The Practical Side of Enrollment

You've researched schools, visited campuses, and made your decision. Now comes the paperwork, the packing, and the logistics of actually getting your student enrolled and moved in.

This guide covers everything practical: the admissions interview, what to pack, and what to do if you're starting mid-year. Bookmark it—you'll reference it multiple times.

Part 1: The Admissions Interview

Why the Interview Matters

The admissions interview is your family's opportunity to make a personal impression and learn whether the school is truly the right fit. It's not a test to pass—it's a conversation to have honestly.

Proper preparation reduces anxiety and helps everyone present their best selves.

What Admissions Officers Evaluate

Military schools are evaluating specific qualities during interviews:

Attitude Over Aptitude

Willingness to be challenged matters more than current grades. They're looking for growth potential, not perfection.

Maturity and Self-Awareness

Can the student articulate goals? Accept responsibility for past struggles? Discuss their own strengths and weaknesses honestly?

Family Alignment

Are parents genuinely committed to the military school experience? Do they understand what they're signing up for? Will they support the process—including the hard parts?

Character Indicators

Honesty, respect, and integrity during the interview itself. How does the student interact? How do family members treat each other?

Common Questions for Students

Prepare for questions like:

About Motivation:

• "Why are you interested in military school?"
• "What do you hope to gain from this experience?"
• "Is this your choice, your parents' choice, or both?"

About Academics:

• "What are your academic strengths and challenges?"
• "What's your favorite subject? Least favorite?"
• "How do you approach studying?"

About Character:

• "How do you handle structure and rules?"
• "Tell me about a time you faced a difficult situation."
• "What would your current teachers say about you?"

About Goals:

• "What extracurricular activities interest you?"
• "What are your goals after graduation?"
• "Where do you see yourself in five years?"

How to Answer Well

Be honest. Schools can spot rehearsed answers. If you're here because you struggled at your last school, say so—and explain what you hope will be different.

Speak for yourself. Don't look at your parents for answers. Admissions officers want to hear from the student directly.

Show self-awareness. "I struggle with organization, and I think the structure here could help me" is better than pretending you have no weaknesses.

Express genuine interest. If you've researched the school, mention specific programs or aspects that appeal to you.

Common Questions for Parents

Parents may be asked:

About Expectations:

• "What do you hope your child gains from this experience?"
• "How do you envision your child's development here?"

About Commitment:

• "How will you support your child during the transition?"
• "Are you prepared for the financial and emotional commitment?"
• "How will you handle it if your child struggles in the first weeks?"

About History:

• "What challenges has your family faced, and how have you addressed them?"
• "What prompted you to consider military school?"

How Parents Should Approach It

Be a team, not a takeover. Let your student answer for themselves. Jump in only when directly asked.

Be honest about challenges. If your child has struggled academically or behaviorally, explain the context without making excuses.

Show commitment. Make clear that you understand this is a multi-year commitment and you're prepared for the investment.

Questions Your Family Should Ask

Show genuine interest—and gather information you need—by asking:

About Daily Life:

• "What does a typical day look like for a new cadet?"
• "How do you support students during the adjustment period?"
• "What is your approach to discipline and accountability?"

About Communication:

• "How do you communicate with parents?"
• "What is your policy on phone calls and visits?"
• "How will we know if our child is struggling?"

About Outcomes:

• "What sets your graduates apart?"
• "What colleges do your graduates attend?"
• "How do you track alumni success?"

About Fit:

• "What type of student thrives here?"
• "What type of student struggles?"
• "Is there anything in our child's profile that concerns you?"

Interview Day Logistics

Before the Interview

• Arrive 15 minutes early. Being late is disqualifying.
• Dress appropriately. Business casual for both students and parents.
• Bring documents. Transcripts, test scores, or anything requested.
• Review the school's website. Know their mission, values, and programs.

During the Interview

• Students should make eye contact and speak clearly.
• Put phones away. Both students and parents.
• Be authentic. Admissions officers meet hundreds of families—they can tell when you're performing.
• Take notes. Especially on answers to your questions.

After the Interview

• Take the campus tour. Observe cadets in action.
• Follow up with a thank-you note. Email is fine. Personal touch matters.
• Discuss as a family. What did you learn? How did it feel?

Part 2: The Packing List

Packing Smart for Cadet Life

Each school provides its own specific packing list, but this guide covers the general categories and principles that apply to most military boarding schools.

Golden Rule: Follow your school's list exactly. When in doubt, pack less—most things can be sent later.

Uniforms and Military Items

What the School Typically Provides

• Dress uniforms
• Daily uniforms (BDUs, ACUs, or school-specific)
• PT uniforms
• Rank insignia and accessories
• Name tapes and patches

What You Typically Purchase

• Black dress shoes — Buy quality; break them in before arrival
• Athletic shoes — Good running shoes for PT
• Boot care supplies — Polish, brush, cloth (Kiwi brand is standard)
• Undergarments — In required colors (usually white, black, or tan)
• Socks — Athletic and dress, in specified colors

Pro Tips for Uniforms

• Break in dress shoes at home—blisters during the first week are miserable
• Learn to shine shoes before arrival (see our New Cadet's Guide)
• Buy a few extra of items that wear out (socks, undershirts)
• Don't buy excessive quantities—sizes may change

Civilian Clothing

Civilian clothes are allowed for weekends, leave, and off-campus activities.

What to Bring

• Modest casual wear — Check dress code for restrictions
• Weather-appropriate jacket — For the school's climate
• Comfortable shoes — For weekends and off-campus
• One formal outfit — For holidays, family events, banquets
• Sleepwear — Modest and appropriate

What to Leave

• Anything provocative or with inappropriate messaging
• Expensive designer items (theft risk, doesn't fit culture)
• Excessive quantities (storage space is limited)

Academic Supplies

Electronics

• Laptop — If allowed (verify school policy first)
• Calculator — Graphing calculator for math/science
• Printer — Usually not needed (school provides)

Supplies

• Notebooks, pens, pencils, highlighters
• Required textbooks (often provided or purchased through school)
• Backpack for daily use
• Desk organizers

Check First

Many schools provide supplies or have specific requirements. Don't over-buy until you know what's provided.

Personal Items

Toiletries

• Basic toiletries (specialty items from home)
• Any specific products you need (contact solution, etc.)
• Shower shoes/flip-flops

Medications

• Prescription medications — Must be registered with school nurse
• All medications typically must be stored and dispensed by medical staff
• Bring documentation from your doctor

Comfort Items

• Photos of family and friends (frame for desk)
• Small items from home (within reason)
• Letters or notes to open when homesick
• Approved snacks (check food policies)

Bedding

• Check what's provided. Some schools provide bedding; others don't.
• If bringing your own: twin XL sheets (usually), pillow, blanket
• Mattress pad recommended for comfort

What to Leave at Home

Most military schools prohibit:

Technology Policies

Schools vary widely on electronics. Before packing:

• Verify phone policy — When can it be used? Where is it stored?
• Laptop policy — Required? Allowed? Restricted?
• Gaming devices — Typically prohibited or heavily restricted
• Smartwatches — Check if allowed during the school day

Expect: Devices may be collected during academic hours and study hall, with access during designated free time.

Labeling Everything

This is not optional. Every single item should be labeled with the cadet's name.

• Schools provide specific labeling requirements—follow them exactly
• Iron-on labels or permanent markers work well
• Label inside shoes, on uniform tags, on toiletry bags
• Even label items that seem obvious (your black shoes look like everyone else's)

The Shipping Question

What to Bring vs. Ship

Bring on arrival:

• Immediate-need items (medications, basic toiletries)
• Items for the first week
• Important documents

Ship ahead:

• Bulky items (bedding, seasonal clothes)
• Items not needed immediately
• Backup supplies

Coordinate with the school on when and where to ship items.

Part 3: Mid-Year Enrollment

When Fall Isn't an Option

Sometimes families need to make a change mid-year. Whether due to a crisis at the current school, a sudden move, or a decision that couldn't wait, mid-year enrollment is possible—but requires extra planning.

Do Schools Accept Mid-Year Students?

Yes, but policies vary significantly:

Action: Contact admissions offices directly to ask about January or second-semester availability.

Advantages of Mid-Year Start

More individual attention. Smaller cohort of new students means staff can focus on you.

Less overwhelming. Not arriving with hundreds of new cadets all learning together.

Experienced mentors. Cadets already established can help guide newcomers.

Immediate escape. If current situation is problematic, waiting until fall may not be an option.

Challenges to Prepare For

Academic Credit Transfer

• Semester courses may not align perfectly between schools
• Some credits may not transfer fully
• Student may need to complete coursework from previous school
• Grade point average calculation may differ

Solution: Get transcripts sent immediately. Work with both schools on credit alignment. Be prepared for some coursework to repeat.

Catching Up on Military Training

• Fall arrivals learn drill, ranks, and customs together over weeks
• Mid-year students must learn these quickly, often individually
• Some schools have abbreviated "catch-up" training programs
• Others integrate new cadets into existing training cycles

Solution: Ask admissions what orientation mid-year students receive. Prepare your student by reviewing basic military customs and drill beforehand.

Social Integration

• Friend groups and roommate bonds already formed
• Company/platoon dynamics established
• Inside jokes and shared history already exist
• Takes extra effort to find your place

Solution: Join activities immediately. Be proactive about meeting people. Don't wait to be included.

Uniform and Supply Timing

• Uniforms may need rush ordering
• Some items only available at start of year
• Sizes may need adjustment after arrival

Solution: Order early. Communicate with the school about timing. Have contingency plans for delayed items.

Questions to Ask Admissions

Before committing to mid-year enrollment:

1. "Do you accept mid-year enrollments, and how often?"
2. "How do you handle credit transfer for partial semesters?"
3. "What training or orientation do mid-year students receive?"
4. "Will my student be placed with other new cadets or integrated into existing units?"
5. "Are all uniforms and supplies available, or will there be delays?"
6. "What is the refund/withdrawal policy if it doesn't work out?"
7. "How do mid-year students typically perform compared to fall starts?"

Making Mid-Year Work

For Parents

• Get transcripts sent immediately—don't wait
• Communicate actively with both schools about credit alignment
• Set realistic expectations—adjustment takes time
• Plan an extra visit before enrollment if possible
• Prepare your student for being "the new cadet"

For Students

• Embrace being new—ask questions openly instead of pretending you know things
• Find a mentor among upperclassmen
• Focus on learning the basics quickly and correctly
• Be patient with yourself socially—friendships take time
• Join activities immediately—don't wait to "settle in first"

Financial Considerations

Mid-year tuition is typically prorated, but watch for:

Get all costs in writing before committing.

When to Wait for Fall

Consider waiting until September if:

• Current situation is manageable (not crisis-level)
• Student needs time to prepare physically or academically
• Preferred school only admits in fall
• Financial aid package requires fall start
• A few more months at current school is survivable

Sometimes a fresh start in September—with the full new-cadet cohort, complete orientation, and proper preparation—is worth the wait.

Quick Reference Checklist

Before the Interview

• [ ] Research the school's mission, values, programs
• [ ] Prepare answers to common questions
• [ ] Prepare questions to ask
• [ ] Gather required documents
• [ ] Plan appropriate attire
• [ ] Map the route and plan to arrive early

Before Packing

• [ ] Receive official packing list from school
• [ ] Verify technology policies
• [ ] Check what bedding is provided
• [ ] Order uniforms/items needing lead time
• [ ] Purchase labeling supplies

Packing Day

• [ ] Follow school's list exactly
• [ ] Label every single item
• [ ] Separate items to bring vs. ship
• [ ] Document what you're sending (photos)
• [ ] Include comfort items and photos from home

If Starting Mid-Year

• [ ] Confirm mid-year availability
• [ ] Request transcript transfer immediately
• [ ] Clarify credit alignment with both schools
• [ ] Ask about catch-up training/orientation
• [ ] Set realistic expectations for adjustment timeline

Next Steps

Preparing for the first weeks? Read the New Cadet's Guide for students and the Parent's Emotional Journey for families. Browse schools in our directory to begin the enrollment process.