Can High Schools see where else your child is applying?

[Anonymous]

My DS is applying to a few different catholic high schools in the area - local diocesan as well as non-diocesan. Will the high schools all know where else he has applied? I know the HSPT requires you to list the schools to which you want the scores sent. Anyone know whether the high schools will find out that we're applying everywhere because of this?

And if so, is there a way to communicate to the different schools that they are my DS's first choice? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

If I remember correctly, when your child takes the HSPT, there’s a spot for them to put their first choice.

[Anonymous]

Not OP, but do the schools see that they are first choice, or will they find out that another school is first choice?

[Anonymous]

Some applications do ask. Your child may be asked by their shadow or during interview. Some schools use the same financial aid application and they can see as you have to add the schools.

[Anonymous]

You want to tell every school that that school is your son’s first choice?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You want to tell every school that that school is your son’s first choice?

Haha, no. But, I am wondering if a school knowing that they're not my son's first choice will make a difference toward admission, if he's on the cusp? Or, if it's an issue (we haven't taken the HSPT yet), if being the listed as "first choice" might impact any possible scholarship chances? It seems like the Diocesan schools will automatically give monetary scholarships if he gets above the 95%. But, it seems like the non-Diocesan have more fluid qualifications for scholarships.

[Anonymous]

St. John's flat out asks you on the application where else you're applying, which feels like a trap. I'm guessing they'll likely bring it up in any interview as well.

[Anonymous]

Every school DS applied to asked that Q flat out. St. John’s doesn’t do interviews.

[Anonymous]

Most schools ask on the application what other schools you are applying to. They also know that applying to multiple schools is totally normal. It won’t rule you out. Most kids coming from a K-8 apply to the same mix of 3 or 4 schools. It probably looks more weird if you are applying to only one.

That being said, if a school is your first choice, don’t be afraid to let that school know why is a perfect fit for your DC!

[Anonymous]

I heard stories about schools telling middle school principles if they could get student XYZ to withdraw application to ABC school, they would get in. Otherwise, they would be waitlisted. They know where you’re applying. You can say something in the essay about why a certain school is the top choice.