So what happens if you're accepted?

[Anonymous]

We're applying to a number of schools for our child this year. We were impressed with all of them and honestly haven't been able to decide which is our absolute first choice (if accepted). We were wondering what happens after an admission offer in general? Are you typically given another chance to tour the school? Does your child get a shadow visit or an additional shadow visit? We still don't feel that we "know" the schools after only one or two visits, although we're guessing that this may be all that we're going to get. We only know parents at one of the schools, so that's not going to be a helpful source for us...

[Anonymous]

It depends on the grade level some, I think. For Upper School (9-12), every school that I know of offers another shadow day opportunity. There's also usually a reception or event for admitted students that the parents attend also, so more opportunities to talk to current families and faculty. Usually the post-admissions shadow days help a lot.

If you're applying for a younger grade, and you specify the age level, others may be able to chime in with what is standard.

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Sorry, I should have specified the grade -- Middle School.

[Anonymous]

I've got some experience at the elementary level from volunteering to help with admissions events at my children's school over several years, and related discussions with the admissions team.

At my children's school, there are several parent volunteers who work hard to make themselves available to admitted families and answer any questions they might have. There is also one all-families event where you'll have a chance to talk to the admissions people, teachers, and lots of other parents. If you are unsure about your decision, definitely call the admissions team to ask for more feedback. In my experience, they are happy to set up additional conversations and meetings with whoever might help you make an informed decision - other parents, reps from particular groups, teachers, etc. My personal experience from talking to newly admitted families is that about 90% of parents seem confident in their decision, but about 10% need more info. Just ask for help, because the admissions team will be happy to help you with more info.

One caution - The admissions teams are under immense time pressure after the first wave of offers goes out, because they really need to know who is going to turn the school down, so they can go to the wait list quickly. So if you are uncertain, it really will help to convey that to the admissions team immediately and very directly, so they can get you the info you need to make a final decision. If you instead spend a week mulling your choices before contacting the admissions team to ask for more info, they will be less able to help you and might have less patience.

Good luck! It's a stressful process for everyone, even if you are lucky enough to have good choices.

[Anonymous]

While some people think the "waiting period" of Feb is the worst in my experience with one kid already thru the process and another half way through it, its the best time.

And our experience 2 years ago with 9th grader, the deciding was worse than the applying! So get ready.

One mistake we made was expecting him to make decision and pressuring him to do that. He was waiting until very last moment to even really think about it and was completely torn and was just going to randomly make the decision. Thats when we stepped in and laid out the pro and cons of each school.

The real problem is that you have a small window to make a decision and its hard to have your childs heart set on a school before they even get in (and what if they don't!).

In HS they do offer revisit days. And a nice reception to meet the other accepted parents and kids. I think its best to narrow down to 2 schools from accepted list. IF WL probably eliminate those schools.

Also don't expect other "friend" parents to help in decision. I found that weird because its hard to be neutral in opinions about schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've got some experience at the elementary level from volunteering to help with admissions events at my children's school over several years, and related discussions with the admissions team.

At my children's school, there are several parent volunteers who work hard to make themselves available to admitted families and answer any questions they might have. There is also one all-families event where you'll have a chance to talk to the admissions people, teachers, and lots of other parents. If you are unsure about your decision, definitely call the admissions team to ask for more feedback. In my experience, they are happy to set up additional conversations and meetings with whoever might help you make an informed decision - other parents, reps from particular groups, teachers, etc. My personal experience from talking to newly admitted families is that about 90% of parents seem confident in their decision, but about 10% need more info. Just ask for help, because the admissions team will be happy to help you with more info.

One caution - The admissions teams are under immense time pressure after the first wave of offers goes out, because they really need to know who is going to turn the school down, so they can go to the wait list quickly. So if you are uncertain, it really will help to convey that to the admissions team immediately and very directly, so they can get you the info you need to make a final decision. If you instead spend a week mulling your choices before contacting the admissions team to ask for more info, they will be less able to help you and might have less patience.

Good luck! It's a stressful process for everyone, even if you are lucky enough to have good choices.

Not the OP, but I wanted to say that this is such a helpful post. It's so nice to hear about the admissions side of things, and the information about timing is really great. It's good to remember that the schools are also under pressure to build a great class. Thanks for sharing this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not the OP, but I wanted to say that this is such a helpful post. It's so nice to hear about the admissions side of things, and the information about timing is really great. It's good to remember that the schools are also under pressure to build a great class. Thanks for sharing this.

Thanks for the kind words! I remember the process is stressful as a parent, and it's hard to get clear and unbiased guidance, so I hope this helps people.

[Anonymous]

This thread is highly informative. Kudos to those who have chimed in with such helpful information.

[Anonymous]

One note, do not let your child decide where they want to go to school. As parents it's ultimately up to you. In 8th grade I was allowed to decide and I chose the most comfortable path which was a school many of my friends also attended. My grade school was a feeder school. In hindsight, I wish I attended the school my parents wanted me to go to. I would have been much happier, less frustrated with the administration and allowed to reinvent myself as I matured. My younger sister attended the school my parents originally wanted me to attend, which is how I know it would have been a better fit. Hindsight is always 20/20!

[Anonymous]

Not the OP but this thread is so helpful. We applied to 3 places for middle school. I keep changing my mind about which school is our first choice. DS says he loved all of them. In my view, all our wonderful and a good fit with our philosophy but none are perfect. I've been compiling a list of questions to ask of each if we get accepted.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not the OP but this thread is so helpful. We applied to 3 places for middle school. I keep changing my mind about which school is our first choice. DS says he loved all of them. In my view, all our wonderful and a good fit with our philosophy but none are perfect. I've been compiling a list of questions to ask of each if we get accepted.

Oops. Meant to say "all are wonderful".

[Anonymous]

OP -- Thank you for the helpful responses! I must admit that our "favorite" school seems to be the one that w've most recently visited. Of the four, we've only managed to put one a little bit lower on the list, although I suppose the school's admissions decisions are going to play a large role in helping us select our favorite!

[Anonymous]

I know at Maret, for example, your child will be able to spend a day at the school and there is also an accepted family parent reception. I know spending the day was very affirming for my middle-schooler. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:?.....sually the post-admissions shadow days help a lot....

Good luck.

Are you sure about this?
There are post-admissions shadow to GP, GZA and SJC?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:?.....sually the post-admissions shadow days help a lot....

Good luck.

Are you sure about this?
There are post-admissions shadow to GP, GZA and SJC?

I would like to know this as well.