School Admission

Anita and Vikram take five-year-old Rahul to a nearby school for admission. The principal asks them a few questions and checks the documents.

Meanings in Anita (mother), Vikram (father), Rahul, Principal, Admission clerk

Key words and phrases

admissionthe process of officially joining a schoolWe completed Rahul's admission last week.

principalthe head of a schoolThe principal welcomed the new students.

enrolto officially register for a school or courseWe want to enrol our son in this school.

documentan official paper needed as proofPlease submit the birth certificate as a document.

application forma form filled out to apply for somethingFill out the application form carefully.

uniformthe special clothes worn by studentsThe uniform is blue and white.

fee structurethe breakdown of costs for a schoolCan you explain the fee structure to us?

waiting lista list of people waiting for a placeYour son is currently on the waiting list.

interviewa short meeting to check suitabilityThe school conducts a small interview for admission.

orientationan introductory session for newcomersThe orientation is on the first day of school.

transfer certificatea document issued by a previous school confirming a student leftPlease bring the transfer certificate from his old school.

age proofa document that verifies a child's date of birthThe birth certificate serves as age proof.

sibling quotareserved seats for children whose sibling already studies thereThey got a seat under the sibling quota.

prospectusa booklet describing a school's courses and facilitiesThe clerk gave them the school prospectus.

eligibility criteriathe conditions a child must meet to be admittedRahul meets the eligibility criteria for Class 1.

counterthe desk where forms and payments are handledSubmit the form at the admission counter.

registration feea fee paid to register for the admission processThe registration fee is non-refundable.

academic sessionthe yearly period during which school runsThe new academic session begins in June.

identity proofa document that confirms a person's identityParents must also submit identity proof.

admission clerka staff member who handles admission paperworkThe admission clerk checked all their forms.

Useful sentences

Ask Is there a seat available for Class 1?
Answer Yes, we still have a few seats left.
Ask What documents do I need for admission?
Answer You'll need the birth certificate and address proof.
Ask What is the school fee for this year?
Answer The total fee is forty thousand rupees per year.
Ask Do you provide the uniform, or do we buy it separately?
Answer You can buy the uniform from our school shop.
Ask When does the new session start?
Answer The new session starts in June.
Ask Do you have the transfer certificate from his old school?
Answer Yes, we collected it last week.
Ask Is there a sibling quota for our daughter?
Answer Yes, since her brother already studies here.
Ask Where do we pay the registration fee?
Answer You can pay it at the admission counter.
Ask Does Rahul meet the eligibility criteria for Class 1?
Answer Yes, his age fits perfectly.
Ask Can we get a copy of the school prospectus?
Answer Of course, the clerk will give you one.

Dialogue

PrincipalGood morning! How can I help you today?

VikramWe'd like to admit our son, Rahul, to Class 1.

PrincipalWonderful. Do you have his birth certificate and previous records?

AnitaYes, here are all the documents you asked for.

PrincipalEverything looks fine. Rahul can join from next Monday.

VikramThank you so much! We're looking forward to it.

AnitaMay I ask, is there a registration fee we need to pay?

PrincipalYes, please pay it at the counter before you leave.

VikramUnderstood. Could you also give us a copy of the prospectus?

PrincipalCertainly, the admission clerk will hand it to you.

Common mistakes

Saying "I want to take admission in this school" instead of "I want to admit my child to this school" or "I'd like to enrol my child."
Confusing "principal" (school head) with "principle" (a rule) — they sound alike but mean different things.
Saying "My son is study in Class 1" instead of "My son is studying in Class 1" or "My son is in Class 1."
Saying "Give transfer certificate" instead of "Give me the transfer certificate" (don't drop the pronoun and article).
Saying "We pay fee in counter" instead of "We pay the fee at the counter" (use the preposition "at," not "in," with "counter").
Saying "He is eligible for this criteria" instead of "He meets the eligibility criteria" ("criteria" pairs with "meet," not "eligible for").

Quick quiz

1. What is the head of a school called?

2. Complete: "Please fill out the ___ form."

3. What do you call the special clothes students wear to school?

4. What document confirms a student left their previous school?

5. What do you call reserved seats for children whose sibling already studies there?

6. What booklet describes a school's courses and facilities?

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