Do the admission offices talk among themselves?

I’m wondering, if they trade their favorite candidates, and also to avoid rushed decision after M10. I’m guessing each tier, schools with similar interests/student demographic would want similar diverse group of candidates, they wouldn’t want to try to entice too many students/families on M10. What is your experience/ thoughts?

Might they grab a beer, or get together for a round of golf? Sure.

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I’m wondering, if they trade their favorite candidates/quote You seem to overestimate how much free time admissions officers have and

(B) You might as well ask if all Heads of School get together to collude on tuition rates. Both practices would quickly invite inquiries from the DoJ re: antitrust.

In the admissions world, college and BS, people are professionals at that, meaning that they often move from one institution to another to gain skills, salary increases, and more responsibility. As a result, most admissions folks have lots of friends and acquaintances and other schools.

But I don’t think they have the time to collude on candidates. Most are very busy all year, whether it’s a part of the cycle you see or not.

I agree that during admissions season, the AO’s probably do not have much free time to speak to each other about specific kids who are applying. What is more important to know is that AO’s do reach out to guidance counselors and educational consultants to get an idea of where their school ranks in the eyes of the applicant. They care about yield, and don’t want to extend offers to kids who don’t want to attend, or who will get an acceptance at their first choice school. It’s probably more likely that they reach out to counselors with whom they have an established relationship (ie feeder schools, or public schools in a region that send a lot of kids to BS). But I know for a fact that AO’s reached out to the guidance counselor at my kids’ private school (and do so regularly), and that our counselor knew before we did where he was accepted.

Historically schools have gotten into a lot of legal hot water for doing exactly what you ask about-anti-trust suits. I would be very surprised if BS staff would risk it.

I would think it’s more case of violation of personal information and confidentiality than anti-trust. Do you mind to point towards specific cases in past please?

My student was asked above about the “what other schools?” In almost all interviews, but I was more surprised to see this question on additional questions “SAO app” of a few schools, I feel that’s an inappropriate question.

It would clearly be a confidentiality issue, but also raise anti-trust concerns.

Anti-trust laws are concerned with protecting competition/competitive marketplace & fairness in that process.

Antitrust laws are not concerned with market domination, but are concerned with how one achieves such dominance.

Let’s not conflate with your original question. “What other schools” is more about yield management and marketing than collusion.

Feel free to not answer it. But the whole “what other schools” discussion has been covered many times. Here’s the most recent example:
http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/prep-school-admissions/2120104-application-question-what-other-schools-are-you-applying-to.html

Google is your friend. Here’s a start:
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/10/us/politics/justice-department-probe-college-early-decision.html

Although not education related, Microsoft & Amazon are companies which have drawn the attention of antitrust regulators.

WHat other schools is about yield management and also marketing. Who do candidates consider your peer schools to be? Who are you competing with for candidates. This can inform the school’s marketing and positioning.

@GCNewton: The concern would probably arise most notably with respect to financial aid offers–all being the same as agreed upon by competing schools–or by separating highly qualified students with substantial financial aid need so that certain students receive generous full need met offers from a particular school while being waitlisted or rejected by other schools conspiring together.

Is “what other schools” a routine question or they were rather more interested in this particular student?

My student would not qualify for much or any FA. Student is not a regular cookie cutter, just smart, high achieving, ?, ?, sporty kid. Student is a quickie, original to self, with most of above qualities.

In addition to the application, it is a common interview question. That said, read nothing into the fact that that the question was asked or that the question was not asked.

I totally see your point. The reason I’m hung on this is we are asked by our consultant/advisor, “what is the student’s top choice?”

I feel it’s bit disheartening, since the top choice is a very high reach and second choice, has slightly favorable admission rate is still a reach, and is more expensive, while, as I mentioned we don’t qualify for FA. If my answer would put our consultant’s effort on choice #1, which has very slim yield, is that a good idea?

If you are paying for the consultant, tell them which is the first choice AND that you are frankly worried about how to play it because you are concerned that your honesty will have an impact on how desirable you are to #2. Ask their advice. This person should be allaying your fears, not adding to them!

Gardenstate friend, I am very new to BS/college admission, as I did not attend college; that’s why I wasn’t confident and needed to hire an “expert”. unfortunately during this process, I have realized that the “expert” doesn’t know all of the answers and place like CC, is by far, more reliable than consultant. That’s why frankly, I’m here.

@GGNewton I learned the same thing the hard way last year. People that you need to pay just don’t have their hearts into it as much as the people on here. This seems, for most, more of a passion/hobby than a job. I even think the same is true for most AO’s. It seems like a horrible job if you don’t love it, and I think that’s why so many AO’s are alum.

@GGNewton To your question about going for #1, NO, it’s harder to get into these schools than people realize especially if your are from NE or a highly represented state. So,…think about which is the better fit. You will be paying a lot so go for fit not name. Most of these schools have excellent academics. Have your kid find the place that works for him/her.