Are people secretive about their FA status at your private school?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Every time there is a discussion like this on DC UM, I think it misses the central point of F A. Private schools select their students based on a number of criteria. Without financial aid they could not attract the quality of students they want to have in their schools. Most private schools believe having a versus group of students including economically diverse students, benefits everyone in the school. They also want to attract students who have a lot of ability are hard-working and contribute to their communities. Also, they want to have students from variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds because it enhances the educational opportunities of the school. So they use financial aid to recruit students who help the school reach these goals. Without such students they would not be able to send so many kids to the top colleges and therefore their reputations would falter. Since it is up to them to choose their students they may use whatever criteria they choose. But most rely on a very sophisticated analysis of a family's ability to pay. That being said my families experience is that they award generous financial aid and increase it if necessary, if the student is doing exceptionally well at the school and is contributing to the school community through leadership and other activities. I believe my kids are helping their school and I am thankful but not embarrassed that they receive financial aid.

Wow, this is a pretty amazing rationalization of FA. Be honest with yourself - it's an affirmative action, borderline quota system to get URM into good private schools. It exists because a bunch of liberal, wealthy white parents decided to create it. If they turned off the FA tap tomorrow, populations would revert what they were in the 50's and 60's. And if another child with your identical SES applied and was white, they'd have virtually no chance of getting in.

OP here: I am white. So my kid got FA not because of any quota system, but becuase of who he his.... he is unusually talented in one area ( not sports), highly gifted, and is extremely compassionate. He always goes the extra mile to help kids who are struggling. Many his elementary teachers have remarked on this and I am sure they emphasized it in their recommendations. After his interview the admissions director told me that he struck her unusally kind. So they took him and gave us a lot of aid, otherwise he could not attend. And he spends a lot of time on activities which bring the school community together. Sure there are many, many applicants to these schools who could do the work academcially, but the top schools are looking at the whole child, especially the child's character. Ofcourse they recruit minority kids. Thank goodness. Some of these kids are full pay. There are many successful black, Latino, Asian, etc. people in this area. I would not send my child to a school that is not diverse. And in the 2016 garduating class and most of my son's black friends are going to Ivies, so that really helps school's reputation. Your child may be wonderful, but your attitude would seep out during the parental interviews. Be honest with yourself, you may be holding your child back.

[Anonymous]

^^^Thank you for this! So tired of being the voice of reason and people assume it's just because I'm AA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Every time there is a discussion like this on DC UM, I think it misses the central point of F A. Private schools select their students based on a number of criteria. Without financial aid they could not attract the quality of students they want to have in their schools. Most private schools believe having a versus group of students including economically diverse students, benefits everyone in the school. They also want to attract students who have a lot of ability are hard-working and contribute to their communities. Also, they want to have students from variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds because it enhances the educational opportunities of the school. So they use financial aid to recruit students who help the school reach these goals. Without such students they would not be able to send so many kids to the top colleges and therefore their reputations would falter. Since it is up to them to choose their students they may use whatever criteria they choose. But most rely on a very sophisticated analysis of a family's ability to pay. That being said my families experience is that they award generous financial aid and increase it if necessary, if the student is doing exceptionally well at the school and is contributing to the school community through leadership and other activities. I believe my kids are helping their school and I am thankful but not embarrassed that they receive financial aid.

Wow, this is a pretty amazing rationalization of FA. Be honest with yourself - it's an affirmative action, borderline quota system to get URM into good private schools. It exists because a bunch of liberal, wealthy white parents decided to create it. If they turned off the FA tap tomorrow, populations would revert what they were in the 50's and 60's. And if another child with your identical SES applied and was white, they'd have virtually no chance of getting in.

OP here: I am white. So my kid got FA not because of any quota system, but becuase of who he his.... he is unusually talented in one area ( not sports), highly gifted, and is extremely compassionate. He always goes the extra mile to help kids who are struggling. Many his elementary teachers have remarked on this and I am sure they emphasized it in their recommendations. After his interview the admissions director told me that he struck her unusally kind. So they took him and gave us a lot of aid, otherwise he could not attend. And he spends a lot of time on activities which bring the school community together. Sure there are many, many applicants to these schools who could do the work academcially, but the top schools are looking at the whole child, especially the child's character. Ofcourse they recruit minority kids. Thank goodness. Some of these kids are full pay. There are many successful black, Latino, Asian, etc. people in this area. I would not send my child to a school that is not diverse. And in the 2016 garduating class and most of my son's black friends are going to Ivies, so that really helps school's reputation. Your child may be wonderful, but your attitude would seep out during the parental interviews. Be honest with yourself, you may be holding your child back.

Entitled much?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Every time there is a discussion like this on DC UM, I think it misses the central point of F A. Private schools select their students based on a number of criteria. Without financial aid they could not attract the quality of students they want to have in their schools. Most private schools believe having a versus group of students including economically diverse students, benefits everyone in the school. They also want to attract students who have a lot of ability are hard-working and contribute to their communities. Also, they want to have students from variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds because it enhances the educational opportunities of the school. So they use financial aid to recruit students who help the school reach these goals. Without such students they would not be able to send so many kids to the top colleges and therefore their reputations would falter. Since it is up to them to choose their students they may use whatever criteria they choose. But most rely on a very sophisticated analysis of a family's ability to pay. That being said my families experience is that they award generous financial aid and increase it if necessary, if the student is doing exceptionally well at the school and is contributing to the school community through leadership and other activities. I believe my kids are helping their school and I am thankful but not embarrassed that they receive financial aid.

Wow, this is a pretty amazing rationalization of FA. Be honest with yourself - it's an affirmative action, borderline quota system to get URM into good private schools. It exists because a bunch of liberal, wealthy white parents decided to create it. If they turned off the FA tap tomorrow, populations would revert what they were in the 50's and 60's. And if another child with your identical SES applied and was white, they'd have virtually no chance of getting in.

OP here: I am white. So my kid got FA not because of any quota system, but becuase of who he his.... he is unusually talented in one area ( not sports), highly gifted, and is extremely compassionate. He always goes the extra mile to help kids who are struggling. Many his elementary teachers have remarked on this and I am sure they emphasized it in their recommendations. After his interview the admissions director told me that he struck her unusally kind. So they took him and gave us a lot of aid, otherwise he could not attend. And he spends a lot of time on activities which bring the school community together. Sure there are many, many applicants to these schools who could do the work academcially, but the top schools are looking at the whole child, especially the child's character. Ofcourse they recruit minority kids. Thank goodness. Some of these kids are full pay. There are many successful black, Latino, Asian, etc. people in this area. I would not send my child to a school that is not diverse. And in the 2016 garduating class and most of my son's black friends are going to Ivies, so that really helps school's reputation. Your child may be wonderful, but your attitude would seep out during the parental interviews. Be honest with yourself, you may be holding your child back.

Funny the OP said starting K @ Big 3, so you either aren't the op or you are just making stuff up, cause in the this post you've jumped to HS graduation. That is one smart kid! And you identify his friends as his 'black' friends? Aren't they just his friends? Little micro-aggression there. And I like how you finish with the veiled threat - little thought police action. This post has it all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Every time there is a discussion like this on DC UM, I think it misses the central point of F A. Private schools select their students based on a number of criteria. Without financial aid they could not attract the quality of students they want to have in their schools. Most private schools believe having a versus group of students including economically diverse students, benefits everyone in the school. They also want to attract students who have a lot of ability are hard-working and contribute to their communities. Also, they want to have students from variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds because it enhances the educational opportunities of the school. So they use financial aid to recruit students who help the school reach these goals. Without such students they would not be able to send so many kids to the top colleges and therefore their reputations would falter. Since it is up to them to choose their students they may use whatever criteria they choose. But most rely on a very sophisticated analysis of a family's ability to pay. That being said my families experience is that they award generous financial aid and increase it if necessary, if the student is doing exceptionally well at the school and is contributing to the school community through leadership and other activities. I believe my kids are helping their school and I am thankful but not embarrassed that they receive financial aid.

Wow, this is a pretty amazing rationalization of FA. Be honest with yourself - it's an affirmative action, borderline quota system to get URM into good private schools. It exists because a bunch of liberal, wealthy white parents decided to create it. If they turned off the FA tap tomorrow, populations would revert what they were in the 50's and 60's. And if another child with your identical SES applied and was white, they'd have virtually no chance of getting in.

OP here: I am white. So my kid got FA not because of any quota system, but becuase of who he his.... he is unusually talented in one area ( not sports), highly gifted, and is extremely compassionate. He always goes the extra mile to help kids who are struggling. Many his elementary teachers have remarked on this and I am sure they emphasized it in their recommendations. After his interview the admissions director told me that he struck her unusally kind. So they took him and gave us a lot of aid, otherwise he could not attend. And he spends a lot of time on activities which bring the school community together. Sure there are many, many applicants to these schools who could do the work academcially, but the top schools are looking at the whole child, especially the child's character. Ofcourse they recruit minority kids. Thank goodness. Some of these kids are full pay. There are many successful black, Latino, Asian, etc. people in this area. I would not send my child to a school that is not diverse. And in the 2016 garduating class and most of my son's black friends are going to Ivies, so that really helps school's reputation. Your child may be wonderful, but your attitude would seep out during the parental interviews. Be honest with yourself, you may be holding your child back.

Funny the OP said starting K @ Big 3, so you either aren't the op or you are just making stuff up, cause in the this post you've jumped to HS graduation. That is one smart kid! And you identify his friends as his 'black' friends? Aren't they just his friends? Little micro-aggression there. And I like how you finish with the veiled threat - little thought police action. This post has it all.

So I'm the actual OP...I assume this poster meant "PP." But maybe it's a troll.
I can't call it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Every time there is a discussion like this on DC UM, I think it misses the central point of F A. Private schools select their students based on a number of criteria. Without financial aid they could not attract the quality of students they want to have in their schools. Most private schools believe having a versus group of students including economically diverse students, benefits everyone in the school. They also want to attract students who have a lot of ability are hard-working and contribute to their communities. Also, they want to have students from variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds because it enhances the educational opportunities of the school. So they use financial aid to recruit students who help the school reach these goals. Without such students they would not be able to send so many kids to the top colleges and therefore their reputations would falter. Since it is up to them to choose their students they may use whatever criteria they choose. But most rely on a very sophisticated analysis of a family's ability to pay. That being said my families experience is that they award generous financial aid and increase it if necessary, if the student is doing exceptionally well at the school and is contributing to the school community through leadership and other activities. I believe my kids are helping their school and I am thankful but not embarrassed that they receive financial aid.

Wow, this is a pretty amazing rationalization of FA. Be honest with yourself - it's an affirmative action, borderline quota system to get URM into good private schools. It exists because a bunch of liberal, wealthy white parents decided to create it. If they turned off the FA tap tomorrow, populations would revert what they were in the 50's and 60's. And if another child with your identical SES applied and was white, they'd have virtually no chance of getting in.

OP here: I am white. So my kid got FA not because of any quota system, but becuase of who he his.... he is unusually talented in one area ( not sports), highly gifted, and is extremely compassionate. He always goes the extra mile to help kids who are struggling. Many his elementary teachers have remarked on this and I am sure they emphasized it in their recommendations. After his interview the admissions director told me that he struck her unusally kind. So they took him and gave us a lot of aid, otherwise he could not attend. And he spends a lot of time on activities which bring the school community together. Sure there are many, many applicants to these schools who could do the work academcially, but the top schools are looking at the whole child, especially the child's character. Ofcourse they recruit minority kids. Thank goodness. Some of these kids are full pay. There are many successful black, Latino, Asian, etc. people in this area. I would not send my child to a school that is not diverse. And in the 2016 garduating class and most of my son's black friends are going to Ivies, so that really helps school's reputation. Your child may be wonderful, but your attitude would seep out during the parental interviews. Be honest with yourself, you may be holding your child back.

Entitled much?

OP - your magical thinking is both impressive and laughable. In your world, the FA kids have a monopoly on talent and intelligence and kindness. But maybe it is true? Cause we are high earners, super educated and have amazingly bright kids that go to PUBLIC SCHOOL. As do all of the other bright kids of Super achievers in our neighborhood. The private schools get the social wanna-bes who's grandparents pay for it and the smart kids who have poor parents. The public schools get the smart kids whose parents can afford a good neighborhood.

[Anonymous]

Whose not who's

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Every time there is a discussion like this on DC UM, I think it misses the central point of F A. Private schools select their students based on a number of criteria. Without financial aid they could not attract the quality of students they want to have in their schools. Most private schools believe having a versus group of students including economically diverse students, benefits everyone in the school. They also want to attract students who have a lot of ability are hard-working and contribute to their communities. Also, they want to have students from variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds because it enhances the educational opportunities of the school. So they use financial aid to recruit students who help the school reach these goals. Without such students they would not be able to send so many kids to the top colleges and therefore their reputations would falter. Since it is up to them to choose their students they may use whatever criteria they choose. But most rely on a very sophisticated analysis of a family's ability to pay. That being said my families experience is that they award generous financial aid and increase it if necessary, if the student is doing exceptionally well at the school and is contributing to the school community through leadership and other activities. I believe my kids are helping their school and I am thankful but not embarrassed that they receive financial aid.

Wow, this is a pretty amazing rationalization of FA. Be honest with yourself - it's an affirmative action, borderline quota system to get URM into good private schools. It exists because a bunch of liberal, wealthy white parents decided to create it. If they turned off the FA tap tomorrow, populations would revert what they were in the 50's and 60's. And if another child with your identical SES applied and was white, they'd have virtually no chance of getting in.

OP here: I am white. So my kid got FA not because of any quota system, but becuase of who he his.... he is unusually talented in one area ( not sports), highly gifted, and is extremely compassionate. He always goes the extra mile to help kids who are struggling. Many his elementary teachers have remarked on this and I am sure they emphasized it in their recommendations. After his interview the admissions director told me that he struck her unusally kind. So they took him and gave us a lot of aid, otherwise he could not attend. And he spends a lot of time on activities which bring the school community together. Sure there are many, many applicants to these schools who could do the work academcially, but the top schools are looking at the whole child, especially the child's character. Ofcourse they recruit minority kids. Thank goodness. Some of these kids are full pay. There are many successful black, Latino, Asian, etc. people in this area. I would not send my child to a school that is not diverse. And in the 2016 garduating class and most of my son's black friends are going to Ivies, so that really helps school's reputation. Your child may be wonderful, but your attitude would seep out during the parental interviews. Be honest with yourself, you may be holding your child back.

Entitled much?

OP - your magical thinking is both impressive and laughable. In your world, the FA kids have a monopoly on talent and intelligence and kindness. But maybe it is true? Cause we are high earners, super educated and have amazingly bright kids that go to PUBLIC SCHOOL. As do all of the other bright kids of Super achievers in our neighborhood. The private schools get the social wanna-bes who's grandparents pay for it and the smart kids who have poor parents. The public schools get the smart kids whose parents can afford a good neighborhood.

Yeah, but what if your great public school and school taxes become the piggy bank to fund the ESOL and Title 1 wave. That's what's happening in FCPS and MoCo. Jam 30 of your kids in a classroom, cause we need to fund more ESOL teachers on the other side of the county.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Every time there is a discussion like this on DC UM, I think it misses the central point of F A. Private schools select their students based on a number of criteria. Without financial aid they could not attract the quality of students they want to have in their schools. Most private schools believe having a versus group of students including economically diverse students, benefits everyone in the school. They also want to attract students who have a lot of ability are hard-working and contribute to their communities. Also, they want to have students from variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds because it enhances the educational opportunities of the school. So they use financial aid to recruit students who help the school reach these goals. Without such students they would not be able to send so many kids to the top colleges and therefore their reputations would falter. Since it is up to them to choose their students they may use whatever criteria they choose. But most rely on a very sophisticated analysis of a family's ability to pay. That being said my families experience is that they award generous financial aid and increase it if necessary, if the student is doing exceptionally well at the school and is contributing to the school community through leadership and other activities. I believe my kids are helping their school and I am thankful but not embarrassed that they receive financial aid.

Wow, this is a pretty amazing rationalization of FA. Be honest with yourself - it's an affirmative action, borderline quota system to get URM into good private schools. It exists because a bunch of liberal, wealthy white parents decided to create it. If they turned off the FA tap tomorrow, populations would revert what they were in the 50's and 60's. And if another child with your identical SES applied and was white, they'd have virtually no chance of getting in.

OP here: I am white. So my kid got FA not because of any quota system, but becuase of who he his.... he is unusually talented in one area ( not sports), highly gifted, and is extremely compassionate. He always goes the extra mile to help kids who are struggling. Many his elementary teachers have remarked on this and I am sure they emphasized it in their recommendations. After his interview the admissions director told me that he struck her unusally kind. So they took him and gave us a lot of aid, otherwise he could not attend. And he spends a lot of time on activities which bring the school community together. Sure there are many, many applicants to these schools who could do the work academcially, but the top schools are looking at the whole child, especially the child's character. Ofcourse they recruit minority kids. Thank goodness. Some of these kids are full pay. There are many successful black, Latino, Asian, etc. people in this area. I would not send my child to a school that is not diverse. And in the 2016 garduating class and most of my son's black friends are going to Ivies, so that really helps school's reputation. Your child may be wonderful, but your attitude would seep out during the parental interviews. Be honest with yourself, you may be holding your child back.

Entitled much?

OP - your magical thinking is both impressive and laughable. In your world, the FA kids have a monopoly on talent and intelligence and kindness. But maybe it is true? Cause we are high earners, super educated and have amazingly bright kids that go to PUBLIC SCHOOL. As do all of the other bright kids of Super achievers in our neighborhood. The private schools get the social wanna-bes who's grandparents pay for it and the smart kids who have poor parents. The public schools get the smart kids whose parents can afford a good neighborhood.

OK, so I am the OP and I did NOT post that comment. I have no idea why the person who did referred to herself as the OP. However, to address your point I am not a social wanna-bee and I'm also not poor. I think we all have concluded that being on FA in the private school world does not equate with poor. The public schools in my neighborhood (which is a good neighborhood) are simply not diverse and diversity is important to me. While the poster's comment may have irritated you, your comment in response was a bit childish and immature.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Every time there is a discussion like this on DC UM, I think it misses the central point of F A. Private schools select their students based on a number of criteria. Without financial aid they could not attract the quality of students they want to have in their schools. Most private schools believe having a versus group of students including economically diverse students, benefits everyone in the school. They also want to attract students who have a lot of ability are hard-working and contribute to their communities. Also, they want to have students from variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds because it enhances the educational opportunities of the school. So they use financial aid to recruit students who help the school reach these goals. Without such students they would not be able to send so many kids to the top colleges and therefore their reputations would falter. Since it is up to them to choose their students they may use whatever criteria they choose. But most rely on a very sophisticated analysis of a family's ability to pay. That being said my families experience is that they award generous financial aid and increase it if necessary, if the student is doing exceptionally well at the school and is contributing to the school community through leadership and other activities. I believe my kids are helping their school and I am thankful but not embarrassed that they receive financial aid.

Wow, this is a pretty amazing rationalization of FA. Be honest with yourself - it's an affirmative action, borderline quota system to get URM into good private schools. It exists because a bunch of liberal, wealthy white parents decided to create it. If they turned off the FA tap tomorrow, populations would revert what they were in the 50's and 60's. And if another child with your identical SES applied and was white, they'd have virtually no chance of getting in.

OP here: I am white. So my kid got FA not because of any quota system, but becuase of who he his.... he is unusually talented in one area ( not sports), highly gifted, and is extremely compassionate. He always goes the extra mile to help kids who are struggling. Many his elementary teachers have remarked on this and I am sure they emphasized it in their recommendations. After his interview the admissions director told me that he struck her unusally kind. So they took him and gave us a lot of aid, otherwise he could not attend. And he spends a lot of time on activities which bring the school community together. Sure there are many, many applicants to these schools who could do the work academcially, but the top schools are looking at the whole child, especially the child's character. Ofcourse they recruit minority kids. Thank goodness. Some of these kids are full pay. There are many successful black, Latino, Asian, etc. people in this area. I would not send my child to a school that is not diverse. And in the 2016 garduating class and most of my son's black friends are going to Ivies, so that really helps school's reputation. Your child may be wonderful, but your attitude would seep out during the parental interviews. Be honest with yourself, you may be holding your child back.

Entitled much?

OP - your magical thinking is both impressive and laughable. In your world, the FA kids have a monopoly on talent and intelligence and kindness. But maybe it is true? Cause we are high earners, super educated and have amazingly bright kids that go to PUBLIC SCHOOL. As do all of the other bright kids of Super achievers in our neighborhood. The private schools get the social wanna-bes who's grandparents pay for it and the smart kids who have poor parents. The public schools get the smart kids whose parents can afford a good neighborhood.

OK, so I am the OP and I did NOT post that comment. I have no idea why the person who did referred to herself as the OP. However, to address your point I am not a social wanna-bee and I'm also not poor. I think we all have concluded that being on FA in the private school world does not equate with poor. The public schools in my neighborhood (which is a good neighborhood) are simply not diverse and diversity is important to me. While the poster's comment may have irritated you, your comment in response was a bit childish and immature.

Funny enough, I find "impostor OP" to be much more "childish and immature" than previous PP, whose comments are pretty insightful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Every time there is a discussion like this on DC UM, I think it misses the central point of F A. Private schools select their students based on a number of criteria. Without financial aid they could not attract the quality of students they want to have in their schools. Most private schools believe having a versus group of students including economically diverse students, benefits everyone in the school. They also want to attract students who have a lot of ability are hard-working and contribute to their communities. Also, they want to have students from variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds because it enhances the educational opportunities of the school. So they use financial aid to recruit students who help the school reach these goals. Without such students they would not be able to send so many kids to the top colleges and therefore their reputations would falter. Since it is up to them to choose their students they may use whatever criteria they choose. But most rely on a very sophisticated analysis of a family's ability to pay. That being said my families experience is that they award generous financial aid and increase it if necessary, if the student is doing exceptionally well at the school and is contributing to the school community through leadership and other activities. I believe my kids are helping their school and I am thankful but not embarrassed that they receive financial aid.

Wow, this is a pretty amazing rationalization of FA. Be honest with yourself - it's an affirmative action, borderline quota system to get URM into good private schools. It exists because a bunch of liberal, wealthy white parents decided to create it. If they turned off the FA tap tomorrow, populations would revert what they were in the 50's and 60's. And if another child with your identical SES applied and was white, they'd have virtually no chance of getting in.

OP here: I am white. So my kid got FA not because of any quota system, but becuase of who he his.... he is unusually talented in one area ( not sports), highly gifted, and is extremely compassionate. He always goes the extra mile to help kids who are struggling. Many his elementary teachers have remarked on this and I am sure they emphasized it in their recommendations. After his interview the admissions director told me that he struck her unusally kind. So they took him and gave us a lot of aid, otherwise he could not attend. And he spends a lot of time on activities which bring the school community together. Sure there are many, many applicants to these schools who could do the work academcially, but the top schools are looking at the whole child, especially the child's character. Ofcourse they recruit minority kids. Thank goodness. Some of these kids are full pay. There are many successful black, Latino, Asian, etc. people in this area. I would not send my child to a school that is not diverse. And in the 2016 garduating class and most of my son's black friends are going to Ivies, so that really helps school's reputation. Your child may be wonderful, but your attitude would seep out during the parental interviews. Be honest with yourself, you may be holding your child back.

Entitled much?

OP - your magical thinking is both impressive and laughable. In your world, the FA kids have a monopoly on talent and intelligence and kindness. But maybe it is true? Cause we are high earners, super educated and have amazingly bright kids that go to PUBLIC SCHOOL. As do all of the other bright kids of Super achievers in our neighborhood. The private schools get the social wanna-bes who's grandparents pay for it and the smart kids who have poor parents. The public schools get the smart kids whose parents can afford a good neighborhood.

OK, so I am the OP and I did NOT post that comment. I have no idea why the person who did referred to herself as the OP. However, to address your point I am not a social wanna-bee and I'm also not poor. I think we all have concluded that being on FA in the private school world does not equate with poor. The public schools in my neighborhood (which is a good neighborhood) are simply not diverse and diversity is important to me. While the poster's comment may have irritated you, your comment in response was a bit childish and immature.

Funny enough, I find "impostor OP" to be much more "childish and immature" than previous PP, whose comments are pretty insightful.

You find it insightful to say something that's not accurate? There are a lot of public schools in "good neighborhoods" with social wanna-bees and not so bright kids. To suggest that there are no smart kids with parents who are not poor in private school is ridiculous and mean spirited.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Every time there is a discussion like this on DC UM, I think it misses the central point of F A. Private schools select their students based on a number of criteria. Without financial aid they could not attract the quality of students they want to have in their schools. Most private schools believe having a versus group of students including economically diverse students, benefits everyone in the school. They also want to attract students who have a lot of ability are hard-working and contribute to their communities. Also, they want to have students from variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds because it enhances the educational opportunities of the school. So they use financial aid to recruit students who help the school reach these goals. Without such students they would not be able to send so many kids to the top colleges and therefore their reputations would falter. Since it is up to them to choose their students they may use whatever criteria they choose. But most rely on a very sophisticated analysis of a family's ability to pay. That being said my families experience is that they award generous financial aid and increase it if necessary, if the student is doing exceptionally well at the school and is contributing to the school community through leadership and other activities. I believe my kids are helping their school and I am thankful but not embarrassed that they receive financial aid.

Wow, this is a pretty amazing rationalization of FA. Be honest with yourself - it's an affirmative action, borderline quota system to get URM into good private schools. It exists because a bunch of liberal, wealthy white parents decided to create it. If they turned off the FA tap tomorrow, populations would revert what they were in the 50's and 60's. And if another child with your identical SES applied and was white, they'd have virtually no chance of getting in.

OP here: I am white. So my kid got FA not because of any quota system, but becuase of who he his.... he is unusually talented in one area ( not sports), highly gifted, and is extremely compassionate. He always goes the extra mile to help kids who are struggling. Many his elementary teachers have remarked on this and I am sure they emphasized it in their recommendations. After his interview the admissions director told me that he struck her unusally kind. So they took him and gave us a lot of aid, otherwise he could not attend. And he spends a lot of time on activities which bring the school community together. Sure there are many, many applicants to these schools who could do the work academcially, but the top schools are looking at the whole child, especially the child's character. Ofcourse they recruit minority kids. Thank goodness. Some of these kids are full pay. There are many successful black, Latino, Asian, etc. people in this area. I would not send my child to a school that is not diverse. And in the 2016 garduating class and most of my son's black friends are going to Ivies, so that really helps school's reputation. Your child may be wonderful, but your attitude would seep out during the parental interviews. Be honest with yourself, you may be holding your child back.

Entitled much?

OP - your magical thinking is both impressive and laughable. In your world, the FA kids have a monopoly on talent and intelligence and kindness. But maybe it is true? Cause we are high earners, super educated and have amazingly bright kids that go to PUBLIC SCHOOL. As do all of the other bright kids of Super achievers in our neighborhood. The private schools get the social wanna-bes who's grandparents pay for it and the smart kids who have poor parents. The public schools get the smart kids whose parents can afford a good neighborhood.

OK, so I am the OP and I did NOT post that comment. I have no idea why the person who did referred to herself as the OP. However, to address your point I am not a social wanna-bee and I'm also not poor. I think we all have concluded that being on FA in the private school world does not equate with poor. The public schools in my neighborhood (which is a good neighborhood) are simply not diverse and diversity is important to me. While the poster's comment may have irritated you, your comment in response was a bit childish and immature.

Funny enough, I find "impostor OP" to be much more "childish and immature" than previous PP, whose comments are pretty insightful.

You find it insightful to say something that's not accurate? There are a lot of public schools in "good neighborhoods" with social wanna-bees and not so bright kids. To suggest that there are no smart kids with parents who are not poor in private school is ridiculous and mean spirited.

You are overreacting, and a bit confused. Those comments were very insightful AS A RESPONSE to "impostor OP" condescending remarks. It was a pretty effective counterargument, you'll have to admit.

Anyway, why don't we get back to the substance.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Every time there is a discussion like this on DC UM, I think it misses the central point of F A. Private schools select their students based on a number of criteria. Without financial aid they could not attract the quality of students they want to have in their schools. Most private schools believe having a versus group of students including economically diverse students, benefits everyone in the school. They also want to attract students who have a lot of ability are hard-working and contribute to their communities. Also, they want to have students from variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds because it enhances the educational opportunities of the school. So they use financial aid to recruit students who help the school reach these goals. Without such students they would not be able to send so many kids to the top colleges and therefore their reputations would falter. Since it is up to them to choose their students they may use whatever criteria they choose. But most rely on a very sophisticated analysis of a family's ability to pay. That being said my families experience is that they award generous financial aid and increase it if necessary, if the student is doing exceptionally well at the school and is contributing to the school community through leadership and other activities. I believe my kids are helping their school and I am thankful but not embarrassed that they receive financial aid.

Wow, this is a pretty amazing rationalization of FA. Be honest with yourself - it's an affirmative action, borderline quota system to get URM into good private schools. It exists because a bunch of liberal, wealthy white parents decided to create it. If they turned off the FA tap tomorrow, populations would revert what they were in the 50's and 60's. And if another child with your identical SES applied and was white, they'd have virtually no chance of getting in.

OP here: I am white. So my kid got FA not because of any quota system, but becuase of who he his.... he is unusually talented in one area ( not sports), highly gifted, and is extremely compassionate. He always goes the extra mile to help kids who are struggling. Many his elementary teachers have remarked on this and I am sure they emphasized it in their recommendations. After his interview the admissions director told me that he struck her unusally kind. So they took him and gave us a lot of aid, otherwise he could not attend. And he spends a lot of time on activities which bring the school community together. Sure there are many, many applicants to these schools who could do the work academcially, but the top schools are looking at the whole child, especially the child's character. Ofcourse they recruit minority kids. Thank goodness. Some of these kids are full pay. There are many successful black, Latino, Asian, etc. people in this area. I would not send my child to a school that is not diverse. And in the 2016 garduating class and most of my son's black friends are going to Ivies, so that really helps school's reputation. Your child may be wonderful, but your attitude would seep out during the parental interviews. Be honest with yourself, you may be holding your child back.

Entitled much?

OP - your magical thinking is both impressive and laughable. In your world, the FA kids have a monopoly on talent and intelligence and kindness. But maybe it is true? Cause we are high earners, super educated and have amazingly bright kids that go to PUBLIC SCHOOL. As do all of the other bright kids of Super achievers in our neighborhood. The private schools get the social wanna-bes who's grandparents pay for it and the smart kids who have poor parents. The public schools get the smart kids whose parents can afford a good neighborhood.

OK, so I am the OP and I did NOT post that comment. I have no idea why the person who did referred to herself as the OP. However, to address your point I am not a social wanna-bee and I'm also not poor. I think we all have concluded that being on FA in the private school world does not equate with poor. The public schools in my neighborhood (which is a good neighborhood) are simply not diverse and diversity is important to me. While the poster's comment may have irritated you, your comment in response was a bit childish and immature.

Funny enough, I find "impostor OP" to be much more "childish and immature" than previous PP, whose comments are pretty insightful.

You find it insightful to say something that's not accurate? There are a lot of public schools in "good neighborhoods" with social wanna-bees and not so bright kids. To suggest that there are no smart kids with parents who are not poor in private school is ridiculous and mean spirited.

You are overreacting, and a bit confused. Those comments were very insightful AS A RESPONSE to "impostor OP" condescending remarks. It was a pretty effective counterargument, you'll have to admit.

Anyway, why don't we get back to the substance.

Both comments are left field and I agree let's get back to substance. OP I don't think you need to run around tight lipped feeling like you are carrying a bug secret. However, I do think being a bit discreet about with whom and when you share your personal business with including, finances in that environment is wise.

[Anonymous]

Tell your friends if you want, who are the people who are asking how you are affording the school. But DO NOT tell other parents at the school. They will NOT be asking how you are affording tuition, so it will not come up in conversation. They most likely pay full tuition so they don't really want to hear it and it is bad manners.

[Anonymous]

Discussion of your finances, their finances - just not done in polite company. I don't care if it's your mortgage, your FA, etc.