How do schools know HHI?

[Anonymous]

In a competetive admissions environment, there are few applicant families that don't try to look for opportunities to improve their odds. The OP is aware that in this recession, many families that were paying full tuition are no longer doing so. It so happens that admissions offices do like to know what they can expect. (And if life throws the family a curve down the road, they help out).

Schools are also trying hard to engage grandparents in school life, so I see nothing wrong with asking during the parent interview if there are opportunities for grandparents (of admitted students) to visit or volunteer. An admissions officer on top of her game is going to pursue that line of discussion by asking questions about grandpa. "Oh, do they live close?" That's when you can say, "we're so grateful that our child's grandparents are providing her education. We hope that they'll feel a part of the community so that they can get to know the program firsthand."

[Anonymous]

PP, I have to say, what you are proposing is: 1) unnecessary; and 2) a bad idea. For one thing, if you don't apply for financial aid, the school assumes you can pay, and frankly they don't care who is paying as long as it's not them. Second, if you say that, you will look like an idiot. Seriously.

[Anonymous]

Agree with PP.

OP: Take. This. Advice. Seriously.

[Anonymous]

It is not unusual for tuition to be paid from family educational trust funds or by grandparents. We do not care what the name is on the check. Many grandparents do like to see the school and approve of the choices. They often volunteer and become active in the school. We appreciate them very much.

[Anonymous]

OP, the idea that you being able to pay for private school is, um, something special is, um, pretty stupid. If the grandparents known in DC and are ready to pony up five figure donations, by all means drop the name in your interview. But frankly, hearing that the grandparents are paying makes you a LESS likely, not more likely, development target.

[Anonymous]

Totally agree pp. Having tutition paid for by grandparents has put us on a different annual fund track from other parents (from what I can tell from playground gossip). A relief actually!