Realistically what are the chances of getting into a private school like Collegiate with our background?

[Anonymous]

Hi - typical working professional parents here and thinking of sending our son to Collegiate starting at K. Realistically what are the chances of getting in when neither parent went to any fancy prep schools, aren’t on any boards, don’t vacation in the Hamptons etc?Only thing going for us is that we both went to Ivys, husband is a partner at a law firm, and am an in investing role at a HF. Less than 50% ? Assume we need admission consultants and all that bs too. We are only seriously considering Collegiate due to the academics.

[Anonymous]

It’s worth a try, but of course nothing is guaranteed. I’ve known boys get in from average working rich professional families, but also others for whom the family hook is obvious, meaning boy has a family member who is highly influential/leader in business, government, or media in the US or internationally.

[Anonymous]

Ask admissions how many spots are available this year and if there is a waitlist. Kid may get off waitlist with donation.

[Anonymous]

With strong sibling policy, it may depend on the year. Also, if you can add to diversity, that is a plus.

[Anonymous]

Zero.

[Anonymous]

If you are extremely rich, then maybe.

[Anonymous]

A lot of the fancy nyc private schools are still recovering from low enrollment as a result of the pandemic flight from nyc. So you're chances may be better than you expect.

[Anonymous]

Very interesting point on folks leaving. I would have expected the spots to be filled up at this point

[Anonymous]

I know four boys getting in last year. None of them is sibling or legacy. All from professional upper-middle class families. That completely changed how I see the private school admission

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A lot of the fancy nyc private schools are still recovering from low enrollment as a result of the pandemic flight from nyc. So you're chances may be better than you expect.

This.

[Anonymous]

We're also law firm partner/hedge fund, and our HHI is around $9mm/year. Assuming you're around the same, your best bet might be a large donation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We're also law firm partner/hedge fund, and our HHI is around $9mm/year. Assuming you're around the same, your best bet might be a large donation.

Do your kids go to collegiate?

[Anonymous]

Here's what to do:
(1) Send your child to a good private preschool. Doesn't have to be 92Y - can be any of 4-5 good ones in each part of town.
(2) Contribute to your preschool having a great community - regularly go to the school events, get to know all of the staff, you can volunteer. Donate every year, what you are comfortable with.
(3) Your preschool will help you pick a group of schools to apply to and advise you about the application process and give you tips.
(4) When you have done all of your tours, tell your preschool counselor which is/are your top choice(s).

You will not be a sure thing for any one specific school, but the numbers support that you should be able to get into at least one top tier school if your child is a good candidate. If they are not, then have faith in the expertise of your preschool staff and the admissions teams - if the result is your child landing somewhere they can thrive, they will have many doors open up at future entry points for top schools and/or colleges.

[Anonymous]

Too many families like yours (and ours) in the city. The chance is extremely low.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know four boys getting in last year. None of them is sibling or legacy. All from professional upper-middle class families. That completely changed how I see the private school admission

Thanks for sharing. Did they all go to "name" preschools?