Avoid These 20 Common Mistakes in School Admissions Visakhapatnam

Category: School Admissions

Common Mistakes to Avoid During School Admission in Visakhapatnam

1. Ignoring Application Deadlines 

One of the biggest mistakes parents make is waiting until the last minute. Many leading schools in Visakhapatnam release their admission forms early—sometimes as early as October or November for the next academic year. Waiting till February or March means seats are already filled.
 What to do instead:

• Make a simple calendar with key dates for each school.
• Set phone reminders 2–3 weeks before the last date.
• If possible, start the process the moment admissions open.

2. Applying to Only One School

Many parents pin all hopes on a single choice, often their “dream school.” But admission committees reject even very promising candidates due to limited seat availability.
 Better approach:

• Research and shortlist at least 4–6 schools—a mix of top-tier, mid-tier, and backup options.
• Rank them by factors like location, fees, board, and availability.

• Apply to all simultaneously to increase your chances.

   

3. Failing to Understand the Board Syllabus

Schools in Vizag follow CBSE, ICSE, State Board or International boards. A common mistake is assuming all syllabi and exam patterns are the same. Admission committees expect you to understand the board they follow.
 What you should do:

• Visit the school website or prospectus to know the syllabus and evaluation method.

• Be clear if it’s a national board or state board, and whether language instruction is English or Telugu.

   

4. Not Preparing Required Documents Early

Missing or wrong documents can delay or cancel admission altogether.
 Documents commonly needed include:

• Birth certificate
• Aadhar card (student and at least one parent)
• Passport-sized photographs (child and parents)
• Previous school report cards (for transfers or higher admissions)
• Transfer certificate (TC) for classes above 1
• Address proof (electricity bill, rental agreement, etc.)
• Caste/community certificate, income certificate for reservations
   Tips:
• Keep digital and printed copies ready in advance.
• Cross-check names, spellings, DOB across all documents.
• Keep one extra set concealed for any last-minute needs.

5. Overshadowing Child’s Personality with Over-Preparation

In primary admissions (LKG/UKG), many excellent schools look for natural curiosity, friendliness, and ability to follow simple instructions, not memorized rhymes or rehearsed answers.
Parents often coach children to recite poems or behave unnaturally, and during interaction, these kids look confused or stiff.
 Instead, foster natural behavior by:

• Reading short stories with your child
• Engaging them in finger-play or show-and-tell
• Asking friendly questions like favorite toy or color
• Letting them speak without pressure or correction

6. Dressing Inappropriately for Interviews

Some parents overthink this part and choose formal suits or elaborate outfits, thinking it will impress. Others show up too casually.
 A sensible neutral look works best—clean smart casual attire that suggests respect and simplicity. For children, neat attire and tidy hair. Presentable, not flashy.

7. Avoiding Questions Because of Fear

Many parents feel intimidated during admission interviews. They shy away from asking questions like “Do you offer special support for slow learners?” or “How do you communicate with parents?” for fear of sounding needy.
In reality, admission committees value engaged, concerned parents. So feel free to ask important, polite questions like:

• How soon do you share student progress reports?
• What is your homework policy?
• Do you run any remedial classes or extra support?

• How do you handle medical or emergency situations?

   

8. Ignoring Commute and Transport Concerns

Parents may choose a school far from home just because of its reputation. But daily commute puts stress on the child and logistics on the family.
Key things to verify:

• Distance and travel time vs classroom schedule
• Route safety and road quality
• Whether the transport is GPS‑enabled, driver verified, and punctual

• Dispersal time conflicts with work or traffic bottlenecks

   

9. Skipping the School Visit During Class Times

Many parents attend school open houses or evening orientations. But what matters is observing actual school life during routine hours.
Visit during class time to check:

• Teacher–student ratio
• Cleanliness of classrooms and toilets
• Student behavior and engagement

• How teachers handle small discipline issues
  This reveals far more than staged marketing tours.

   

10. Underestimating Infrastructure Issues

Brochures often showcase big buildings and manicured grounds. But actual facilities make the difference:

• Functional science and computer labs
• Clean water filters and hygienic toilets
• Library with age-appropriate books
• Playgrounds or activity spaces not just tacked-on
  Always inspect labs, water points, washrooms, and sports areas to see if they are in regular use.

11. Falling for Incomplete or Vague Fee Structures

A surprising number of parents regret after discovery of hidden costs.
When applying, clarify the following:

• Admission fee vs refundable deposit
• Monthly or termly fee schedule
• Annual charges (structured head-count, PTA, facility, exam fees)
• Uniform, book, transport charges—not in the main fee
• Payment flexibility (monthly or annual payment)

Request the full fee schedule in writing or PDF for comparison.

12. Disregarding School Values and Discipline Style

Schools vary widely in how they handle discipline: some emphasize uniforms and marching, others focus on free expression or modern mindfulness. Make sure your child fits that culture.
Ask or observe:

• How rules are shared with students
• Whether there are counselling or peer support systems
• How discipline infractions are handled—punitive vs reformative
• What family values the school communicates

13. Underpreparing for Admission Tests (Higher Classes)

For admissions beyond Class 3 or for ICSE/CBSE schools, many require entrance tests. Parents often assume these tests are overly advanced. In truth, they test basics—and test-taking skill too.
 Effective prep includes:

• Weekly revision of school-level grammar, math basics, comprehension
• Practice entrance test style papers rather than difficult coaching material
• Focus on time management, clarity, and logic—not speed or competition

14. Not Asking for Alumni or Parent Feedback

One of the best ways to assess a school is talking to current parents or alumni. Parents who have only just joined may give overly positive reviews.
Use neighbourhood WhatsApp groups, parent networks, or ask school for contacts. Sample questions:

• How responsive is the school to parental concerns?
• Does the student progress match the promises made at admission time?
• How do teachers handle exam stress or peer issues?

15. Overlooking After-School Care or Evening Support

Many working families need after-school care or homework help. Yet most parents overlook this until later.
Check if the school offers:

• After‑school homework hours
• Daycare or supervised study halls
• Evening activity-based learning centres
• Emergency phone number or staff on call

Even if your child is younger, having such options reduces future stress.

16. Dropping Track of Admission Number or Password

Once you apply, the school or portal gives you an admission or reference number. Many families lose track of this. That number is vital for status tracking, resubmissions, or corrections.
Keep a digital copy (photo of slip, stored mail screenshot) and save a printed version. Don’t rely only on email or memory.

17. Ignoring Cultural or Language Fit

In Visakhapatnam, schools teach in English or Telugu medium. If your child is more comfortable with Telugu, but you choose English medium for trend, they may feel uncomfortable initially.
 Ensure language readiness by:

• Practicing simple English phrases at home
• Speaking both languages regularly so child adapts easily
• Asking what support the school offers for language learners

18. Failing to Prepare the Child Emotionally

Children may anticipate the school as exciting, but find changes tough once they begin. Parents often neglect building emotional readiness.
Simple prep steps:

• Let them visit the class or ground area before Day 1
• Explain daily protocol—drop, lunch, pick-up
• Encourage independence—dressing, unpacking, lunch packing
• Practice short assemblies or mock interaction games

Emotional readiness eases the transition.

19. Assuming Government and Private Schools Use Same Admission Criteria

Government and aided schools often have quotas, lotteries, and admission priorities (locality, siblings, BPL, employee quota). Private schools rely more on entrance tests and family interviews.
Don’t assume the same approach applies. Know which rules apply where.

20. Overlooking Special Support Needs

If your child has a learning gap or special requirement, early disclosure helps the school plan support. Hiding or delaying it can limit the school’s ability to help your child.
 Ask about:

• Remedial classes
• Staff-to-student ratio for support
• Peer buddy systems
• Special counselors or resource rooms

A transparent process helps your child get appropriate early support.

Comprehensive Admission Prep Checklist

Keep this checklist ready:

• All required documents (birth certificate, Aadhar, TC, proof, photos)
• Admission form submitted within deadline
• Application/admission number saved
• Interview or entrance test prepared
• School visit during regular hours conducted
• Fee structure details requested and noted
• Parent FAQs to ask school prepared
• Alumni/parent references checked
• Transport and commute logistics clarified
• Emotional readiness plan discussed with child

When You Get Rejected—What Next?

• Request (politely) any feedback or reassessment possibility
• Submit applications to other shortlisted schools immediately
• Use supplementary or spot admission rounds if available
• If required, delay joining the next grade and reapply the following year with stronger support in readiness areas

Rejection is not final—it’s often about seat constraints rather than ability.

Closing Section: Why These Details Matter

Too often, parents focus only on test scores, results or school brand. But admission committees look beyond that—they look at readiness, communication, ethical fit, and real participation. Avoiding these common mistakes lets you enter the process calm, prepared, and confident.

Visit Skoodos today to compare Visakhapatnam schools by fees, board, facilities, and admission timelines—all in one place.

Your child’s school journey deserves a thoughtful start.