Struggling between GDS, Sidwell and "safety school"

[Anonymous]

DD is having s hard time deciding where to go for highschool. Thrilled she got into GDS and Sidwell, not really considering her 3rd choice which she was also admitted to. We are torn and wondering if 3rd choice just may be better---less stress, maybe easier to standout academically. Do these things matter when college rolls around? I know it's crazy to think of college now, but is it better to come from a big name school like GDS or Sidwell....or to be a big fish in a little pond at a smaller, less prestigious school.

[Anonymous]

Go with GDS. Doesn't have to be stressful and great college admissions.

[Anonymous]

Sidwell's admissions are much better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DD is having s hard time deciding where to go for highschool. Thrilled she got into GDS and Sidwell, not really considering her 3rd choice which she was also admitted to. We are torn and wondering if 3rd choice just may be better---less stress, maybe easier to standout academically. Do these things matter when college rolls around? I know it's crazy to think of college now, but is it better to come from a big name school like GDS or Sidwell....or to be a big fish in a little pond at a smaller, less prestigious school.

Assuming the third school you didn't name is Maret?

[Anonymous]

From college standpoint prob better to come from gds and sidwell can always change the other way if too much

[Anonymous]

Why is Sidwell so secretive about their college placement?

[Anonymous]

i think there's a lot to be said for being a big fish in a small pond. Too many parents here buy into the hype.

[Anonymous]

Maret is no one's safety.

[Anonymous]

I'm in Baltimore but my DC ended up opting for what was behind door #3. Now a junior, it's been transformative. True balance between academics, extra-curricular, and free time. Newfound confidence and great relationships with teachers, top of the class without killing themself, and strong test scores. Now poised to be a competitive applicant to any college, and high school has been a pleasure rather than a pressure cooker. I would encourage you to choose the school that you and DC feel is the best fit, not necessarily the most selective or prestigious. Kids should have the chance to enjoy childhood

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maret is no one's safety.

Absolutely false. It is primarily a back up. Current parents spin it as highly selective, but that is just a function of its small size and correspondingly small number of admits.

It is simply too small (facilities, sports teams, financial aid) to have critical mass compete with the elite schools. I understand you will try to convince yourself otherwise but please don't mislead anybody looking to these boards for actual information.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maret is no one's safety.

Absolutely false. It is primarily a back up. Current parents spin it as highly selective, but that is just a function of its small size and correspondingly small number of admits.

It is simply too small (facilities, sports teams, financial aid) to have critical mass compete with the elite schools. I understand you will try to convince yourself otherwise but please don't mislead anybody looking to these boards for actual information.

Ha! That's funny.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm in Baltimore but my DC ended up opting for what was behind door #3. Now a junior, it's been transformative. True balance between academics, extra-curricular, and free time. Newfound confidence and great relationships with teachers, top of the class without killing themself, and strong test scores. Now poised to be a competitive applicant to any college, and high school has been a pleasure rather than a pressure cooker. I would encourage you to choose the school that you and DC feel is the best fit, not necessarily the most selective or prestigious. Kids should have the chance to enjoy childhood

I'd love to know what Baltimore school fits this description! Calvert Hall? Boys Latin?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sidwell's admissions are much better.

But it is stressful and competitive as heck.

[Anonymous]

OP here. #3 is not Maret.

[Anonymous]

Consider door #3. Wish I'd succeeded in talking DC into doing so but she was a lifer, Which meant deciding to opt out rather than deciding not to opt in.

Too many high-performing kids are miserable Sidwell and GDS. Workload/pressure is insane for kids who try to take the most challenging courses and always do their best. Why we create/support schools that take really smart hard-working kids and make them feel chronically deficient is beyond me.