@PatronYork, GoldenRatio, GMTPlus7, Honoraryamom, AmbiD77, Mexstudent2013, baseball25

Prep School Admissions Prep School Chances
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<p>@PatronYork, GoldenRatio, GMTPlus7, Honoraryamom, AmbiD77, Mexstudent2013, baseball25, grotonguy, and others (students, parents, alums, etc.) who have contributed enormously to my learning. </p>

<p>Hi all,</p>

<p>As you know, I am a first year doctoral student at the University of Rochester and my main purpose for the inquiries was to gain insight on how this forum operates for those of you trying to gain access and those of you providing feedback. The information would help in how you all interpret this space for a final paper for a course. Through the process, I have learned so much from all of you. However, the moderators have decided to delete my threads citing solicitation to gather data for research, which I believe they interpret my action as an attempt to seek help on my homework, or that I am a university official attempting to recruit students. I believe that have misjudged my intentions. I am neither attempting to “get all of you to do my homework for me”, nor am I a recruiting official. </p>

<p>I decided to study this forum space for a course final project. It took me awhile, but I finally decided on your forum because of the high level of interaction. I was also very motivated to learn your narratives as you attempted to access knowledge regarding boarding school on your own and for yourself, as a parent for his or her child, as an alum contributing back to others, or simply a fanatic who enjoys the discussions.</p>

<p>I would like to share with you my position as to why I wanted to study this space. Boarding schools became of interest to me after I realized my young sibling's academic potential. Personally, I did not have knowledge regarding the academics at BS or could even consider attending BS during my secondary school years, as my family is not financially well off. I have always admired those of you who have/had such an opportunity – so I wanted to learn from your experiences personally. I appreciate all of your enthusiasm, and the supportive vibe from your community. It was a space where I felt that my intellectual knowledge was appreciated, and a place where I felt that I was not discriminated on the basis of my demographics (age, socioeconomic status, class, etc.)</p>

<p>I apologize, if anyone here has taken offense of my participation. I hope we could continue our wonderful discussions in a way that it will not be considered “soliciting for information.” What do you all think? Would you still be willing to support me through this project. I would be happy to share with you my results at the end. </p>

<p>If the moderates feel that I am still violating the rules (would you be willing to support through e-mail conversations?)</p>

<p>please don't hesitate to contact me personally: <a href="mailto:hoang.pham@rochester.edu">hoang.pham@rochester.edu</a></p>

<p>Thank you all for your support,
Hoang</p>

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<p>The moderator could have felt that way. I think the best approach for your research paper at this stage would be contact boarding schools directly and give them your questions, because I am sure you have had gained some general ideas. If this forum is your primary research target, why don’t you contact the moderators and ask your questions?</p>

<p>Your intention is well understood but the main purpose of this forum is help prospective/existing BS students/parents with information and insight based on experiences.</p>

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<p>Thanks for giving me your perspective to this. I appreciate your replies. </p>

<p>I used the initial questions to guide my personal understanding of how members use the forum. Since then, I have tried to contribute through a different way and taking on a more neutral route. For example, I quickly realized from many members’ feedback that attempting to access elite BS can mean considering beyond scores, EC’s and strong letters of rec. What other factors are involved? And how do they play out? </p>

<p>These “access points” aren’t the types that elite BS may be willing to share. Otherwise, everyone would get accepted, right? Carefully thought out responses that are “politically correct” aren’t the responses that would help members of this community. Knowing firsthand the experiences of members within the forum can provide a better understanding on how to begin approaching the issue of access. </p>

<p>Thanks for your view PatronYork!</p>