Is there a strategic advantage/disadvantage in applying two siblings at one time to schools?

[drein]

For school year, 09-10, I will have a rising 1st and 2nd grader that I will seek placement for in area private schools. They are currently in a Montessori program that ends in 3rd grade. Am I disadvantaged by submitting two applications? Should I only submit for the oldest and hold out for the sibling preference the following year?

[Anonymous]

I think some people see it as demonstrating commitment to the school you are applying to and that you truly view it as a first choice for your family.

[Anonymous]

I was in the same situation. I talked to several admission people and to my surprise they said multiple children are easier to get admitted because it shows a commitment to the school. They also said that multiple children indicate a higher probablity that the children will enroll if accepted (yield rate) which is an issue a lot of schools are dealing with now. Also, the fact that you are applying from another private school helps your children get admitted as it shows your commitment to private schools.

[jhuber]

I cannot think of a disadvantage to having both children apply in the same year, vs. waiting a year for the second child.

[Anonymous]

On the other hand, the school will need 2 places. and will need to like both kids.
You will hardly hear that one got in and the other did not

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:On the other hand, the school will need 2 places. and will need to like both kids.
You will hardly hear that one got in and the other did not

Actually, that can and does happen.