school aligns with your child’s needs and your family’s values. Instead of approaching the interview as a formal evaluation, think of it as a conversation where both sides are working together to determine if the school is the right fit.
Making the Most of the Parent Interview
How can parents make the most of this conversation? Amy recommends coming prepared with a few meaningful questions that will help you determine whether the school is truly a good fit for your child. Just as students are encouraged to ask questions during their interviews, parents should take the opportunity to do the same.
Here are a few examples to consider:
• What kind of environment will best support our child’s growth? Do we prefer a setting where our child stands out or one that offers more challenge and competition? This may have less to do with the size of the school and more with its culture.
• Does the school provide opportunities for in-depth exploration in specific areas of interest, such as creative writing, technology, or global studies?
• How important is character education to our family, and does the school offer a clear and intentional program to support it?
• If our child is passionate about athletics, music, or the arts, how accessible are these programs and how much opportunity is there for growth?
• What kind of mentorship and guidance can our child expect? Will they have regular contact with supportive adults?
• What are the school’s policies regarding financial aid? If we are applying for assistance, how does the process work, and is there flexibility within the school’s budget?
Asking thoughtful questions like these can help you gain a better understanding of the school beyond what is presented in brochures or on the website. It also shows admissions officers that you are engaged, intentional, and aligned with your child’s goals and needs.
Understanding the Purpose of the Parent Interview
A common misconception is that the parent interview is a formal evaluation. In reality, it is more of a conversation. The purpose is not to present a case for your child’s strengths or accomplishments, but to engage in a meaningful dialogue about your family’s values and what you are seeking in a school.
Amy emphasizes that the parent interview is not about being judged. Rather, it is an opportunity to explore whether the school and your family are a good match. Whether your child ultimately attends Loomis or not, this conversation helps both sides make a more informed decision.
A Note on Humor and Timing
Before wrapping up, Amy offers one last reminder. Over the years, she has seen all kinds of moments during parent interviews—some heartwarming, some funny, and a few slightly awkward. One moment that stands out is when her husband jokingly called their daughter “the cookie monster” right before her interview, because she was wearing a fuzzy blue coat. While the admissions officer may have found it amusing, their daughter definitely didn’t.
Interviews can feel stressful, but it helps to stay focused on what matters most. Support your child and ask thoughtful questions. You know your child better than anyone, and admissions officers know their school well. The parent interview is a valuable opportunity to bring those two perspectives together.
Whether you’re applying to Loomis Chaffee or any other top U.S. boarding school, remember that the parent interview is not a test. It is an opportunity to reflect on what matters most to your family, to ask meaningful questions, and to engage in an open, genuine conversation. That is the best way to be a strong and supportive presence in your child’s admissions journey.
