<p>We are going through the application process for a competitive day school for our DC (middle school level) and am wondering how the eval process might differ from that of high school BS. . . . From all that I have read, applying to BS for the HS level seems to have more of an "analytical" twist with far more statistical data to compare (GPA along with standardized test scores, etc.) and be similar to the college app process vs. middle school where most applicants have only one standardized test score to offer plus a transcript of softer "needs improvement/meets expectation/exceeds expectation" type grades. Interviews are shorter and more casual, probably due to the younger age of the applicants.
For any who have been through the day school application process, can you give us some guidance on your experience with the importance of each of the application elements?
As a side note, we got the impression during our parent meeting that the proper "fit" between the school and the student was more of an inherent "gut feeling" that she might have based upon her overall impression rather than any one statistical data point. . . .</p>
<p>I’d say that the middle schools are in such different situations, from state to state, city to city and even within the same city, that the particular school’s admit interests are hard to accurately comment on without any identification. Best to ask admissions there how they weigh the “elements”, but “fit” is probably not as relevant as ability to do the work, pay the tuition or contribute to diversity – these things are usually in play, too, but nobody here on CC can tell you precisely what you want to know.</p>
<p>My impression here in NYC is that the older the student is, the more the emphasis is on the student rather than the parents. For example, at the nursery school or kindergarten level money, fame and connections might very well be more important than anything about the student him/herself. As the student gets older, the emphasis shifts more to the student. But, even at the HS level, if someone like Bill Gates, for example, had a child applying to schools, it’s hard to imagine him/her getting turned down. But the parental effect will be less than it would have been at younger ages.</p>
<p>So for middle school, I think this pendulum is swinging, but both parents and students attributes will have an effect.</p>