waitlisted everywhere

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, I can only imagine how you must be feeling. I’m so sorry.
I personally would consider my public option rather than grovel for a spot at a school that didn’t really want my child.

Waitlist doesn't mean they don't want your child. They have far more applications then seats.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This happened to my kid a few years back and after calling around to see who has actual spots, we did a late round of applications. We also got feedback to understand what made the difference—turns out our kid had terrible shadow days. We prepped for the shadow days differently and they got in.

Would you mind sharing how you prepped for the shadow days? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Unfortunately aid matters, not sure that applies for you, but it’s much harder if you apply for aid.

[Anonymous]

OP: The good news is that when accepted, the decision will be quick & easy--no debating about multiple choices. Hang in there & keep the faith as everything will work out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We applied to 5 Schools. Waitlisted at all. Our K-8 admin team insists they can help and waitlists move. Love any words of encouragement. Also never ever go to a K-8 school. The worst outcome.

I’m sorry, OP. Your HOS will definitely help place your child for next year. This happened in my DCs class to someone and they ended up at Madeira (applied after decisions came out), but had to board. HOS will work hard to find you a spot.

Sorry, but that’s also a nutty outcome. To end up boarding when you didn’t want to?

Madeira is 50% day.

You didn’t read properly. Yes, it’s 50% day. The child was offered a boarding, not a day spot.

[Anonymous]

We got waitlisted at 2 schools we didn’t even interview at. That lets me know that a waitlist is a no some places.

[Anonymous]

I’m sorry OP. That stinks. I know it is a bit different, but we were waitlisted at all the schools we applied to last year for kindergarten. It’s crushing. I know our HOS went to bat for us and tried to get us in places…but I don’t think you can rely on the admin at your school entirely. My spouse and I went absolutely balls to the wall for 10 days working every angle we could think of. Ultimately we got 2 great offers, but it was a very stressful time. I’m fairly certain it was us and the outreach we did that got us in at the end, not our HOS. Tonight, I’d write personal emails to all 5 admissions directors and tell them they are your first choice and you would definitely attend if you were extended an offer. Take time on making the emails personal—point out what you admire at the school and why you think your kid would be a good fit there. Good luck…it’s hard!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We applied to 5 Schools. Waitlisted at all. Our K-8 admin team insists they can help and waitlists move. Love any words of encouragement. Also never ever go to a K-8 school. The worst outcome.

You are frustrated, and that is more than fair.

But don’t slander the K-8 model just because you are upset. K-12s have other down sides.

Things will settle over the next weeks and months. I’m certain your child will end up somewhere that is a good fit. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m sorry OP. That stinks. I know it is a bit different, but we were waitlisted at all the schools we applied to last year for kindergarten. It’s crushing. I know our HOS went to bat for us and tried to get us in places…but I don’t think you can rely on the admin at your school entirely. My spouse and I went absolutely balls to the wall for 10 days working every angle we could think of. Ultimately we got 2 great offers, but it was a very stressful time. I’m fairly certain it was us and the outreach we did that got us in at the end, not our HOS. Tonight, I’d write personal emails to all 5 admissions directors and tell them they are your first choice and you would definitely attend if you were extended an offer. Take time on making the emails personal—point out what you admire at the school and why you think your kid would be a good fit there. Good luck…it’s hard!!

You want them to lie and tell all five that they are the first choice? Sage advice.

[Anonymous]

Honestly, how do you KNOW your kid has “top” stats OP and others? Unless we’re talking about parochial schools, which I know nothing about, the usual suspect K-8s dont rank the kids or publish GPAs.

The other possibility here is that the kid im question did indeed throw a near-perfect SSAT and get all As. If so, and as a result you felt cocky and you applied only to GDS, Sidwell, NCS-STA, Potomac and Maret …. then it’s a little on you if you went 0/5. That was a risky move.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This happened to my kid a few years back and after calling around to see who has actual spots, we did a late round of applications. We also got feedback to understand what made the difference—turns out our kid had terrible shadow days. We prepped for the shadow days differently and they got in.

I'd be interested in hearing more about this if you'd be willing to share - what were DC's shortcomings, perceived or otherwise, and what did you do to prep differently?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, how do you KNOW your kid has “top” stats OP and others? Unless we’re talking about parochial schools, which I know nothing about, the usual suspect K-8s dont rank the kids or publish GPAs.

The other possibility here is that the kid im question did indeed throw a near-perfect SSAT and get all As. If so, and as a result you felt cocky and you applied only to GDS, Sidwell, NCS-STA, Potomac and Maret …. then it’s a little on you if you went 0/5. That was a risky move.

There is some truth here in that this thread is, although not worthless, it's almost so since we don't know what the 5 were that OP applied to.

[Anonymous]

Our DC was also waitlist for 9th from a k-8. I think it's important to remember that these schools are usually pretty good at predicting their "yields." They factor in to their decisions what percentage of kids will accept. Just because x amount of kids don't accept the spots doesn't means than an equal amount of kids will be accepted from the waitlist. It's far fewer. We're still hopeful. Good luck to everyone!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, how do you KNOW your kid has “top” stats OP and others? Unless we’re talking about parochial schools, which I know nothing about, the usual suspect K-8s dont rank the kids or publish GPAs.

The other possibility here is that the kid im question did indeed throw a near-perfect SSAT and get all As. If so, and as a result you felt cocky and you applied only to GDS, Sidwell, NCS-STA, Potomac and Maret …. then it’s a little on you if you went 0/5. That was a risky move.

They may prefer public over unless one of the schools listed above admits the child.

[Anonymous]

It sucks, OP, but it does happen sometimes. Unless you were completely unrealistic in your choices, rest assured your child will get in somewhere. That's what the outplacement team at your school is there fore.