GDS Incoming 9th Grade to be much smaller

[Anonymous]

In case you all want one more mind blowing thing about GDS college process - they dont use naviance or SCOIR to show you or your kid data on GPA/test scores that have historically worked for GDS kids who got admitted.

Basically every other peer school uses some form of data to inform list building. GDS uses zero data. They have the data, but the CCO refuses to share w/ kids or parents.

Instead they always say that the "kids should trust their hearts" or they use really oblique language like "I'd think about some other choices if you want" - 17 year olds dont hear that well

One of the key things you need as a parent is guidance from the CCO as to what test scores and GPAs have worked in the last 2-3 years from GDS to that particular university. And GDS is unique - and I mean unique in DC,NYC, and everywhere else I know private school or boarding school parents - in sharing zero data to inform the list making

So it becomes another thing where they think they are being more equitable by not making it all about numbers and making it "holistic" but in reality this stresses kids out more, leaves them in the dark, and worst case has them have lopsided lists that are too safety focused or too reachy and entirely lacking data

I get the data is less good these days with test optional but other than URM and very hooked VIP kids, almost all other GDS kids are expected by the colleges to take SAT/ACT and not submitting implies scores were bad.

Anyway couple the lack of data on list building with capping at 10 and you will know why 1/3rd of the senior class parents are done w/ the college office. Rot starts at the top there

Just wait when you start having the 10th grade zooms where they tell you to relax and that it's all gonna be ok and the kids hearts will help them find the right path

And then every parent goes and hires outside counselors, essay readers, test tutors.

The one thing you cant hire on the outside is actual data on GPA and test scores that got admitted post-pandemic

And don't get me started on their mixed messaging on AP tests. They dropped the courses - we all know that. But they do offer the tests and until just 4 mos ago, the college office never talked about who should actually sit for AP tests

That was too late for the current seniors.

And then guess what? The GDS college profile they sent this year to all colleges for all applicants included top of the page in big font the AP test results from last year! After the college office told everyone to not bother to take the APs.

Awful awful communication and the worst part is they think they are helping de-stress.

Like so many things GDS, there is a culture of "safety-ism" - let me protect you from some un-named harm by not being transparent. They are the opposite of transparent and think they are doing god's work to help the kids and parents. Awful mix of factors

Posting all this so you 9th grade parents know what's coming

[Anonymous]

Yes, and I'll still drop my kid where I want to. So stop wasting your time standing on the corner with your dog for 20 min to watch. Walk the dog!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In case you all want one more mind blowing thing about GDS college process - they dont use naviance or SCOIR to show you or your kid data on GPA/test scores that have historically worked for GDS kids who got admitted.

Basically every other peer school uses some form of data to inform list building. GDS uses zero data. They have the data, but the CCO refuses to share w/ kids or parents.

Instead they always say that the "kids should trust their hearts" or they use really oblique language like "I'd think about some other choices if you want" - 17 year olds dont hear that well

One of the key things you need as a parent is guidance from the CCO as to what test scores and GPAs have worked in the last 2-3 years from GDS to that particular university. And GDS is unique - and I mean unique in DC,NYC, and everywhere else I know private school or boarding school parents - in sharing zero data to inform the list making

So it becomes another thing where they think they are being more equitable by not making it all about numbers and making it "holistic" but in reality this stresses kids out more, leaves them in the dark, and worst case has them have lopsided lists that are too safety focused or too reachy and entirely lacking data

I get the data is less good these days with test optional but other than URM and very hooked VIP kids, almost all other GDS kids are expected by the colleges to take SAT/ACT and not submitting implies scores were bad.

Anyway couple the lack of data on list building with capping at 10 and you will know why 1/3rd of the senior class parents are done w/ the college office. Rot starts at the top there

Just wait when you start having the 10th grade zooms where they tell you to relax and that it's all gonna be ok and the kids hearts will help them find the right path

And then every parent goes and hires outside counselors, essay readers, test tutors.

The one thing you cant hire on the outside is actual data on GPA and test scores that got admitted post-pandemic

And don't get me started on their mixed messaging on AP tests. They dropped the courses - we all know that. But they do offer the tests and until just 4 mos ago, the college office never talked about who should actually sit for AP tests

That was too late for the current seniors.

And then guess what? The GDS college profile they sent this year to all colleges for all applicants included top of the page in big font the AP test results from last year! After the college office told everyone to not bother to take the APs.

Awful awful communication and the worst part is they think they are helping de-stress.

Like so many things GDS, there is a culture of "safety-ism" - let me protect you from some un-named harm by not being transparent. They are the opposite of transparent and think they are doing god's work to help the kids and parents. Awful mix of factors

Posting all this so you 9th grade parents know what's coming

Thank you for posting this information. This is eye opening and sobering. My two children attend a private K-8th, and we were strongly considering GDS for high school. This post gives me serious pause. I will be asking a lot of questions during information sessions and tours.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think the current 8th grade is larger than traditionally the 8th grade has been. And the prior two years’ 9th grades have been overenrolled. So they are just going back to a class size of around 125, which is what the 9th grade class had historically been prior to the pandemic. So I don’t think this is as significant as it seems.

perhaps true but the change (and expectations that came from larger classes last 2-3 years is what feels particularly difficult for kids who applied this year. Plus the article mentions all the advantages of siblings plus we know faculty kids get special attention in process. So I wonder how many unhooked kids actually got in 9th grade this year (GDS also started recruiting athletes last year but is very quiet about it)

Plus a celebrity (very famous Hollywood type kid) got admitted this year in 9th grade batch though that's more of a one-off. Those in the know will know who i mean but can't say more.

They need to recruit athletes to boost college admissions. Very overlooked.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think the current 8th grade is larger than traditionally the 8th grade has been. And the prior two years’ 9th grades have been overenrolled. So they are just going back to a class size of around 125, which is what the 9th grade class had historically been prior to the pandemic. So I don’t think this is as significant as it seems.

perhaps true but the change (and expectations that came from larger classes last 2-3 years is what feels particularly difficult for kids who applied this year. Plus the article mentions all the advantages of siblings plus we know faculty kids get special attention in process. So I wonder how many unhooked kids actually got in 9th grade this year (GDS also started recruiting athletes last year but is very quiet about it)

Plus a celebrity (very famous Hollywood type kid) got admitted this year in 9th grade batch though that's more of a one-off. Those in the know will know who i mean but can't say more.

They need to recruit athletes to boost college admissions. Very overlooked.

How many faculty kids are there? I can see siblings being about a 1/3 of the admits. Faculty kids…maybe one or two?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In case you all want one more mind blowing thing about GDS college process - they dont use naviance or SCOIR to show you or your kid data on GPA/test scores that have historically worked for GDS kids who got admitted.

Basically every other peer school uses some form of data to inform list building. GDS uses zero data. They have the data, but the CCO refuses to share w/ kids or parents.

Instead they always say that the "kids should trust their hearts" or they use really oblique language like "I'd think about some other choices if you want" - 17 year olds dont hear that well

One of the key things you need as a parent is guidance from the CCO as to what test scores and GPAs have worked in the last 2-3 years from GDS to that particular university. And GDS is unique - and I mean unique in DC,NYC, and everywhere else I know private school or boarding school parents - in sharing zero data to inform the list making

So it becomes another thing where they think they are being more equitable by not making it all about numbers and making it "holistic" but in reality this stresses kids out more, leaves them in the dark, and worst case has them have lopsided lists that are too safety focused or too reachy and entirely lacking data

I get the data is less good these days with test optional but other than URM and very hooked VIP kids, almost all other GDS kids are expected by the colleges to take SAT/ACT and not submitting implies scores were bad.

Anyway couple the lack of data on list building with capping at 10 and you will know why 1/3rd of the senior class parents are done w/ the college office. Rot starts at the top there

Just wait when you start having the 10th grade zooms where they tell you to relax and that it's all gonna be ok and the kids hearts will help them find the right path

And then every parent goes and hires outside counselors, essay readers, test tutors.

The one thing you cant hire on the outside is actual data on GPA and test scores that got admitted post-pandemic

And don't get me started on their mixed messaging on AP tests. They dropped the courses - we all know that. But they do offer the tests and until just 4 mos ago, the college office never talked about who should actually sit for AP tests

That was too late for the current seniors.

And then guess what? The GDS college profile they sent this year to all colleges for all applicants included top of the page in big font the AP test results from last year! After the college office told everyone to not bother to take the APs.

Awful awful communication and the worst part is they think they are helping de-stress.

Like so many things GDS, there is a culture of "safety-ism" - let me protect you from some un-named harm by not being transparent. They are the opposite of transparent and think they are doing god's work to help the kids and parents. Awful mix of factors

Posting all this so you 9th grade parents know what's coming

This sounds like a complete disaster.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think the current 8th grade is larger than traditionally the 8th grade has been. And the prior two years’ 9th grades have been overenrolled. So they are just going back to a class size of around 125, which is what the 9th grade class had historically been prior to the pandemic. So I don’t think this is as significant as it seems.

perhaps true but the change (and expectations that came from larger classes last 2-3 years is what feels particularly difficult for kids who applied this year. Plus the article mentions all the advantages of siblings plus we know faculty kids get special attention in process. So I wonder how many unhooked kids actually got in 9th grade this year (GDS also started recruiting athletes last year but is very quiet about it)

Plus a celebrity (very famous Hollywood type kid) got admitted this year in 9th grade batch though that's more of a one-off. Those in the know will know who i mean but can't say more.

They need to recruit athletes to boost college admissions. Very overlooked.

How many faculty kids are there? I can see siblings being about a 1/3 of the admits. Faculty kids…maybe one or two?

Let's just say it's usually one or two and this year it was a lot more. Siblings a lot more than 1/3 this year. Don't know a single person who got in who is not a sibling.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In case you all want one more mind blowing thing about GDS college process - they dont use naviance or SCOIR to show you or your kid data on GPA/test scores that have historically worked for GDS kids who got admitted.

Basically every other peer school uses some form of data to inform list building. GDS uses zero data. They have the data, but the CCO refuses to share w/ kids or parents.

Instead they always say that the "kids should trust their hearts" or they use really oblique language like "I'd think about some other choices if you want" - 17 year olds dont hear that well

One of the key things you need as a parent is guidance from the CCO as to what test scores and GPAs have worked in the last 2-3 years from GDS to that particular university. And GDS is unique - and I mean unique in DC,NYC, and everywhere else I know private school or boarding school parents - in sharing zero data to inform the list making

So it becomes another thing where they think they are being more equitable by not making it all about numbers and making it "holistic" but in reality this stresses kids out more, leaves them in the dark, and worst case has them have lopsided lists that are too safety focused or too reachy and entirely lacking data

I get the data is less good these days with test optional but other than URM and very hooked VIP kids, almost all other GDS kids are expected by the colleges to take SAT/ACT and not submitting implies scores were bad.

Anyway couple the lack of data on list building with capping at 10 and you will know why 1/3rd of the senior class parents are done w/ the college office. Rot starts at the top there

Just wait when you start having the 10th grade zooms where they tell you to relax and that it's all gonna be ok and the kids hearts will help them find the right path

And then every parent goes and hires outside counselors, essay readers, test tutors.

The one thing you cant hire on the outside is actual data on GPA and test scores that got admitted post-pandemic

And don't get me started on their mixed messaging on AP tests. They dropped the courses - we all know that. But they do offer the tests and until just 4 mos ago, the college office never talked about who should actually sit for AP tests

That was too late for the current seniors.

And then guess what? The GDS college profile they sent this year to all colleges for all applicants included top of the page in big font the AP test results from last year! After the college office told everyone to not bother to take the APs.

Awful awful communication and the worst part is they think they are helping de-stress.

Like so many things GDS, there is a culture of "safety-ism" - let me protect you from some un-named harm by not being transparent. They are the opposite of transparent and think they are doing god's work to help the kids and parents. Awful mix of factors

Posting all this so you 9th grade parents know what's coming

Thank you for posting this and the prior information about the 10 cap. Sidwell CCO gave families total access to SCOIR scattergrams mid-junior year, and they were extremely helpful in identifying which schools "liked" Sidwell and which didn't. Brown was ruled out after looking at how much they "disliked" Sidwell whereas Mich, UChicago, etc came into consideration. Obviously they aren't everything, but they are a very useful tool and hiding them is such a poor idea. I'm sorry you and your family had such a rough experience and would be furious if I were in your shoes too.

[Anonymous]

Also worth mentioning that we were pleasantly surprised with the CCO. DS told horror stories about how bad they supposedly are compared to other schools, and we ended up going with a private counselor as well to make sure we were on the right track. Although our school counselor was not nearly as attentive or helpful with essay feedback, etc, she was available often and seemed knowledgeable about the process. Not exactly a 10/10 experience but certainly exceeded our (very low) expectations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In case you all want one more mind blowing thing about GDS college process - they dont use naviance or SCOIR to show you or your kid data on GPA/test scores that have historically worked for GDS kids who got admitted.

Basically every other peer school uses some form of data to inform list building. GDS uses zero data. They have the data, but the CCO refuses to share w/ kids or parents.

Instead they always say that the "kids should trust their hearts" or they use really oblique language like "I'd think about some other choices if you want" - 17 year olds dont hear that well

One of the key things you need as a parent is guidance from the CCO as to what test scores and GPAs have worked in the last 2-3 years from GDS to that particular university. And GDS is unique - and I mean unique in DC,NYC, and everywhere else I know private school or boarding school parents - in sharing zero data to inform the list making

So it becomes another thing where they think they are being more equitable by not making it all about numbers and making it "holistic" but in reality this stresses kids out more, leaves them in the dark, and worst case has them have lopsided lists that are too safety focused or too reachy and entirely lacking data

I get the data is less good these days with test optional but other than URM and very hooked VIP kids, almost all other GDS kids are expected by the colleges to take SAT/ACT and not submitting implies scores were bad.

Anyway couple the lack of data on list building with capping at 10 and you will know why 1/3rd of the senior class parents are done w/ the college office. Rot starts at the top there

Just wait when you start having the 10th grade zooms where they tell you to relax and that it's all gonna be ok and the kids hearts will help them find the right path

And then every parent goes and hires outside counselors, essay readers, test tutors.

The one thing you cant hire on the outside is actual data on GPA and test scores that got admitted post-pandemic

And don't get me started on their mixed messaging on AP tests. They dropped the courses - we all know that. But they do offer the tests and until just 4 mos ago, the college office never talked about who should actually sit for AP tests

That was too late for the current seniors.

And then guess what? The GDS college profile they sent this year to all colleges for all applicants included top of the page in big font the AP test results from last year! After the college office told everyone to not bother to take the APs.

Awful awful communication and the worst part is they think they are helping de-stress.

Like so many things GDS, there is a culture of "safety-ism" - let me protect you from some un-named harm by not being transparent. They are the opposite of transparent and think they are doing god's work to help the kids and parents. Awful mix of factors

Posting all this so you 9th grade parents know what's coming

Thank you for posting this and the prior information about the 10 cap. Sidwell CCO gave families total access to SCOIR scattergrams mid-junior year, and they were extremely helpful in identifying which schools "liked" Sidwell and which didn't. Brown was ruled out after looking at how much they "disliked" Sidwell whereas Mich, UChicago, etc came into consideration. Obviously they aren't everything, but they are a very useful tool and hiding them is such a poor idea. I'm sorry you and your family had such a rough experience and would be furious if I were in your shoes too.

Why do you think Brown University doesn’t like Sidwell students? At least 2 Sidwell seniors will attend Brown this fall.

[Anonymous]

What would happen if a kid applied to more than 10 colleges on his/her own without GDS's involvement? Is that possible? Plenty of people go to college years after high school without their HS's involvement and it works out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What would happen if a kid applied to more than 10 colleges on his/her own without GDS's involvement? Is that possible? Plenty of people go to college years after high school without their HS's involvement and it works out.

Schools have to send the transcript and the teachers do recommendations. I don't see how this is possible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think the current 8th grade is larger than traditionally the 8th grade has been. And the prior two years’ 9th grades have been overenrolled. So they are just going back to a class size of around 125, which is what the 9th grade class had historically been prior to the pandemic. So I don’t think this is as significant as it seems.

perhaps true but the change (and expectations that came from larger classes last 2-3 years is what feels particularly difficult for kids who applied this year. Plus the article mentions all the advantages of siblings plus we know faculty kids get special attention in process. So I wonder how many unhooked kids actually got in 9th grade this year (GDS also started recruiting athletes last year but is very quiet about it)

Plus a celebrity (very famous Hollywood type kid) got admitted this year in 9th grade batch though that's more of a one-off. Those in the know will know who i mean but can't say more.

They need to recruit athletes to boost college admissions. Very overlooked.

How many faculty kids are there? I can see siblings being about a 1/3 of the admits. Faculty kids…maybe one or two?

Let's just say it's usually one or two and this year it was a lot more. Siblings a lot more than 1/3 this year. Don't know a single person who got in who is not a sibling.

The faculty kid I know who got in is brilliant. The siblings not so much. They never would have gotten in w/o the hook but then, someone has to be in the bottom 50%.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What would happen if a kid applied to more than 10 colleges on his/her own without GDS's involvement? Is that possible? Plenty of people go to college years after high school without their HS's involvement and it works out.

Current HS students must have their schools send transcripts and recommendations, so if the school won’t do that, the application is dead in the water. Nontraditional students who apply years after HS can have a slightly different process, although they still usually need the transcript. The recommendations would come from different sources and have different goals, and colleges take life experience into consideration. At least that was my experience when I applied for college in my mid-20s, and the experience of other nontrad students I met, who were often in their 30s, 40s, and 50s.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In case you all want one more mind blowing thing about GDS college process - they dont use naviance or SCOIR to show you or your kid data on GPA/test scores that have historically worked for GDS kids who got admitted.

Basically every other peer school uses some form of data to inform list building. GDS uses zero data. They have the data, but the CCO refuses to share w/ kids or parents.

Instead they always say that the "kids should trust their hearts" or they use really oblique language like "I'd think about some other choices if you want" - 17 year olds dont hear that well

One of the key things you need as a parent is guidance from the CCO as to what test scores and GPAs have worked in the last 2-3 years from GDS to that particular university. And GDS is unique - and I mean unique in DC,NYC, and everywhere else I know private school or boarding school parents - in sharing zero data to inform the list making

So it becomes another thing where they think they are being more equitable by not making it all about numbers and making it "holistic" but in reality this stresses kids out more, leaves them in the dark, and worst case has them have lopsided lists that are too safety focused or too reachy and entirely lacking data

I get the data is less good these days with test optional but other than URM and very hooked VIP kids, almost all other GDS kids are expected by the colleges to take SAT/ACT and not submitting implies scores were bad.

Anyway couple the lack of data on list building with capping at 10 and you will know why 1/3rd of the senior class parents are done w/ the college office. Rot starts at the top there

Just wait when you start having the 10th grade zooms where they tell you to relax and that it's all gonna be ok and the kids hearts will help them find the right path

And then every parent goes and hires outside counselors, essay readers, test tutors.

The one thing you cant hire on the outside is actual data on GPA and test scores that got admitted post-pandemic

And don't get me started on their mixed messaging on AP tests. They dropped the courses - we all know that. But they do offer the tests and until just 4 mos ago, the college office never talked about who should actually sit for AP tests

That was too late for the current seniors.

And then guess what? The GDS college profile they sent this year to all colleges for all applicants included top of the page in big font the AP test results from last year! After the college office told everyone to not bother to take the APs.

Awful awful communication and the worst part is they think they are helping de-stress.

Like so many things GDS, there is a culture of "safety-ism" - let me protect you from some un-named harm by not being transparent. They are the opposite of transparent and think they are doing god's work to help the kids and parents. Awful mix of factors

Posting all this so you 9th grade parents know what's coming

Thank you for posting this and the prior information about the 10 cap. Sidwell CCO gave families total access to SCOIR scattergrams mid-junior year, and they were extremely helpful in identifying which schools "liked" Sidwell and which didn't. Brown was ruled out after looking at how much they "disliked" Sidwell whereas Mich, UChicago, etc came into consideration. Obviously they aren't everything, but they are a very useful tool and hiding them is such a poor idea. I'm sorry you and your family had such a rough experience and would be furious if I were in your shoes too.

I don't understand this. Brown and Chicago are really different schools. Why would your child's opinion of them change based on Naviance data? It's always a reach for schools at that caliber.