Applications

[Anonymous]

What is up with so many essay-type questions on the independent school applications? Seven for GDS. Seven for Sidwell. Six for Maret. And there's very little overlap. And we haven't even gotten to the interview yet. Sure wish there was a common application. I can say that from reading previous threads, I am happy that Sidwell is no longer doing the parent statement during the playdate.

Anybody know the relative importance of the responses to these application questions?

[Anonymous]

I answered three sentences max. for those questions. It couldn't have taken more than 20 minutes.

[Anonymous]

having a long application helps weed out unmotivated people. Just like the high application fees. They don't want people to appy if they aren't really interested in the school, so these are ways to weed out people so they don't waste their time considering them.

[Anonymous]

I agonized for hours over the applications. DC was waitlisted at all the leading DC schools we applied to. Learn from my mistake!

[Anonymous]

Yes, I agonized over the questions as well. DC was only accepted at one school out of 6. I think the questions are important, but you need to keep your answers short and concise. No one wants to read a book about your child. But, then again, we only got into one school so maybe I'm wrong....

[Anonymous]

My son was only accepted to the one school which DIDN'T have essays (Beauvoir). So I must have really blown the essays.

[Anonymous]

I spent a lot of time on the essays. I tried to include some good detail and anecdotes in short answers. My child was accepted to 6 of 6, so I think the effort was worth it, even though it feels ridiculous to go through the exercise.

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

I also spent a great deal of time on my application forms - refining and proof reading and DC made it into all 6 of the schools we applied to including the "top three/four".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I also spent a great deal of time on my application forms - refining and proof reading and DC made it into all 6 of the schools we applied to including the "top three/four".

You should have spent more time here on your post. Proofreading is one word.

I am pretty sure the PP's post is meant to torment some panicky parents. I don't believe it's even true. In any event, in deference to the OP, I think useful advice is to answer thoughtfully, use the questions to provide as much of a glimpse into your child's learning style, and not worry.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like quite a few people apply to six or more schools? Is this the norm when thinking about private schools now adays? Which schools are people applying to besides the "big three/four"? Are there such things as "safety" schools like when you are applying to colleges?

[Anonymous]

First, the "big three" is a absolute misnomer and utterly ridiculous. There are way more than 3 excellent private schools in Washington. People even seem to argue on this board about which are the "big three." There are very few "safety schools" and one persons' "safety school" is often another's first choice. Pick a school that will woprk for your child and family. Apply to 3-4, that is usually a good number and will represent the ones most likely to suit you/your child.

[Anonymous]

Caveat to above: if you apply to only 3-4 schools and you are deadset on private school, make sure that at least one of them is not Beauvoir/Sidwell/Maret/GDS.

[Anonymous]

Could not agree more.

And three or four is about right in terms of applications. Do not be drawn into this DCUM "big three" hype. Can it possibly be that only 3 or 4 schools in the area are capable of educating children well? Rubbish. Enjoy learning about all of the wonderful schooling options available in this metro area.

[Anonymous]

It depends how comfortable you are with public school as a back-up. We applied to three schools (Sidwell, Maret, and Albans). Even though my child was a good candidate, there are no guarantees and I was prepared to stay in public school. He got in everywhere, but other equally qualified friends did not have such luck. Luck is a factor, so I would recommend you apply to enough schools to make you feel comfortable. There definitely are "safety schools." Several schools in the area do not even fill their classes each year. They continue to accept applications into the summer.

I agree that you should look at the right fit for your child. If it does not work out the first year, stick with public and reapply. As children grow up, the schools can more accurately assess your child's talents, motivation and learning style.