Admissions Process Sidwell vs. GDS vs. Maret

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Would you walk away from an acceptance at Harvard because some chuckle head in the admissions office was a turn off?

DC is going through the college application process and while she hasn't had this precise question put to her, she has been turned off by a few schools because of the attitude of admissions and the folks giving the tour. Its just one factor but why push yourself to look past a terrible first impression when there are colleges out there that have terrific academics and make a great first impression? Sure, the schools that were a turnoff probably have some great things going for them but DC had no incentive to dig for them when faced with a host of schools that weren't such a turnoff.

Its not the only thing, but it matters. There are quite a few terrific schools in this area. Why would I send my DC to one that isn't welcoming?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Would you walk away from an acceptance at Harvard because some chuckle head in the admissions office was a turn off?

DC is going through the college application process and while she hasn't had this precise question put to her, she has been turned off by a few schools because of the attitude of admissions and the folks giving the tour. Its just one factor but why push yourself to look past a terrible first impression when there are colleges out there that have terrific academics and make a great first impression? Sure, the schools that were a turnoff probably have some great things going for them but DC had no incentive to dig for them when faced with a host of schools that weren't such a turnoff.

Its not the only thing, but it matters. There are quite a few terrific schools in this area. Why would I send my DC to one that isn't welcoming?

Then go to a college where you are happy. There are plenty who will be glad your daughter is stepping aside. Less competition. Same goes for GDS, Sidwell, and Maret. The people who overlook the crappy admissions people to get to the top academics are where they want to be. May your daughter find her niche.

[Anonymous]

At the end of the day, these schools are service providers. Poor admissions staff does reflect poorly on a school. Also makes one wonder about the rest of the experience. I interview for my prep school and we are explicitly instructed to ensure everyone who interviews as a good experience, regardless of the result.
No way we would pay for that kind of service.

[Anonymous]

It's the parents that are turned off by the process. Kids see things with different eyes.

[Anonymous]

Kids are not stupid. They have a pretty good sense about a lack of authenticity, even if they can't necessarily articulate it. Not clear to me though that many parents would actually listen.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's the parents that are turned off by the process. Kids see things with different eyes.

Very true. My kid hated Sidwell after the shadow visit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's the parents that are turned off by the process. Kids see things with different eyes.

Very true. My kid hated Sidwell after the shadow visit.

But another kid loved it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's the parents that are turned off by the process. Kids see things with different eyes.

Very true. My kid hated Sidwell after the shadow visit.

This board would make you think there are no children or parents who like Sidwell. Not true. Go visit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's the parents that are turned off by the process. Kids see things with different eyes.

Very true. My kid hated Sidwell after the shadow visit.

But another kid loved it.

Of course. It's a fit for some, not for others. By 9th grade kids have a pretty good sense of what they like.

[Anonymous]

'While we're on the admission subject - my DC and I was approached by one of the school's above athletic coach who was on a recruiting mission. My DC speaks 3 languages including english, is an excellent athlete as well as being academically ('gifted' program) strong. We are currently in public school. This coach wants my DC to play for the school and think there's college potential. We will have to apply for financial aid as we cannot afford the tuition on our salary. However, we don't like the idea of being financial aid recipients. I have lurk here enough to know better, we don't want our kid to be the financial aid kid. The coach have asked us to think about it, it sounds as admission wouldn't be a problem, but being in an environment where we are not in equal footing would be an issue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone speak to their experience with the admissions process for these three schools? If you applied to more than one, what were the differences? How do you think your child did on their personal interview? Was your child accepted/not accepted? Were you surprised either way?

If I remember correctly, there is no parents interview at Maret, which is a big relief for me. We are just working parents who can not add any glory to DC's application.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone speak to their experience with the admissions process for these three schools? If you applied to more than one, what were the differences? How do you think your child did on their personal interview? Was your child accepted/not accepted? Were you surprised either way?

If I remember correctly, there is no parents interview at Maret, which is a big relief for me. We are just working parents who can not add any glory to DC's application.

We had a parents interview at Maret. It followed DCs interview and she gave some feedback on DCs interview and asked some questions about DC. It was a good 30 minutes. It wasn't an interview about us though, it was about DC. This was about 3 years ago so maybe they've changed it but I am pretty sure it was a mandatory part of the process then.

[Anonymous]

Maret interviews parents - definitely at the middle and high school level. It was not grueling or awkward in the Keats, it was all about the kid.

[Anonymous]

I meant in the least!

[Anonymous]

To PP above, Sidwell is recruiting athletes, especially girls. And they give much FA, so I wouldn't feel bad about accepting that. Our issue is DD is doing great at another reasonably comparable private ... Suspect we will hold steady and not approach the process after reading this thread. Who needs the annoyance if you have other options (as most people with a prayer if admission do ...).