The Art of Gratitude: Elevating Your Private School Interview with Thank-You Notes
I was recently speaking with an admissions director, and he surprised me when he said, “You’d be amazed at how few thank you notes we get from students and families, let alone handwritten ones!” I was taken aback to hear this, as I was raised on writing thank you notes, so I often assume most parents encourage this practice too. His remark was a reminder, and sparked my thoughts for this week’s newsletter, as we continue our theme of gratitude and giving thanks.
As most people in the business world know, personalized connections can tip the scale. The same can be said in the realm of private school admissions too, although I would argue that is becoming less and less true. So how do you help yourself and your student? I believe a humble thank-you note is a genuine ally in making a connection. These small gestures of gratitude make a world of difference, creating lasting impressions that resonate with admissions representatives, tour guides, faculty, coaches, and heads of school long after the interview concludes.
Thank-you notes are not just a formality; they are a golden opportunity for students to showcase their genuine appreciation and leave an indelible mark on the admissions process. Admissions representatives, often immersed in a sea of applications and emails, treasure the authenticity and effort encapsulated in a well-crafted handwritten thank-you note.
For children navigating the private school interview landscape, writing thank-you notes offers a unique chance for self-expression. Encouraging them to pen their thoughts, always in their own words, fosters creativity and allows their personalities to shine through! This personal touch transforms the note from a routine courtesy into a genuine reflection of the child's character and enthusiasm for the school.
Admissions representatives appreciate the effort and thoughtfulness that go into handwritten thank-you notes. These notes serve as tangible reminders of the student's interest, helping them stand out. In the eyes of the admissions team, a heartfelt thank-you note transforms an applicant from a name on paper to a memorable individual, someone they can envision thriving in their school community.
And why not make the process of creating thank-you notes a fun and creative endeavor! Consider turning the note-writing session into a mini art project if you have a younger student. Provide colorful pens, stickers, and even small illustrations to add a personal touch to each note. This not only makes the process enjoyable for the child but also ensures that each thank-you note becomes a unique and memorable piece of art.
If your student is older and loves photography, encourage them to put their photographs on the front of a note card? Want to really make a lasting impression? If they took pictures during their campus visit, create a photo note card with a picture from that campus!
If your student loves creating but isn’t into photography, how about a handcrafted note card instead? You can have all kinds of fun with your student taking scrapbook materials or items found around your house and creating handmade notecards. The personalized effort will not go unnoticed, I promise!
The importance of thank-you notes in the private school admissions journey cannot be emphasized enough in my book. They convey a personal touch that digital communication often lacks, fostering a deeper connection. These notes are not just expressions of gratitude; they are tangible and add a level of sincerity and authenticity to your student’s application. As we continue to move into November, let's celebrate the beauty of gratitude and turn thank-you notes into an enjoyable part of the admissions process!