The One Question Admission Counselors Must Answer

Even if it isn't asked directly, every admission counselor in a private, independent school has to answer the question of why parents should pay a premium for what your particular school offers. The smaller the school and the narrower the range of options—sports, AP or IB courses, languages, clubs, etc.—the more important it is to have an extremely cogent and concise answer in terms of impact and outcomes. Avoid any answer that includes inputs. Assume that you are being asked, "How will my child's life be different from attending this school versus the next one down the street?"