Ordering From The Secret Menu Of Boarding Schools
October 21, 2014
By Eden Self
My first trip to China confirmed for me the importance and significance of being part of a common language. Not knowing a country's native language brings restrictions and limitations for any traveler. While in China, I found myself sitting quietly at dinner as the other guests spoke around me; waiting patiently as we drove along the road, not knowing if we were nearing our destination; and wondering if I was smarter than a fifth grader as I observed a fifth grade classroom in Ningbo. Some conversations were translated for me, of course, but often the conversations moved too quickly to break for a translation.
I was never homesick for American food during my ten days in China because the local food was so good. I was homesick, though, for my venti iced coffee with no room and no sweetener. I was relieved to find a Starbucks down the street from my hotel in Shanghai. I threw open the doors and practically floated to the counter, captivated by the familiar aroma and atmosphere. I was in my "third home" halfway around the world. I made my way to the counter amid warm smiles and "nihaos" from the welcoming green-aproned baristas. As it turns out, though, I could barely order a black iced coffee at Starbucks in China. Not many stores get more American and "English" than Starbucks, what with its unique language of made up sizes and exotic caffeinated drinks. Nevertheless, the presence of such a language barrier stood between me and the friendly barista like the Great Wall. While at the counter, I used a lot of hand gestures and panicked eye contact in an attempt to communicate with the barista who returned my desperation with her own panicked looks of helplessness.
I thought to myself, "If I could barely order at a Starbucks in China, how must Chinese students and parents feel when 'ordering' at American schools?" There are so many options on the menu, which of course comes with its own language: co-Ed, small teacher to student ratios, above average students, well-rounded curricula, enriching extra-curricular activities, competitive sports programs, fun weekend activities, and the list goes on.
And those are just the menu items that schools' use on their websites and admission materials. What about the secret menu, like the one at Starbucks that offers Captain Crunch and Cotton Candy frappucinos? Just as these unique drinks are often created by Starbucks customers, the secret menu at boarding schools is created by students, parents, and consultants. There are "good schools and bad schools;" "artsy schools and jock schools;" "hard schools and easy schools." How are Chinese families, or any international family for whom English is not their first language, supposed to choose the right school for their children? And what about the families for whom English is their first language? The menu of schools is just as daunting for them too.
Families will eventually compile a list of schools with the help of friends, families, consultants, and Google. The list will be full of schools that are "reaches and safety schools," "big schools and small schools," "those with good dining halls and those with plenty of choices for local delivery restaurants." With some luck, the list will include schools that are the right fit for the student. Families will eagerly make their ways to campuses, ready to see the menu items in real life. They will tour campuses and meet the admission officers, teachers, and students. Like a first date, the school and family will learn a lot about each other.
Admission officers are well-versed in their schools' curricula, boarding experience, and general atmosphere. They often live on campus and experience similar demands and daily schedules as the students. They also travel the world stumping for their schools and meeting prospective families. All of these experiences give admission officers the proper qualifications to assess applicants' fit. Essays, recommendations, and standardized testing are necessary evils in the admission process, of course. Scores help measure applicants against each other, but also with current students and curricula. The paper application (essay, transcript, testing, and recommendations) shows only a part of the students' abilities and fit, though. If students can present their best selves in a strong interview, the admission officer will be better able to determine whether or not a student is a good fit for the school. If students are reserved, lack confidence, and unable to demonstrate who they are as people and students, admission officers will be unsure of their place on campus.
Admission Committees are made up of admission officers and school personnel who double as scientists and artists in the cold months of February and March. Students' paper applications will be reviewed by the Admission Committee's science-minded brain; students' interviews will be assessed by the Admission Committee's artist-minded brain. Character, personality, and fit will be passionately discussed and debated as admission officers advocate for their most impressive and memorable students.
Students and families are choosing from a menu of schools, and schools are choosing from a menu of students. It is the interview that plays a major role in helping a school make a final decision about a student during the Admission Committee. Students must take advantage of their one opportunity in the interview to impress upon the admission officer that they are a good fit for their school and that they will make a positive impact on the school's community. It is when the admission decision can be based on best fit for the school and the student that everyone is happy with their menu selections.
I eventually got my venti iced coffee with no room and no sweetener. I walked around the beautiful city of Shanghai sipping on my favorite drink and taking in the views, fully caffeinated for my next hand-waving-and-panicked-eye interaction. But I was also full of a newfound respect and understanding for what families and students have to navigate during the admission process.
