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

[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.

Prep has 45 boys on the Varsity lacrosse team and another 35 on the JV team. (Gprep.org/athletics)

There might be other private schools with a greater need for lacrosse players.

[Anonymous]

Agreed^^^^
He may want to apply to a weaker program, so that he has a chance to stand out on the lax team

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

I can't say about other schools but this is 100% accurate at Sidwell, St. Albans and Potomac. The issue is that there are generally less than five spots for 10th grade. Just about all of them are elite athletes with good academic records.

The schools can't accept a new student unless one leaves for whatever reason. They just can't create a new spot for your child. There are so many people in this area that can afford full pay without blinking an eye. Therefore, the odds are stacked against you at the so-called big three.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Yes my kids are at one of these schools and it is near impossible to get in after 9th. They technically will admit kids in 10th &11th but it is rare. Their graduation course requirements and everything are structured to begin in 9th. I think your son needs to have a strong answer prepared for why he didn’t apply in 9th or what he has found in 9th at his current school that has led him to look elsewhere now. If he did apply to the same schools and didn’t get in, that will actually strengthen his application as they like continued interest.

[Anonymous]

I think the issue is more the need for aid than finding a spot. Aid is already allocated do full pay student would have an easier time. Maybe they would find the money for a truly exceptional student that meet a need. No harm in applying but I would temper expectations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

No

[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.

Just a thought: apply to some less-strong lacrosse schools too. It might help if he could be an MVP versus if it was a stretch to make varsity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Just a thought: apply to some less-strong lacrosse schools too. It might help if he could be an MVP versus if it was a stretch to make varsity.

I agree with this. If you aren't being recruited for the sport (and most kids aren't) colleges don't know or care what league your high school team is in. If you manage to be captain and MVP of your team and win championships in your league, that all goes on the college resume. Beats listing benchwarmer for 4 years on a team that had other kids who were really good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Just a thought: apply to some less-strong lacrosse schools too. It might help if he could be an MVP versus if it was a stretch to make varsity.

I agree with this. If you aren't being recruited for the sport (and most kids aren't) colleges don't know or care what league your high school team is in. If you manage to be captain and MVP of your team and win championships in your league, that all goes on the college resume. Beats listing benchwarmer for 4 years on a team that had other kids who were really good.

Colleges have told my son they absolutely do not care about high school soccer. AT ALL. The 3 kids that committed at our high school this year, never played for our program...and it is very 'winning', but not quality.