<p>I just thought I would give all of you an update on our prep experience for our oldest S. </p>
<p>As many of you know he applied to what I thought was a good selection of schools for him. He ended up with one admit, 2 waitlists and 5 rejects. The one admit came with a waitlist for FA. </p>
<p>I realize now that because we needed about 50% FA my school list should have included more schools that would have considered him to be one of their top candidates. While he is a good all around applicant, there are lot's of kids that are good all around applicants, and the need for FA put him at a disadvantage.</p>
<p>When we heard from the admit school that FA was probably not going to happen we had a long talk with our S. I told him that he could stay at our public school (which he had recently been expressing an interest in doing) and we would make sure he got the best they could offer him. Or I would start calling and find another school for him. At this point it was the beginning of May. Even though he seemed to be waffling on the whole BS issue he said to find another school. He also said he did not want to apply as a repeat freshman which he originally had done.</p>
<p>So, I make a TON of phone calls and I find a few school's that still had room for sophomore boys and may have aid for the right kid. We send in the paperwork, the recommendations, the transcripts and all the rest. The end result was 3 acceptances all with financial aid offers!</p>
<p>I am sending the contract and our deposit to one of the schools tomorrow! What a ride it has been. I just want to thank all of you for the support and advice that you have given me on this board. This board has really helped make this process "sane".</p>
<p>I guess I can relax for a few months until my middle S starts his applications for the 2010-2011 school year!</p>
<p>For all but very few applicants, it’s important to apply to a range of schools, especially if you need financial aid. Most of the applicants who remain on the board were successful, and some encourage future applicants to just apply to the top schools because they were successful. It’s not a good strategy unless the applicant is happy with the local public or day school. </p>
<p>It’s wonderful that you did this, and you were able to get financial aid this late in the game. Your son’s great stats and accomplishments are rewarded.</p>
<p>Wonderful Scotland! I remember your posts beginning around the eve of March 10 and I have followed your travails. I wish you and your son and family the utmost happiness!</p>
<p>His final choice was Avon Old Farms. He was initially hesitant about the all boy’s thing but he was really impressed when he visited the school. His dad and I are very happy with the admission office and everyone else we have talked with at Avon. We just have a great feeling about this school for our S.</p>
<p>Congratulations Scotland45! Avon is a GREAT school, you made an excellent choice. There are several posters who will have sophomore sons there next year. We toured the school and were very impressed with the campus, teachers and administration.</p>
<p>As a frequent lurker, I followed your posts and felt you anguish.
So glad that it all worked out in the end. I hope someday your son realizes your perserverance paved the way.</p>