Do parents attend the interview, or is it student-only?

It depends. Some schools interview just the student, others want to chat with the parents too, and a few do both. If it’s a student interview, it’s your time to shine without Mom or Dad jumping in to explain your childhood piano phase. Parent interviews, on the other hand, give admissions officers a peek into the family dynamic and a chance to ask about educational goals, values, and whether your living room is covered in college prep books. Sometimes schools separate the two, so everyone gets their own spotlight. The best move? Check each school’s policy — no one likes a surprise guest appearance.