Timing of Playdates at Indep Schools

[Anonymous]

Any inside info on whether having the playdate scheduled earlier in the year versus later is indicative of what pool you are being put in (i.e. not likely to get in; possible; very interested in candidate) or is it all random? I think it might not be, but wondering if anyone has the scoop (Beauvoir/Sidwell/GDS). Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I think they tend to look at the siblings first, but other than that, it depends on when you get your applications in and when the playdates start (earlier at GDS than Maret, e.g.).

[Anonymous]

Once your application is in, they call and schedule you. The earlier applicants have first choice of playdates obviously. When I applied, I just took the next available, the one they offered. Then, when my child turned up sick that morning, I was able to call and re-schedule for one of the later test days. So earlier has an advantage if your child gets sick and you need to re-schedule.

[Anonymous]

Timing of your application is one factor, but another significant factor is your child's birthdate. Out of fairness to the children, schools may try to schedule younger children later in the cycle to allow them the maximum time to reach developmental milestones.