<p>Id like to suggest that we parents stop using and promoting the term HADES which many have pointed out was coined by a student just a couple of years ago, has a derogatory sub-meaning, and serves no purpose but to cement this somewhat arbitrary group of schools as the brass ring, undermining the perceived desirability of many, many other schools that compete just as effectively on many levels. We all shout over each other about the importance of fit, but the continued use of this acronym (and even GLADCHEMMS) undermines that message by slyly indicating that there is a group of best schools (and those five are IT) when all we mean is highly-selective. I know we adopt acronyms for convenience, but lets say what we mean and stop promoting this damaging branding that sends a wrong message to the less initiated (kids especially). Even the term top tier is subjective and has spawned many, many useless and sometimes acrimonious ranking threads. Can we just agree that some schools are highly selective and perhaps use that term when we are encouraging new applicants to cast wide nets? We always point people to BoardingSchoolReview as a good starting point, and folks can certainly see what highly selective means from that site. We dont need to adopt an ill-conceived acronym. I feel like weve just capitulated for convenience.</p>
<p>I know this plea wont influence the kids, but Id like to propose that we parents go cold turkey with eliminating this term from the parents forum at least. Any takers?</p>
<p>Well, it is a little scary how widely read this board must be. I clearly remember a couple of years ago when the term “HADES” was invented by a current Hotchkiss student.</p>
<p>It’s a catchy and self-deprecating acronym, which is, I think, why it has been used so much–but definitely limiting. I’ll jump on board. And now I’m afraid to go look and see what firestorm that post I wrote last night started…I was just back from a heated book group discussion about the Tiger Mom, and I think my internal censor switched to the off position.</p>
<p>Hurrah!
My eyeballs start to hurt from vigorous rolling every time I see that silly acronym. Let it die already! I’ll continue to type ACRONYM if I need shorthand for the most selective schools, and I’ll tip my hat in honor of my favorite poster SevenDad.</p>
<p>But if we use ACRONYM, aren’t we still using a veiled form of HADES? I vote for most selective or whatever’s most descriptive of the point the poster is making.</p>
<p>Thank you so much! Finally get rid of that acronym which can seriously taint peoples images on schools. When I first started CC, the acronym was etched into my mind as the BEST schools, along with GLADCHEMMS as the full top-tier. Luckily, I did my research and found out about other schools. I know that those two acronyms have really swayed my opinion in the past and I’m sure its changed decisions for plenty on what schools to apply to and such. I agree that we really should stop any acronyms and base schools on selectivity if we’re going to rank them. Then students would have a broader idea of what great schools can be a really what the “fit” is.</p>