Concern that sibling's situation will have a negative impact for ED application

Parents Forum
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My son is a student at a small liberal arts college. The isolation of three virtual semesters & a tough breakup with longtime girlfriend took a toll on his mental health last year, grades tanked, and he was placed on academic suspension. School has been very supportive of him, and made recommendation for medical leave. He’s busy now trying to regroup and get back on track: working, support from a therapist, medication, and taking courses for credit recovery. He intends to return to his college.

His younger sister would love to attend the same college, and intends to apply Early Decision. Is there any risk that her older brother’s recent difficulties will have a negative impact for the school’s evaluation of her application? Both kids have very strong grades and stats, but that’s probably true for lots of this selective school’s applicants. I would hate to see her use her only ED on this application if for some reason the school will see her in a less favorable light because of how her brother has struggled. Thank you in advance for any advice anyone can give.

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None. Zero. Zilch. Nada. Your daughter’s application will be evaluated on its own merits with no consideration for her sibling’s prior application and/or academic performance.

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I agree - and if you really have concern, don’t note on the common app or app that the sibling attends. Just leave that question blank…you are not obligated (in my opinion)…it’s more for data collection.

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Thanks @skieurope and @tsbna44 for the quick and reassuring replies. I have really been worrying about this - but haven’t wanted to share with either of the kids, lest it just needlessly add to the stress of this whole process!

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Yes, it’s stressful enough for the kids without projecting your own stress. Good luck.

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How does your son feel about his sister wanting to attend the same school since it is a small school? Some siblings would not care at all, but others might.

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Hi @sevmom - Good question! I think he’d love for her to be there, actually - they are very close, and I think he sees it as a great fit for her.

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“Yes, it’s stressful enough for the kids without projecting your own stress.”

Yup, that was exactly my worry (or one of them!) He was already feeling so badly for having struggled as he did - an entirely new experience for him. I definitely don’t want for him to take this on, too - purely my issue!

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The records about your son’s leave are protected under federal law. So its doubtful that the admissions office would have extensive details about it.

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Honestly, your family’s known pay status may have some effect, but the older sib’s poor performance won’t.

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Thanks for responding - by “known pay status” are you just referring to what the school will have on file for our EFC/CSS, etc.?

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Interesting - this hadn’t occurred to me, but I guess that makes sense! Thanks very much for responding.