Just received DS’s 1st semester grades, 4 B’s and 1 C, for an overall GPA of 3.0.
Is it better to withdraw his application(s) to the schools that are unlikely to admit him based on these stats and possibly re-apply next year as a rising 10th grader (provided he gets more serious and improves his grades, study habits, and SSAT score)? In other words, is there a downside to re-applying to schools a year after they reject you, or is it better to withdraw now and start over next year? Or, does it just depend on the schools and too many other circumstances to know for sure one way or another? Input appreciated.
Correct. His grades are declining because he has an attention issue and forgets/chooses not to turn in assignments. Says he is bored and not challenged in LPS and would be more engaged, motivated & successful in a BS environment. I think there is some truth to that with mandatory study halls, etc. However, he assured us that his 2nd period grades would improve dramatically over the 1st grading period results (2 grading periods / semester), but he did not achieve what he set out to do. Still not turning in some assignments … in spite of rigorous parental oversight. Gets A’s on most tests and the assignments he does turn in, but the 0’s bring down overall grades quickly. We are now thinking about BS’s that provide necessary support for what we today realize is a bigger issue than we first thought, but DS will resist this approach mightily.
Keep the applications - they’re already in. Worst case scenario is that he is rejected everywhere. He might even be accepted at a few places.
If he reapplies next year, it shows determination and strong interest.
But before re-applying, strongly suggest you get the attention issues checked out. Best place to go is to see a neuropsychologist. There are some tests that can be done to pinpoint exactly what the problems are. If he needs an IEP, get it in place this year. This way when he applies to BS next year, the explanation for the drop in grades will be apparent. Hopefully by then with some accommodations, his grades will improve.
I would leave the apps in unless perhaps at school(s) that do not have appropriate support services. In your shoes I would call all schools and ask to the person or department that would offer these services if ultimately needed. If BS is important to have as an option for next year add late apps including at non-reach schools that have some academic supports available if ultimately needed. There are plenty of schools that are fits for the rest of your child’s strong profile that have this kind of office or person, but you will need to do some legwork. I agree with the suggestions on neuropsych testing and would priorize that. Far better to know now what the child may need either in an IEP or its private school equivalent or to find a school that is prepared for that student, even if such supports may never or only minimally be needed, or maybe not needed until say Junior year during crunch time. Best wishes.