Waitlist at Burke, child wants to write to committee, HELP

[Anonymous]

Hello,

Our 8th grader was put on the waitlist at Burke for 2022-2023. Two weeks ago Burke asked for his most current grades. Honestly, this past two quarters haven not been oir child's best in terms of grades. He has typically been a good student (did very very well last year virtually, and also in 6th grade) though, and works hard. He attends a public middle school in Bethesda and got great teachers' recommendations. He is pretty bummed that he still has not heard anything back from Burke, and wants to email them to ask them to reconsider their decision to hopefully get a spot. This is new territory for us. I dont even know if he even has a chance to get in. Of course I do think he should write if that is what he wants to do, but any thoughts on what to say? How should he address this with the admissions committee? Should we (the parents) also send anything ourselves? Thanks so much for any input.

[Anonymous]

He should write a letter saying with specificity why Burke is a good fit. Not, I want to go to private school, but I want to go to Burke because...

[Anonymous]

Also note that Burke has a lot going on right now so they may not respond right away.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:He should write a letter saying with specificity why Burke is a good fit. Not, I want to go to private school, but I want to go to Burke because...

Thank you for your input.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Also note that Burke has a lot going on right now so they may not respond right away.

I would probably wait at least a week before sending any such communication. It could come across as insensitive right now given all they are going through only three days after the attack on the school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also note that Burke has a lot going on right now so they may not respond right away.

I would probably wait at least a week before sending any such communication. It could come across as insensitive right now given all they are going through only three days after the attack on the school.

What?? Ohh no, sorry, this is OP, I have no idea what has happened...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also note that Burke has a lot going on right now so they may not respond right away.

I would probably wait at least a week before sending any such communication. It could come across as insensitive right now given all they are going through only three days after the attack on the school.

What?? Ohh no, sorry, this is OP, I have no idea what has happened...

Shooting incident last week.

Agree, give it a week. But Burke definitely cares about getting kids who really want to be there. A heartfelt letter from your kid could make a major difference. (Esp. if accompanied by some self-awareness about causes for lower performance and why that would change at Burke).

[Anonymous]

The school is closed for two more days, just FYI. Holding the Burke community close right now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also note that Burke has a lot going on right now so they may not respond right away.

I would probably wait at least a week before sending any such communication. It could come across as insensitive right now given all they are going through only three days after the attack on the school.

A week?!? Are you kidding me? You are emailing someone that was literally dodging bullets and focussing on keeping other kids safe and you think they just need a week to get back to business?!?!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also note that Burke has a lot going on right now so they may not respond right away.

I would probably wait at least a week before sending any such communication. It could come across as insensitive right now given all they are going through only three days after the attack on the school.

A week?!? Are you kidding me? You are emailing someone that was literally dodging bullets and focussing on keeping other kids safe and you think they just need a week to get back to business?!?!!!

Feel free to tell OP when she can contact them again. I think it’s possible to follow up next week in a respectful manner (to include acknowledging what happened and extending your family’s care and concern). I also wouldn’t expect an immediate response or anything.

[Anonymous]

I would wait 2 weeks so your communication does not get lost in someone’s in box.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would wait 2 weeks so your communication does not get lost in someone’s in box.

Agree! Wait 2 weeks and be sensitive to their current situation. Don’t expect a response for a while.

[Anonymous]

OP - have your child write why they think they'd be a good match for Burke and try to find something he's proud of to update them with. For example, I know of families whose children included a well written English essay or History paper in these sorts of communications. But it could be something else meaningful to your child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He should write a letter saying with specificity why Burke is a good fit. Not, I want to go to private school, but I want to go to Burke because...

Thank you for your input.

I second this advice.

[Anonymous]

Some times getting back to normal is comforting. If they are asking for grades write something this week. Have him write why he is a good fit and how he would like to attend the school. Preface it with a note about the shooting and how you are with them in spirit.