To be fair, if the school "dumped " him, it would’ve been a rejection, which this kid can handle. He’s had plenty of them being a hockey player & trying out for teams. I think the problem lies in the nebulous state of “waitlist” which indicates kids still have a shot. DS knows the meaning of ‘no’ and can accept it with grace–he’s the first one to try and find out what he needs to work harder on to improve his chances for next time. Honestly, I think school’s should just say yes or no. And then if they were incorrect on their yield…call applicants and ask would they still be interested. But to a 13 year old kid, maybe means there is still a chance. So, although I see your point, your analogies were not accurate to this situation @laenen. And in the end, DS did “Cowboy Up” and make the decision I knew he was capable of…but I would not have faulted him for taking advantage of the opportunity
, had he so chosen, either.
I do still appreciate the input!
Thanks @Golfgr8 ! That may be a must-do parents’ trip for buuzndad & I for sure! 
@buuzn03 – I agree with you that schools should give an honest up/down status but they don’t and kids/parents hold out their hope. This is not fair to them. If you monitor this board long enough, you will see how few kids get off the wait list.
I still remember a co-worker proudly telling me that her child got wait listed at one of the best school in Boston. She portrayed it as her daughter just missed it by the skin of her teeth.
At the time I didn’t know better but now that I do, I realize why the school did it. This person still has a high opinion of the school which she might not have if her daughter got TD which is mostly lightly what happened.
Lastly – I honestly believe that you can take at least 40% of any admitted class and swap them for the wait list candidates and there would be no impact to the school’s culture or academic/athletic standing. I believe there is some luck to the draw.
Have a great year!
@laenen everything you just said is what I’ve learned in the short time of being thrown into this process…thanks to you and others who’ve been upfront and honest. No rose-colored glasses. I’m just glad DS finally came to grips with it.
Fwiw, I know of 3 people who got off the Choate WL in past years. A couple were April 10, but one was April 6 iirc. So perhaps we might see some movement today or tomorrow. Of course they might not go to the WL at all this year.
@buuzn03 Congrats to you and your son. I know how he feels. We loved Groton too. My daughter was on 3 WLs that any of them would have been great, Groton, Hotchkiss, and Milton. She went to Choate, but quickly discovered it was a good fit. I always say, don’t bemoan the missed opportunities, embrace the ones before you and make the most of them. It sounds like your SMS lion is doing just that! 
Hey everyone! Just got an email from PA Admissions - just saying that they most likely won’t go to the WL. Thought everyone should know…
We got a call, my son was admitted off the waitlist at SPS. Now we have to decide - SPS vs. MX…very tough!
Wow, that’s great! @HMom16 And they are not giving you any extra time to decide, are they?
@panpacific - No extra time but I didn’t ask…
@HMom16 congrats!
@HMom16 EXCITING! SO happy for you!!! =D>
Wow @HMom16 , Congratulations! <:-P
Which one are you leaning towards?
@HMom16 Congrats
@HMom16 congratulations to you and your son!
Thank you for the good wishes!
My son is overwhelmed right now. He was really happy with MX, they’ve been wonderful about reaching out and connecting us with coaches, fellow athletes, parents, etc. But, prior to M10, SPS was his favorite school. So, now he’s really stressed and confused.
I did confirm, though, that we have more than 24 hours to decide so we are going to visit SPS again on Monday. Talk about last minute! The schools are close enough that we can hand deliver the contract, if necessary.
Congrats!!!
@HMom16 everything happens for a reason! Hopefully your DS can focus on the positive and realize it is a win-win situation. He’ll end up in the right place. (Ha! I can say that, but we weren’t faced with a decision…secretly now I pray we do not get a call, because my DS has accepted the one school only situation). Hugs! Still very happy for you!! Plus there are a ton of SPS experts who can give you inside info - right @GoatMama ?
I believe @HMom16 is an experienced BS parent herself. Both schools are great, and all will be fine!
@HMom16 Its great that SPS gave you and your son some more time to visit and decide. What about MX? Do you need to get the contract to one school or the other on Monday? Curious about the logistics in this situation.