How does my son stand out in the HS admissions process?

[Anonymous]

My son is currently in the process of applying for 10th grade, and I was wondering how he could stand out. My son is a hardworking student that currently attends a public school in NOVA and is taking honors/advanced classes with straight As, participating as a member in a few clubs, and plays lacrosse for a local team. We have no connections with any of the schools and are in need of financial aid.

[Anonymous]

All of the schools want strong students, so play up the clubs and sport, as those will be the distingushing features.

[Anonymous]

Build relationships during open houses, shadow days and every other event the school is sponsoring so they know you are serious. (attend as many of these as possible in person)

Have your son reach out to the lacrosse coach. Ask about the team - express interest in being a part of the team - ask if there are any events for students applying that you can attend.

Have essays that are tailored to the school - if he is applying to Catholic School make sure you talk about faith.

The great thing is there are not a ton of 10th grade applicants so it is easy to stand out. The other side is not a ton of spots.

[Anonymous]

Applying as a 10th grader will stand out to admissions committees as something like “what’s wrong with this kid or family that they are applying in a non-entry year?” They will be very thorough in vetting your child to avoid surprises.

[Anonymous]

what kind of schools is he applying to? In my experience the top schools use their very limited (2-4?) 10th spots to fill in athletic rosters. 10th grade admits need to have a special talent more than any other admission time.
I would play up his lacrosse skills if he is a strong player!

[Anonymous]

Def play up his Lacrosse. Have his lacrosse coach endorse your kid and def reach out to the HS Lacrosse coach asap.

[Anonymous]

If you have to ask, I think your chances for a spot in 10th grade are pretty slim.

[Anonymous]

DP, but in the same boat. DS's grades at a "very good" (per DCUM) NOVA public are As and Bs, one C+ (in 3rd year of language; he won't be taking the same language going forward). No sports, but extremely driven by faith. He is only applying to 1 school, a faith-based school, and we have attended open house and admissions night.

I'm sure that his devotion to his faith will come through in his answers to the application questions. Two questions: (1) will his grades sink his chances?; and (2) should he ask one of the young adult Youth Group volunteers to write a letter of recommendation? He has to submit 2 letters from teachers, but he has the option of supplementing with letters from other adults in his life. All of the Youth Group volunteers are fairly young (in their 20s). I'm sure they would say wonderful things about my son, but I doubt they've ever written recommendation letters before.

[Anonymous]

OP, people are weirdly piling on you. Obviously there aren't tons of 10th grade spots, but, schools also want to fill them.

I'd call admissions and ask how many spots they anticipate and let them know you are very motivated to move your kid and be ready to articulate why your kid wants to go to that school. Ask if they offer interviews. Sign your kid up for shadow days. Go to the open house. Have a unified articulate response for both parents and kid in case they want to do interviews. I'd also use any connections you might have (do you know teachers/board members/administrators at any of these schols).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DP, but in the same boat. DS's grades at a "very good" (per DCUM) NOVA public are As and Bs, one C+ (in 3rd year of language; he won't be taking the same language going forward). No sports, but extremely driven by faith. He is only applying to 1 school, a faith-based school, and we have attended open house and admissions night.

I'm sure that his devotion to his faith will come through in his answers to the application questions. Two questions: (1) will his grades sink his chances?; and (2) should he ask one of the young adult Youth Group volunteers to write a letter of recommendation? He has to submit 2 letters from teachers, but he has the option of supplementing with letters from other adults in his life. All of the Youth Group volunteers are fairly young (in their 20s). I'm sure they would say wonderful things about my son, but I doubt they've ever written recommendation letters before.

what kind of school is he applying to?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, people are weirdly piling on you. Obviously there aren't tons of 10th grade spots, but, schools also want to fill them.

I'd call admissions and ask how many spots they anticipate and let them know you are very motivated to move your kid and be ready to articulate why your kid wants to go to that school. Ask if they offer interviews. Sign your kid up for shadow days. Go to the open house. Have a unified articulate response for both parents and kid in case they want to do interviews. I'd also use any connections you might have (do you know teachers/board members/administrators at any of these schols).

It really depends on where OP's son is applying. Sidwell, STA, Potomac generally fill any 10th grade spots with athletic recruits. I have kids at one of these schools and all the 10th grade spots the past year went to elite athletes. A friend applied to another and they were basically told the same thing by admissions.
These school don't "need" to fill the spots to pay the bills. They use them to strengthen the sports teams OR to sometimes take a VIP's kid or a transfer from an out-of-town private. It is what it is.

[Anonymous]

I think the key is a compelling reason why he wants to move and why they school.

[Anonymous]

OP here. My son isn't a lacrosse superstar, but he's willing to put in the work. He's applying to schools like GPrep with strong lacrosse programs and great academics.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. My son isn't a lacrosse superstar, but he's willing to put in the work. He's applying to schools like GPrep with strong lacrosse programs and great academics.

Nothing wrong with applying to 10th grade, OP. Good for you for realizing you need to make a switch. Let him manage the communication (with a review by you before hitting send or sticking things in the mail). All of these schools are looking for great boys, even in 10th. GL

[Anonymous]

Where are you applying, OP?