Oyster exmissions

[Anonymous]

We are hoping to do Oyster for elem and then private for later on (definitely high school; most likely middle/jr high school too)
Are we setting ourselves up for a challenge down the road. I have heard English-dominant kids at Oyster kids dont get into Sidwell, for example. But what about other independent schools?

[Anonymous]

bump

[Anonymous]

Over the years, I've personally known Oyster students who've gone to Maret, NCS, Sidwell, GDS, Field, Landon, Burke, St. Anselm's and WIS.
The challenge is that you are competing with students from privates with heads of school and admissions directors who cultivate relationships with "target" schools, as well as students from Maryland and Virginia publics. (Sheridan, Lowell, St. Patrick's, Beauvoir.) Some of these privates prep their students, do interview role-playing as well as in-school SSAT prep. You are also dealing with the country club element, schools really do want power families and DC schools like Mann and Lafayette, both of which has strong exmissions.
Yes it's possible, DC's an Oyster alum, we're in private now, but you have to apply to lots of schools (six is the norm at places like Lowell) and know that despite what the schools tell you at open houses the SSAT is very important, at least at the more in-demand schools.