What College Admissions Officers Actually Read in Your Child's Application: Insights from Stanford's Review Process
School Selection, Parent Resources, Educational Planning, Admissions Process, School Tours, Private School, College, Common App, Personal Statement David Lazo School Selection, Parent Resources, Educational Planning, Admissions Process, School Tours, Private School, College, Common App, Personal Statement David Lazo

What College Admissions Officers Actually Read in Your Child's Application: Insights from Stanford's Review Process

Will admissions officers actually read your child's college application essay? As a former Stanford admissions officer, I spent 45 minutes on each application—reading every word. Here's what makes essays memorable in committee meetings.

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The Real Open House
School Selection, Parent Resources, Educational Planning, Admissions Process, School Tours, Private School David Lazo School Selection, Parent Resources, Educational Planning, Admissions Process, School Tours, Private School David Lazo

The Real Open House

Choosing the right school requires more than attending a polished open house. As a former admissions director, I've seen how these curated events showcase the ideal but may not reveal the full picture of daily school life. While open houses serve their purpose, parent tours during regular school days offer invaluable insights into authentic classroom dynamics, teacher interactions, and student engagement.

Parent tours allow you to ask pressing questions without children present, observe real-time problem-solving by administrators, and witness genuine school culture. Though limited in availability, these 1.5-hour experiences provide the most meaningful connection between families and schools. If parent tours aren't available, attend open houses strategically—ideally 1-2 years before applying when pressure is minimal. Remember: the right school visit combines both heart and practical evaluation of your significant educational investment.

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