I’d add one comment as a parent with a child happily completing her freshman year at one of the schools that has been mentioned regularly in this thread (not Choate, FYI–that’s come in for enough attention already):
Community composition is a much bigger deal than we thought it was, one year ago, when we went through this process. Perhaps less at the larger schools–like Andover and Exeter where the volume of students is high enough such that, within reason, they will be able to build teams, put on shows, etc., with normal yields.
For the smaller schools–DA, Hotchkiss, Taft, MX, Groton, SPS–this is really about building classes and a student body for multiple years and across multiple areas. The vast majority of applicants will have sufficient grades, interviews, scores, essays, and recommendations.
What matters–and what is most challenging for to see “outside the room”–is the community composition, not just for a single class, but for the entire school–classes already there and classes likely to come aboard. I thought “Fit” was BS when we started this process, but I was wrong. It’s a very real thing.
The goal is to have as many students as possible be able to contribute to the community–yes, the oboe player or the field hockey player is harder to find–but the point here is that so much of this decision has very little to do with your kid. A mixed result in this process–some acceptances, some rejections, and some wait-lists–reflects less about your kid and more about particular community needs at schools that have the luxury of choosing from a very attractive pool.
@“Mr.Wendal” Very true. I was told once by an AO from a smaller school that they expected every student to “wear multiple hats”, which was essential for the operation of their small community. Lopsided kids may have better chances in bigger schools, but well roundedness at a high level is in demand at all schools.
@mr.Wendal very well put…it has taken a month of immersing myself here in other’s experiences to gain the understanding of the selection process. Just realized (hey, I’m slow) that DS mainly applied to small schools because he does not feel comfortable with large numbers of people (his current school has a total of 500 students from preK through 12th). Another factor decreasing his chances for admission. I’m so thankful for everyone here who has guided us along!!!
Long time lurker who has been happy to have the guidance of cc although I think it has driven me off the deep end on occasion. DD was waitlisted at 3 schools and rejected from 2. It was very hard to digest at first. While we had prepped her for the possibility, I was actually completely surprised. She was the one who initiated the boarding school idea. Anyways, the purpose of the post: Just received word from Lawrenceville that they do not have a spot for which she would be considered. Actually feels better to start to have some closure. Just waiting on Hotchkiss and Choate. Wanted to post as I had not read anything about Lawrenceville’s waitlist. Not sure if that means it is closed completely or if they know the spot she would fill based on her credentials is not available. I thought the info would be helpful to anyone who is waiting.
@dinky1218 thanks for sharing the update and welcome! I’m sure I speak for many here in wishing you all the best for your DD and your family. Do you think she will have interest in reapplying next year if she doesn’t get off a WL?
In the past, one of my daughter’s friends who got on 10–yes count 'em 10 wait lists (and never off) for top BSs, somehow got the idea for her family to call day schools, and they were able to get their daughter into Trinity School in NYC and they agreed to move out of area. I know for many picking up and moving to another state is not an option, but wonder if calling some local private top day schools who sometimes have 1 or 2 spots due to family moving at the end of a school year may be an option.
Sorry to say, it looks like Berkshire is fully enrolled for the moment.
"… Unfortunately, I am writing to let you know that we are fully enrolled at this time and will not be able to offer anyone on our waiting list a spot at Berkshire. I have no doubt that you would have thrived and been a contributing member of this community, which is why I wish we were in a different position.
Of course, you are welcome to keep your application active should anything change over the coming months. However, because it is April 13th, I wanted to be in touch with this news."
Thanks for all the support; DD was admitted to a competitive local school in the area for which I think she is excited about. She’s hard to read as she applied as a back up and @AppleNotFar (don’t know how to tag someone) I think she will want to reapply but haven’t actually brought it up since we got all the responses. We had discussed it prior to M10. I think it will be a subject we will discuss come closer to the summer. DH is no longer gung ho on the whole bs subject and he really likes the local school so not sure how that will factor in.
@dinky1218 There is something to be said for being able to see your child grow up and having them closeby while still giving them great opportunities at a local school. Precious years. A lot of us are torn sending our kids away so young, hoping its worth it. But I think if you have a great day school option, grab it, and smile knowing you got more of the sand slipping through all our fingers! Enjoy!
If you are on the waitlist of a school and haven’t heard anything from them yet by now, chances are that they are going to their waitlist. It takes time for them to get responses from those they pulled up from WL. Until you receive the message that their enrollment is full, the game is not over. Even after that, there’s still a Lin even slimmer chance that you will be pulled up late in summer when someone changes their mind.
I got waitlisted by 8 schools and rejected by one. On tuesday morning, St. Paul’s School called and admitted both me AND my younger brother. I do not know if this is a miracle or not…needless to say, I am very excited to be attending SPS next year! It is possible to get off the waitlist! Even by a school like SPS!