Anyone have DC move off a waitlist?

[Anonymous]

But I can guarantee you there were parents on the playdates, at the open houses, etc, who made it clear that their kid was only going to a Big 3.

So, did they all get in?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:But I can guarantee you there were parents on the playdates, at the open houses, etc, who made it clear that their kid was only going to a Big 3.

So, did they all get in?

A few did, but not all. Or I didn't remember them. A few who still stick in my mind did not get in, but perhaps they got into the "Big 1" - ha! We'll see this fall when the next DC starts K.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't see why people get so bent out of shape about the term "big 3." It's short and descriptive, and everyone always knows what you mean (except for the 1-2 people who like to debate whether it's Maret or GDS that's part of the group). I don't think anyone who uses the term is implying that other schools are any lesser, and indeed I often see people on DCUM that use "big 3" as a pejorative insult.

It's sort of like if I were to rant about how stupid and offensive it is to call this board "DCUM" when in reality the name is "DCUMAD," and complain that leaving off "AD" (and Dads) excludes half the parents. Well, sure the name is DCUMAD, but that's too many letters to type, and everyone knows what I mean anyway, and life's too short to get mad about stuff like that.

Those who dislike "big 3" (or "DCUM") may have good reasons, but you're fighting the tide here.

Oh god, I do get so irritated when folks use DCUM and write off all the ADs who also post here. Such disrespect. Unbelievable.

While I chuckle at Big 3 or the Urbanbaby equivalent of TT for top tier, most folks do grok the handful of schools to which people are referring when posters use those labels. My DC are at a Big 3. We would've been happy for them to attend any of the schools (e.g., Beauvoir, GDS, Maret, NPS, Sheridan, etc) to which we applied when they were going through the app process. But I can guarantee you there were parents on the playdates, at the open houses, etc, who made it clear that their kid was only going to a Big 3. And they always mentioned the same schools -- well, frankly, I think it is the Big 4 now -- Cathedral schools, GDS, Maret and Sidwell. Some looked askance when we said our DC was applying to other schools, as if that was an admission of weakness on the part of our kid's candidacy.

FWIW, I will continue to use Big 3/4. I assume the schools comprising that may change or expand over time. Until then, Big 3 (4).

Some of the Virginia privates actually have stronger national reputations (and exmissions) than a couple of your Big 3 (4) schools, but that tends to get overlooked on this board (probably b/c this is "DC Urban Mom's"... maybe we need a VAUM&D!)

[Anonymous]

Totally agree, PP. I'd choose Holton or Madeira for a girl well before NCS, but this discussion is very focused on city schools. And for co-ed I'd head to Episcopal or Potomac well before Maret and GDS. Sidwell and St.A would be on my list, though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:back to the original question, I have a friend whose kid got into Sidwell off the waitlist for pre-k.

Good for them -- I thought Sidwell did not get to the waitlist this year........