does switching high schools matter for admissions?

[Anonymous]

DD is only in 7th grade, but DH has started talking about retiring from the military, and we're discussing our long game now. If he stays past 20 years, it's likely we'll move the summer after DD's sophomore year. She's currently in private, and though we'd like to continue that way, we also know it'll depend on where we went up and if she's accepted. How much will changing schools at that time affect her chances at a decent school? What about switching from private to public? Anything else we should consider?

Like I said, I know this is a long way away, but certain things will be set in stone very soon, so I'd love opinions.

[Anonymous]

It would have an impact on her ability to gain leadership experience and join things if she starts a new high school in 11th grade, but otherwise I can't see why that fact alone would matter.

[Anonymous]

In an extreme case, a student transferring in could be negatively affected if they look less accomplished than the students they graduate with. E.g. if the current private school offers no AP classes and the new school offers many and encourages freshmen and sophomores to start taking them, it's possible that the transfer student will end up with fewer AP tests. Same for grade deflation--a student could come in with a GPA that is solid for the current school but deflated relative to the new school.

The good news is that there are places to talk about these sorts of things on the application. Definitely use the opportunity if you feel that your student's final profile looks less impressive due to the move.

[Anonymous]

I don't think they would hold something like that against her.

[Anonymous]

I had two moves in high school due to military moves. It impacted leadership positions and make it harder to make teams as a senior and it pulled me out of the running for graduation honors, but it was good essay material and I got in everywhere that I should have based on scores.

[Anonymous]

Could he stay in an extra 2 years to get her through high school?

[Anonymous]

I don't think they would hold something like that against her.

+1. Schools know families move for various reasons all the time and are very familiar with military families that move every 2-5 years. Your kid will be fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Could he stay in an extra 2 years to get her through high school?

OP said if he stays in, he'll most likely get transferred to another duty station.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Could he stay in an extra 2 years to get her through high school?

OP said if he stays in, he'll most likely get transferred to another duty station.

Right. Sorry, I wasn't clear. He can retire soon and would prefer to stay in, but in that case we need to have the conversation about how that decision will affect her future.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In an extreme case, a student transferring in could be negatively affected if they look less accomplished than the students they graduate with. E.g. if the current private school offers no AP classes and the new school offers many and encourages freshmen and sophomores to start taking them, it's possible that the transfer student will end up with fewer AP tests. Same for grade deflation--a student could come in with a GPA that is solid for the current school but deflated relative to the new school.

The good news is that there are places to talk about these sorts of things on the application. Definitely use the opportunity if you feel that your student's final profile looks less impressive due to the move.

Thanks. Good info.

[Anonymous]

Our DC transferred after 9th due to a family move. DC switched from a school without grade inflation and without APs and honors to a school with high grades and many AP/Honors classes. This impacts class standing (even if no rank) and I’m most worried about admission at large public schools like our flagship. I think the private schools will take the time to consider.
But I’d probably be most concerned about where you want your residency to be for college. I know it’s different for military but just something to think through so you’re where you want to be while kid is in college.