Waitlisted at Sidwell

[Anonymous]

We applied twice to Sidwell for Pre-k and K and were waitlisted both years. We spoke with the AD and have a pretty good idea why my daughter was not admitted. Does anyone know if the waitlist ever moves for Sidwell and if there is anything you can do to
"lobby" the school?

[Anonymous]

It's called "working the waitlist" - you can write a letter to the school and reiterate the reasons you feel like your child/family and the school are a great fit and then call about once a week to ask if the waitlist has moved, etc.

Basically, just continue to let them know - without being a PITA - how much having your child attend the school means to you and your family.

GL!

[Anonymous]

I know several different families who had kids admitted to Sidwell from the wait list. It's a very good sign to be on it. I agree with the PP, follow-up with the school, but not too often as to be perceived as high maintenance.

[Anonymous]

Thanks so much for the info.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks so much for the info.

No prob. Do you want to share the info you got about why your dc was waitlisted to begin with? We might be able to help more.

[Anonymous]

I got the impression that she wasn't as friendly and interactive at the group visit with the adults and children as she could have been. We know her to be very social at school and she is considered to be a very popular kid. She does several group activities also outside of school. She is improving her speaking to adults, but frequently when we ask her to say hello to an adult, she clams up. So we were a little surprised, but it is not inconceivable that she would act this way. Otherwise, I think she got a great teacher recommendation and scored 99th percentile on the WPSI (sp?). We were hopeful that since she was wait listed last year that there was a greater chance of her getting in this year. Last year after I spoke with someone at the admissions office, they never mentioned that she may have been weak at the group visit. We got the impression that she did well at the visit so it wasn't something we felt needed work. I guess I would have thought or hoped that if a child acted this way that they may cut kids a little slack and give them the benefit of the doubt, but with such a big applicant pool they probably don't have to. I should also mention that she goes to Montessori school. I don't know how that is perceived by these private schools. Any advice would be great.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I got the impression that she wasn't as friendly and interactive at the group visit with the adults and children as she could have been. We know her to be very social at school and she is considered to be a very popular kid. She does several group activities also outside of school. She is improving her speaking to adults, but frequently when we ask her to say hello to an adult, she clams up. So we were a little surprised, but it is not inconceivable that she would act this way. Otherwise, I think she got a great teacher recommendation and scored 99th percentile on the WPSI (sp?). We were hopeful that since she was wait listed last year that there was a greater chance of her getting in this year. Last year after I spoke with someone at the admissions office, they never mentioned that she may have been weak at the group visit. We got the impression that she did well at the visit so it wasn't something we felt needed work. I guess I would have thought or hoped that if a child acted this way that they may cut kids a little slack and give them the benefit of the doubt, but with such a big applicant pool they probably don't have to. I should also mention that she goes to Montessori school. I don't know how that is perceived by these private schools. Any advice would be great.

She sounds like a great candidate. I would imagine from your description that it is simply a matter of numbers. This is where working the waitlist can be helpful. I would write them a letter talking about the match between your dd and the school - be specific, give examples of things she does and her interests - use anecdotes to give them a real picture of who she is, etc. Also talk about how you as a family will fit into the Sidwell community - that you are excited about becoming active and contributing members. Did you contribute to your preschool? If so, you can mention that. Call them to follow up to make sure they received your letter and ask them how often you may call back to check on whether or not the waitlist has moved or looks like it is going to. That's about it. Except of course, if you have any connections (including current Sidwell families) you should use them (although I am imagining you would have done this by now). Finally, ask the Director of your preschool to go to bat for your dd and to put in a call on her behalf.

Oh, and also, make sure you say very directly in your letter that if you are offered a spot off the waitlist for dd, you will accept it an enroll her. That they are your first choice.

When you are doing all this, keep a sense of humor. Look at it from their point of view: they have many bright, personable kids to choose from on their waitlist. A spot for a girl her age opens up, you want them to think, "You know, this family is really psyched to come here, their dd is a good fit, and they seem like a great family - not a PITA."

May I ask what Montessori your dd attended?

[Anonymous]

Franklin

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Franklin

Well respected school from my understanding. Go for it. GL!