DD1 applied to, and was accepted at, our local boarding school. We had always assumed she would apply as a day student. A few years ago she asked if she could board there. Then, this fall she asked to look at other schools throughout the Northeast. She kept local BS on her list because it is a great school and she is comfortable there, knows the campus, knows many faculty members, staff and current (and newly admitted) students. But now she realizes she really wants to “do this” and wants to go to school farther from home. So we politely declined enrollment.
DD2 plans to apply in two years (as a day student; she is opposite personality from her sister and would never want to board). This is the only school she wants, and public school is not an option for us.
Did we jeopardize DD2’s chances of admission by messing up their yield? Will they see our last name and say “No way, the other one said no to us”?
No. Applicants decline for all sorts of reasons. AO’s do not take it personally (or at least will not hold a grudge). However, If this school really is DD’s first choice, she should communicate that to the school when the time comes.
I wonder about this one personally. DS1 graduated from Andover, DD was admitted a year ago with a generous FA grant but did not enroll. This year DS2 was rejected - similar credentials for all 3 kids. Personally I do not think the events were related but DD felt awful that she may have impacted her brothers changes. It has been nearly a month and it appears the sting has passed. The fact is the process is so competitive that getting in can be a little like a lottery - these schools just have so many qualified applicants.
In our case, DD1 applied to a number of schools last year, as a day student. This year, DD2 applied to a number of schools, including 2 where DD1 was accepted but declined enrollment. One a local BS, one a non-boarding prep school. To make matters worse, DD2 had visited each of these schools the prior year, interviewed (they both have middle schools), but decided not to apply for 8th grade. When she applied this year for 9th, we thought there was a good chance they would not see her as a serious applicant. However, she did get accepted at both schools and…has declined enrollment.
I think they understand different kids = different needs. DS2 applied to 2 day schools that DS1 turned down (for BS) a few years ago. He was accepted at both and will be attending one.
I honestly have no idea but I could envision a scenario where a school could think that the sibling would also turn them down if accepted and, therefore, the school waitlists or rejects the sibling for yield reasons… on the other hand there are plenty of stories of siblings of current students being rejected/waitlisted…so: you never know! I think the stating of first choice, if applicable and honest, could help.
I don’t think it would be a factor. Schools understand students are different. When your DD2 applies, though, it would be a good idea to stress that she does not want to board anywhere, & that it’s her first choice.
However, no matter what, do you have a backup plan in case she is not accepted?