Parent's tagging along on Interview Traveling

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
M

mangos5ever

Full Member
7+ Year Member
Joined
Jul 18, 2016
Messages
56
Reaction score
61
Members do not see this ad.
Do most people travel alone to interview destinations if they are out of state?

My parents want to travel with me for "safety reasons" and I just want to see if I'm alone on thinking they are being ridiculous lol. I've used an uber many times before and don't need a chaperone but parents will be parents I guess.... (They won't join me to the school itself, theyjust want to accompany me to make sure I get from the airport/hotel/school all safely)
 
If they just come with me in the city that's okay. I understand why some people wouldn't even want that. But it'd be definitely cheaper.

However, parents shouldn't be around campus. Keep parents out of Interview my advice
 
I'd take this offer in a heartbeat with the condition that they can't step foot on the campus loll
 
Interview season was the first time I was alone without family (or friends). I went to Boston and it probably was the most fun I had, mostly because of the freedom to do anything I wanted. When I went to NYC I brought two friends with me and it was fun as well

Looking back, having parents come would've been fun but big no no for them to be anywhere near you on interview day
 
Most people I met at interviews seemed to travel alone, but I did meet several who had traveled there with one of their parents. My mom traveled with me to one of my interviews. After going to all of my prior interviews alone, I was totally fine with her coming. The interview was on a Friday so we had a little weekend trip in this city we'd never been too. It was super fun and nice to have someone to share costs for the hotel room/food! As long as it's understood that they will not be going to the school with you, I see no problem in them coming.
 
I always went alone, but sometimes it would be nice to have a familiar face to calm your nerves before and after your interview.
 
As long as they don't go to the actual interview with you, I don't see what the big deal is? Shoot, I would rather go with my parents... maybe score a nice dinner and a nicer hotel than I would get for myself.
 
Had one of my parents accompany me on a few of my interviews (stayed in the hotel/nearby area, did not come to the school). It was really helpful to get an additional, unbiased perspective because quality of life/things to do in the neighboring area mattered to me just as much as the strength of the program, and my parent would often point out things that I missed and didn't even realize.
 
Just be careful, parents want to be there for you but set a limit. I was at an interview where someone's dad was taking pictures of them as they were checking in with the administration and kinda stood around for a while while we were getting instructions. I don't know what the outcome was but it really didn't look too professional.
 
My parents drove me to several interviews. On one of my interviews, my dad had better foresight than me. He went behind my back and printed out a publication I was recently on, gave it to me that morning, and had me give it to my interviewer that day. I got accepted to that school, and he likes to claim it was all his doing 🙂
 
My parents also want to join me on my interviews, especially if I'm going to be flying across the country! Like everyone else has said, obviously keep them out of the actual interview day. But I think they might just want to spend some time with you, since they know once dental school starts youll be so consumed with school
 
Why not?
Let them come with you, see a new city, have fun and they will help you wake up early!
I don't know how you get along with them, but if you are a close knit family, then you can always be happier with their presence and support.
You don't need what we think right or wrong here.
People should always honor their parents. They worked hard for you to reach this far, not gonna kill you if you bring them with you in your travel.

Unless they are trying to limit your freedom of choice and control you, then don't take them with you.
 
WCS_Jeff said:
My parents drove me to several interviews. On one of my interviews, my dad had better foresight than me. He went behind my back and printed out a publication I was recently on, gave it to me that morning, and had me give it to my interviewer that day. I got accepted to that school, and he likes to claim it was all his doing 🙂
Click to expand...
I think most people would probably not give it to the interviewer. They would be like what am I supposed to do with this just give it to him. "Hey look I'm on a publication". I don't know seems a bit off. You got in though so...
 
Scumbag_Steve said:
I would recommend against it, but the answer to this question is pretty personal. I do think it's pretty ridiculous to for them to want to travel with you for safety reasons, but it could be nice to have someone in the car to talk to. If you think that having them around would help make the experience better for you in terms of having familiarity and comfort, then I guess it could work. Keep in mind that under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should they ever set foot on the campus of the school during interview day. If they want to check it out with you before or after that's fine, but definitely not for your interview

Part of the reason I really loved interview season was that it was a chance for me to travel to a bunch of different cities alone, and get the chance to scope them out to see what was best for me and nobody else. The decision on where to attend school was completely mine (if you're borrowing the tuition it definitely should be). Every family is different. Do what you think is best. If you have multiple interviews, try going to one alone and one with family to see which experience you like best, and then play it by ear from there. Definitely don't have your parents fly with you; that would be a lot of money.

Have fun during interview season! I miss it.
Click to expand...

My parents were initially like OP's so I understand where he's coming from. My dad really wanted to tag along (mostly because he didn't want me to drive long distances alone), but I pushed back as I didn't want him to have to take days off of work or pay for a plane ticket for himself considering they were already covering the costs for my interviews. Ultimately my dad came with me for one of them, and I went to the rest alone.

It can be nice to have company, but I found I preferred the independence as I could do my own thing and explore freely.
 
I have had both situations occur during interview season ( I am a PD) with anxious parents sitting in the waiting room. As a parent, it is fine with me and I understand it completely. To all those who have written against parents accompanying them on interviews because of independence issues, my only comment is to think three times about this. Age and wisdom often go hand in hand. Your parents may see things with a different perspective, and their advice may be worthwhile. Also, the day will come, as it does for all of us, when our parents are no longer there to offer advice. Just my opinion.
 
My dad traveled with with for 2 out of 3 of my interviews because distance, and he was willing to drive and pay his own gas so win-win, and he didn't come with me to interview, he just went to do dad stuff. It was also good to just have some support on the way there.
 
mangos5ever said:
Do most people travel alone to interview destinations if they are out of state?

My parents want to travel with me for "safety reasons" and I just want to see if I'm alone on thinking they are being ridiculous lol. I've used an uber many times before and don't need a chaperone but parents will be parents I guess.... (They won't join me to the school itself, theyjust want to accompany me to make sure I get from the airport/hotel/school all safely)
Click to expand...
This is the best thing! Depends how close u guys are and the relationship! This would be an obvious for my fam. It'll be fun with them plus they'll calm you down and they'll be someone to practice with, vent with, etc.
 
Thanks for all the opinions! My parents won't be able to accompany me on my first OOS interview but we have agreed that they may join me one another OOS interview when we can actually make a mini trip of it.

For those asking: The reason I was against it is because they wanted to walk around and explore the school (though they say they won't be with me during my interview time) and I didn't want them to do that. It's not like undergrad (tour wise) and since dental campuses are small I didn't want to have a run in with them. Might sound weird/petty, but my parents are great at playing that clueless game. Also, I feel bad for them to take time off work & pay for their flight and food. They have already spent a lot on apps expenses so I thought it was unnecessary. I understand they are worried for my safety but I am confident that navigate around from places to places safely and sufficiently. Lastly, they want me to attend a local state school because it is roughly an hour away from my house. They also want me to live at home so I didn't want that to bias to have an impact on their opinion of the school.
 
Aw! I bet they cite "safety reasons" but really just want to spend time with you 😉 I do think it depends on your relationship – if you feel secure and at ease around them, definitely bring them! I don't think it's uncommon at all. If they make you anxious and distracted though, maybe come up with a compromise: videochat when you land, get to hotel, etc. At the end of the day, relationship with family is the most valuable thing we have, whether that means setting healthy boundaries or making good memories (depends on what the individual relationship calls for). Not to get morbid, but my mom passed away a few years ago, and I'd do anything for her to come check out new cities with me 🙂
 
BioTic said:
I think most people would probably not give it to the interviewer. They would be like what am I supposed to do with this just give it to him. "Hey look I'm on a publication". I don't know seems a bit off. You got in though so...
Click to expand...
Yeah, I thought it came off a bit weird/arrogant but my dad was confident in it haha. So the interviewer said, "is there anything else you'd like admissions to know?" And then I said.. well I recently got published, showed him the publication. He said he'd add it to their file on me and also that "the admissions committee is going to like this." :shrug:
 
WCS_Jeff said:
Yeah, I thought it came off a bit weird/arrogant but my dad was confident in it haha. So the interviewer said, "is there anything else you'd like admissions to know?" And then I said.. well I recently got published, showed him the publication. He said he'd add it to their file on me and also that "the admissions committee is going to like this." :shrug:
Click to expand...
Yea that'll do it. If they ask a question like that then I would probably do that as well haha. I thought you just turned it like hey I got published lol.
 
I would definitely say that your parents shouldn't come with you if you're flying somewhere. You're an adult, you don't need chaperones. This is a good chance to learn about how to explore the world solo, if you haven't had the chance to do that as an undergraduate.

Your parents sound like they may be overprotective, they will need to get over it once you're in dental school. The sooner they do, the better for both of you guys!

You may have some good chances to socialize with people your age. Maybe you want to hit up some local bars or clubs after your interview, meet some new people in a new city. Can't really do that when your parents are around. Flying out for interviews sounds like a good opportunity to get a taste of the social life in cities you've never been to.
 
shima29 said:
I would definitely say that your parents shouldn't come with you if you're flying somewhere. You're an adult, you don't need chaperones. This is a good chance to learn about how to explore the world solo, if you haven't had the chance to do that as an undergraduate.

Your parents sound like they may be overprotective, they will need to get over it once you're in dental school. The sooner they do, the better for both of you guys!

You may have some good chances to socialize with people your age. Maybe you want to hit up some local bars or clubs after your interview, meet some new people in a new city. Can't really do that when your parents are around. Flying out for interviews sounds like a good opportunity to get a taste of the social life in cities you've never been to.
Click to expand...
But I love my mom & dad. How can I say no?🙂
 
BioTic said:
But I love my mom & dad. How can I say no?🙂
Click to expand...

I guess what I'm saying is if their purpose in accompanying you is to chaperone you, that's overbearing and silly - you should say no. If you have a healthy relationship with your parents and can act around them as you do your friends, it makes no difference if they come or not and could even make your experience better 🙂
 
You will make yourself look like such a baby if you bring your parents to the interview. Do you really want to give that impression?
 
I think it's totally fine, as long as they don't step foot on the campus. Mine wanted to come along with me, not as chaperones, but for moral support. They paid for my undergrad and have been so supportive of me throughout this whole process and I think it's only fair that they can come along and be proud of all I've accomplished with their help.
 
It's odd. I didn't see anyone's parents on the interviews I was on, nor would I expect to. This isn't their interview, it's yours. You're an adult.

I worked to pay my applications and fees, to travel for my interviews, and I drove myself across the country for my move to dental school. Don't get me wrong, I am close with my family and appreciate their support, but at a certain age it's time to take life into your own hands and show your parents that you can handle the world on your own.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

ballpass
KCU Interview
Replies
1
Views
506
MolarsinMind
M
S
Seeking Advice on Addressing Academic Dishonesty During Dental School Interview
Replies
4
Views
2K
Mr.Smile12
Mr.Smile12
ezbriz
responded late to interview invite
Replies
1
Views
445
Mr.Smile12
Mr.Smile12
emilia112
wrong wrong year on applications
Replies
5
Views
326
Bigjt1420
Bigjt1420
S
Reapplicant mistake on application
Replies
4
Views
687
macsak
M
Top