<p>Has anyone ever heard of a sibling NOT getting accepted at a school where their older sibling currently attends? </p>
<p>Two siblings with very similar educational stats (actually #2 is probably stronger academically but doesn't have quite as many EC's as #1, identical SSATs). Both great students, good kids, excellent recs. Luckily, #1 is well liked and respected at school and parents are active in school (and donated "suggested" amount in fundraising request). </p>
<p>I don't think it would help, it just won't hurt your chances. Frankly, I don't really think being a sibling legacy makes as much of a difference as a regular legacy. But I'm not sure, anyone else?</p>
<p>Yes, every year I hear of siblings not getting admitted to schools their siblings go to. LAst year, I had a student denied at Lawrenceville who had top grades and high ssat, and his brother at the school and doing well. Sometimes it's just a numbers game....</p>
<p>I actually hear of this happening by people who email me, outraged that their child didn't get accepted to their sibling's school, often wondering if they can hire me to help overturn it. I can't do that obviously. but that is how I know it happens</p>
<p>I asked this question earlier. My own eyes say yes, there must be some preference. but gemmav said no. I am wondering if it may differ from school to school, with the smaller isl schools showing a preference while A and E not so much.</p>
<p>Yet, would sibling preference be fair to other applicants? Many families have more than one child. In effect, allowing sibling preference would drastically cut down on the number of spots which are available. If every member of the Sophomore class has an 8th grade sister or brother applying, then that's filled next year's Freshman class. I think that boarding school admissions departments want a greater freedom to "shape" the entering classes.</p>
<p>I think day schools may be more likely to give siblings preference than boarding schools. For day school families, the issue of transport to and from school is really important. If a school denies a younger sibling, it may very well lose the older sibling(s), especially in areas with dense traffic.</p>
<p>I don't think parents are likely to pull an older sibling from a boarding school, just to keep the siblings together. For one thing, it may be difficult to arrange for both siblings to attend the same boarding school. For another, many siblings don't really want their siblings around.</p>
<p>It does help because when my younger son visited, the adcom asked his name and said "Your brother came here. I have a big star next to your name." My older son had done very well...grades, varsity sports, leadership, etc....so I knew it wasn't a bad thing.</p>
<p>well obviously having a sibling isn't a bad things, and it probably helps a little. Is having a parent legacy stronger then a sibling? (especially if they are still in contact with the school)</p>
<p>My D goes to a small private school. What we have observed is that siblings invariably get admitted to the schools including the top tier schools. In our experience, over the last eight years every sibling has been admitted irrespective of his or her qualifications. Last year a lot of parents and students were disappointed as many excellent candidates were rejected and a sibling who was average academically was accepted. Needless to say, some kids were disillusioned by the process as they had better grades and SSAT scores. Being a sibling or having some legacy does boost an average student's chances and often to the detriment of a better qualified student.</p>
<p>I can certainly imagine that the schools feel that admitting a sibling will 1.) help the yield (the number of kids who are admitted who enroll) and 2.) increase the chances that the parents feel very kindly towards the school and donate money. </p>
<p>I have formed very strong attachments to the schools my daughters have attended. If more than one daughter goes to the same boarding school, they have my contribution for life.</p>
<p>Yes. Admitting siblings does help the yield. Parents know what to expect the second time around and probably understand the school better as far as its values and mission are concerned and this might help in submitting an application that fits well with the philosophy of the school.</p>
<p>Parent legacies are a whole nother game. They really help... I know people that will even admit that they were only accepted because of their legacies. </p>
<p>Fathers, mothers are best... The farther back the less effective I would imagine. Maybe not?</p>
<p>Not just that... Their application was so-so. At Andover they got wait listed and Exeter(Mother and Father went there) accepted. According to the person in question... They were the dumbest kid and the least qualified(Relatively speaking for Exeter). </p>
<p>Plus... I know her dad has donated almost half a million since he graduated.</p>