Sidwell 2023 College outcomes?

[Anonymous]

It's the same story at STA and NCS this year. Top but unhooked kids were the ones with the most disappointing admissions relative to their stats. Some slipped through and did ok; many did not. It was totally random whereas it used to be a relatively sure thing: if you had "this" high GPA, you could reasonably expect an admission to "this" group of schools. This year totally random for the highest kids.

Not much these schools can do about that except for the grade deflation. I honestly don't know why these schools do this since it only hurts their own students. NCS is also notorious for English classes where out of the entire grade, less than 5 kids will be given an A from the department. Why do this? You have rigorous admissions standards and they you give everyone Bs. It makes no sense.
I'm 100% sure that if these schools would bump all grading up by half a letter grade it would improve admissions. A bump of a full letter grade and they'd knock it out of the park. The kids would still do the same work, score the same on the AP exams and SATs--they would just have competitive GPAs! Amazing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not to be crass, but I really don't see why schools wouldn't be falling over themselves to accept students who have excellent college preparation, come from a background with means, and a family who obviously values education. They are likely to be full-pay, donate to the school etc. My kids and I just went to public schools and we're not part of this "Big 3" world in any way, but even with all emphasis on increasing first gen, need blind, diversity etc. I would think at the end of the day schools would still reward the relatively small population of kids who go to top private schools with selective college admissions.

There are plenty of these kids in affluent public schools too. There are just a lot of kids to pick from. And admissions directors are increasingly not the white, male, private school grad, patrician type of the past and want kids they prefer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wonder how much is impacted by their college profile? This is a link of the one I found via Google that I posted on another thread. If this is what they’re sending to colleges, they’re doing a disservice. There’s no GPA or standardized test metrics. College offices may assume a 3.6-3.7 is not that strong and everyone is earning a 4.0.

https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1668526756/sidwell/r6wrcvyaremtnq3fdvag/2022CollegeProfile0927.pdf

Not true. This is not what they send to colleges. That profile is much more detailed.

The mistake here is in believing that any if this matters anymore..

Unhooked kids on the "high rigor" track etc are doing no better than other solid students at the school w less impressive records.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wonder how much is impacted by their college profile? This is a link of the one I found via Google that I posted on another thread. If this is what they’re sending to colleges, they’re doing a disservice. There’s no GPA or standardized test metrics. College offices may assume a 3.6-3.7 is not that strong and everyone is earning a 4.0.

https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1668526756/sidwell/r6wrcvyaremtnq3fdvag/2022CollegeProfile0927.pdf

Not true. This is not what they send to colleges. That profile is much more detailed.

The mistake here is in believing that any if this matters anymore..

Unhooked kids on the "high rigor" track etc are doing no better than other solid students at the school w less impressive records.

This is the conclusion I seem to be seeing as well. A lesson learned this year is that it doesn't seem to matter if you take the hardest classes and get straight As or on-level classes and some Bs. The kids are getting into the same (non top 15) schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sidwell 23 family. Definitely a tough year. Many seniors and families (us included) are starting to grow frustrated with Sidwell's grade deflation and feel like there should be some sort of change going forward to communicate to colleges the rigor of the curriculum and the rarity of "high" GPAs.

To some previous posters: yes, the majority of Ivies this year have been heavy, heavy legacy - think a parent with time on the board, generational legacy, that sort of thing. Yes, UChicago accepted a very very high number of students again this year, but many of those who have been accepted will most likely end up choosing others instead.

Public universities this year were very, very scary for Sidwell students: Wisco was arguably the biggest shocker of the year and rejected/waitlisted deserving students in droves. Much less success at Michigan this year as well.

Sidwell is still just as strong as (if not stronger than) in years past when it comes to highly selective LACS and did well with EDs there.

How many UChicago acceptances this year? If "many of those who have been accepted will most likely end up choosing others instead", those UChicago acceptances are from RD?

And where are those Chicago acceptances going if everyone save a handful in the class were taking hits left and right in T20?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sidwell 23 family. Definitely a tough year. Many seniors and families (us included) are starting to grow frustrated with Sidwell's grade deflation and feel like there should be some sort of change going forward to communicate to colleges the rigor of the curriculum and the rarity of "high" GPAs.

To some previous posters: yes, the majority of Ivies this year have been heavy, heavy legacy - think a parent with time on the board, generational legacy, that sort of thing. Yes, UChicago accepted a very very high number of students again this year, but many of those who have been accepted will most likely end up choosing others instead.

Public universities this year were very, very scary for Sidwell students: Wisco was arguably the biggest shocker of the year and rejected/waitlisted deserving students in droves. Much less success at Michigan this year as well.

Sidwell is still just as strong as (if not stronger than) in years past when it comes to highly selective LACS and did well with EDs there.

There are instructors at Sidwell who essentially NEVER give above a B+ on papers. So, students endlessly grind and wear themselves trying to get a decent grade in the class. What is Sidwell doing exactly?

^^ hopefully the administration is finally starting to see the negative effects of this with regards to college admissions

Umm, no they are not. We have two kids at Sidwell -- spaced a number of years apart. Older one graduated and younger DC has some time left. This has been a standard complaint about Sidwell for a while. School simply does not engage. Those interested should look at Dalton outcomes. They used to be just like Sidwell. Now, there is an ocean of a difference between the two schools.

Are there simply more legacy at Dalton?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sidwell 23 family. Definitely a tough year. Many seniors and families (us included) are starting to grow frustrated with Sidwell's grade deflation and feel like there should be some sort of change going forward to communicate to colleges the rigor of the curriculum and the rarity of "high" GPAs.

To some previous posters: yes, the majority of Ivies this year have been heavy, heavy legacy - think a parent with time on the board, generational legacy, that sort of thing. Yes, UChicago accepted a very very high number of students again this year, but many of those who have been accepted will most likely end up choosing others instead.

Public universities this year were very, very scary for Sidwell students: Wisco was arguably the biggest shocker of the year and rejected/waitlisted deserving students in droves. Much less success at Michigan this year as well.

Sidwell is still just as strong as (if not stronger than) in years past when it comes to highly selective LACS and did well with EDs there.

There are instructors at Sidwell who essentially NEVER give above a B+ on papers. So, students endlessly grind and wear themselves trying to get a decent grade in the class. What is Sidwell doing exactly?

^^ hopefully the administration is finally starting to see the negative effects of this with regards to college admissions

Umm, no they are not. We have two kids at Sidwell -- spaced a number of years apart. Older one graduated and younger DC has some time left. This has been a standard complaint about Sidwell for a while. School simply does not engage. Those interested should look at Dalton outcomes. They used to be just like Sidwell. Now, there is an ocean of a difference between the two schools.

Are there simply more legacy at Dalton?

Or are you saying Dalton has lowered its standards and is no longer “rigorous?”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sidwell 23 family. Definitely a tough year. Many seniors and families (us included) are starting to grow frustrated with Sidwell's grade deflation and feel like there should be some sort of change going forward to communicate to colleges the rigor of the curriculum and the rarity of "high" GPAs.

To some previous posters: yes, the majority of Ivies this year have been heavy, heavy legacy - think a parent with time on the board, generational legacy, that sort of thing. Yes, UChicago accepted a very very high number of students again this year, but many of those who have been accepted will most likely end up choosing others instead.

Public universities this year were very, very scary for Sidwell students: Wisco was arguably the biggest shocker of the year and rejected/waitlisted deserving students in droves. Much less success at Michigan this year as well.

Sidwell is still just as strong as (if not stronger than) in years past when it comes to highly selective LACS and did well with EDs there.

There are instructors at Sidwell who essentially NEVER give above a B+ on papers. So, students endlessly grind and wear themselves trying to get a decent grade in the class. What is Sidwell doing exactly?

^^ hopefully the administration is finally starting to see the negative effects of this with regards to college admissions

Umm, no they are not. We have two kids at Sidwell -- spaced a number of years apart. Older one graduated and younger DC has some time left. This has been a standard complaint about Sidwell for a while. School simply does not engage. Those interested should look at Dalton outcomes. They used to be just like Sidwell. Now, there is an ocean of a difference between the two schools.

Are there simply more legacy at Dalton?

Or are you saying Dalton has lowered its standards and is no longer “rigorous?”

No, def not saying that. I live in NYC and know a lot of Dalton parents. They all seem hooked.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sidwell 23 family. Definitely a tough year. Many seniors and families (us included) are starting to grow frustrated with Sidwell's grade deflation and feel like there should be some sort of change going forward to communicate to colleges the rigor of the curriculum and the rarity of "high" GPAs.

To some previous posters: yes, the majority of Ivies this year have been heavy, heavy legacy - think a parent with time on the board, generational legacy, that sort of thing. Yes, UChicago accepted a very very high number of students again this year, but many of those who have been accepted will most likely end up choosing others instead.

Public universities this year were very, very scary for Sidwell students: Wisco was arguably the biggest shocker of the year and rejected/waitlisted deserving students in droves. Much less success at Michigan this year as well.

Sidwell is still just as strong as (if not stronger than) in years past when it comes to highly selective LACS and did well with EDs there.

There are instructors at Sidwell who essentially NEVER give above a B+ on papers. So, students endlessly grind and wear themselves trying to get a decent grade in the class. What is Sidwell doing exactly?

^^ hopefully the administration is finally starting to see the negative effects of this with regards to college admissions

Umm, no they are not. We have two kids at Sidwell -- spaced a number of years apart. Older one graduated and younger DC has some time left. This has been a standard complaint about Sidwell for a while. School simply does not engage. Those interested should look at Dalton outcomes. They used to be just like Sidwell. Now, there is an ocean of a difference between the two schools.

Are there simply more legacy at Dalton?

Or are you saying Dalton has lowered its standards and is no longer “rigorous?”

No, def not saying that. I live in NYC and know a lot of Dalton parents. They all seem hooked.

Then why compare Dalton and Sidwell outcomes?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sidwell 23 family. Definitely a tough year. Many seniors and families (us included) are starting to grow frustrated with Sidwell's grade deflation and feel like there should be some sort of change going forward to communicate to colleges the rigor of the curriculum and the rarity of "high" GPAs.

To some previous posters: yes, the majority of Ivies this year have been heavy, heavy legacy - think a parent with time on the board, generational legacy, that sort of thing. Yes, UChicago accepted a very very high number of students again this year, but many of those who have been accepted will most likely end up choosing others instead.

Public universities this year were very, very scary for Sidwell students: Wisco was arguably the biggest shocker of the year and rejected/waitlisted deserving students in droves. Much less success at Michigan this year as well.

Sidwell is still just as strong as (if not stronger than) in years past when it comes to highly selective LACS and did well with EDs there.

There are instructors at Sidwell who essentially NEVER give above a B+ on papers. So, students endlessly grind and wear themselves trying to get a decent grade in the class. What is Sidwell doing exactly?

^^ hopefully the administration is finally starting to see the negative effects of this with regards to college admissions

Umm, no they are not. We have two kids at Sidwell -- spaced a number of years apart. Older one graduated and younger DC has some time left. This has been a standard complaint about Sidwell for a while. School simply does not engage. Those interested should look at Dalton outcomes. They used to be just like Sidwell. Now, there is an ocean of a difference between the two schools.

Are there simply more legacy at Dalton?

Or are you saying Dalton has lowered its standards and is no longer “rigorous?”

No, def not saying that. I live in NYC and know a lot of Dalton parents. They all seem hooked.

DD goes to camp with girls who went to Dalton, Spence, Chapin, etc. These schools have wealthier parents than Sidwell hands down. I don’t think it’s just legacy, but probably some major donors.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sidwell 23 family. Definitely a tough year. Many seniors and families (us included) are starting to grow frustrated with Sidwell's grade deflation and feel like there should be some sort of change going forward to communicate to colleges the rigor of the curriculum and the rarity of "high" GPAs.

To some previous posters: yes, the majority of Ivies this year have been heavy, heavy legacy - think a parent with time on the board, generational legacy, that sort of thing. Yes, UChicago accepted a very very high number of students again this year, but many of those who have been accepted will most likely end up choosing others instead.

Public universities this year were very, very scary for Sidwell students: Wisco was arguably the biggest shocker of the year and rejected/waitlisted deserving students in droves. Much less success at Michigan this year as well.

Sidwell is still just as strong as (if not stronger than) in years past when it comes to highly selective LACS and did well with EDs there.

There are instructors at Sidwell who essentially NEVER give above a B+ on papers. So, students endlessly grind and wear themselves trying to get a decent grade in the class. What is Sidwell doing exactly?

^^ hopefully the administration is finally starting to see the negative effects of this with regards to college admissions

Umm, no they are not. We have two kids at Sidwell -- spaced a number of years apart. Older one graduated and younger DC has some time left. This has been a standard complaint about Sidwell for a while. School simply does not engage. Those interested should look at Dalton outcomes. They used to be just like Sidwell. Now, there is an ocean of a difference between the two schools.

Are there simply more legacy at Dalton?

Or are you saying Dalton has lowered its standards and is no longer “rigorous?”

No, def not saying that. I live in NYC and know a lot of Dalton parents. They all seem hooked.

DD goes to camp with girls who went to Dalton, Spence, Chapin, etc. These schools have wealthier parents than Sidwell hands down. I don’t think it’s just legacy, but probably some major donors.

NYC on average has more wealth than DC. Wall Street bonuses can be insane

[Anonymous]

Admissions has become a crapshoot for all kids whether private or public. This makes me think grade deflation is not the issue.
Colleges and universities are very familiar with schools like Sidwell and GDS. They know that the grading is very different from public schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sidwell 23 family. Definitely a tough year. Many seniors and families (us included) are starting to grow frustrated with Sidwell's grade deflation and feel like there should be some sort of change going forward to communicate to colleges the rigor of the curriculum and the rarity of "high" GPAs.

To some previous posters: yes, the majority of Ivies this year have been heavy, heavy legacy - think a parent with time on the board, generational legacy, that sort of thing. Yes, UChicago accepted a very very high number of students again this year, but many of those who have been accepted will most likely end up choosing others instead.

Public universities this year were very, very scary for Sidwell students: Wisco was arguably the biggest shocker of the year and rejected/waitlisted deserving students in droves. Much less success at Michigan this year as well.

Sidwell is still just as strong as (if not stronger than) in years past when it comes to highly selective LACS and did well with EDs there.

There are instructors at Sidwell who essentially NEVER give above a B+ on papers. So, students endlessly grind and wear themselves trying to get a decent grade in the class. What is Sidwell doing exactly?

^^ hopefully the administration is finally starting to see the negative effects of this with regards to college admissions

Umm, no they are not. We have two kids at Sidwell -- spaced a number of years apart. Older one graduated and younger DC has some time left. This has been a standard complaint about Sidwell for a while. School simply does not engage. Those interested should look at Dalton outcomes. They used to be just like Sidwell. Now, there is an ocean of a difference between the two schools.

Are there simply more legacy at Dalton?

Or are you saying Dalton has lowered its standards and is no longer “rigorous?”

No, def not saying that. I live in NYC and know a lot of Dalton parents. They all seem hooked.

DD goes to camp with girls who went to Dalton, Spence, Chapin, etc. These schools have wealthier parents than Sidwell hands down. I don’t think it’s just legacy, but probably some major donors.

How have the legacy kids done at Sidwell (non-major donor)?
Dalton is wealthier but not to the extent that large numbers of megadonors are getting their kids into school each year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sidwell 23 family. Definitely a tough year. Many seniors and families (us included) are starting to grow frustrated with Sidwell's grade deflation and feel like there should be some sort of change going forward to communicate to colleges the rigor of the curriculum and the rarity of "high" GPAs.

To some previous posters: yes, the majority of Ivies this year have been heavy, heavy legacy - think a parent with time on the board, generational legacy, that sort of thing. Yes, UChicago accepted a very very high number of students again this year, but many of those who have been accepted will most likely end up choosing others instead.

Public universities this year were very, very scary for Sidwell students: Wisco was arguably the biggest shocker of the year and rejected/waitlisted deserving students in droves. Much less success at Michigan this year as well.

Sidwell is still just as strong as (if not stronger than) in years past when it comes to highly selective LACS and did well with EDs there.

There are instructors at Sidwell who essentially NEVER give above a B+ on papers. So, students endlessly grind and wear themselves trying to get a decent grade in the class. What is Sidwell doing exactly?

^^ hopefully the administration is finally starting to see the negative effects of this with regards to college admissions

Umm, no they are not. We have two kids at Sidwell -- spaced a number of years apart. Older one graduated and younger DC has some time left. This has been a standard complaint about Sidwell for a while. School simply does not engage. Those interested should look at Dalton outcomes. They used to be just like Sidwell. Now, there is an ocean of a difference between the two schools.

Are there simply more legacy at Dalton?

Or are you saying Dalton has lowered its standards and is no longer “rigorous?”

No, def not saying that. I live in NYC and know a lot of Dalton parents. They all seem hooked.

DD goes to camp with girls who went to Dalton, Spence, Chapin, etc. These schools have wealthier parents than Sidwell hands down. I don’t think it’s just legacy, but probably some major donors.

How have the legacy kids done at Sidwell (non-major donor)?
Dalton is wealthier but not to the extent that large numbers of megadonors are getting their kids into school each year.

Agree. Dalton folks have a ton of money, but the outcomes are shockingly different to Sidwell (makes you wonder if it is something more than cash..)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sidwell 23 family. Definitely a tough year. Many seniors and families (us included) are starting to grow frustrated with Sidwell's grade deflation and feel like there should be some sort of change going forward to communicate to colleges the rigor of the curriculum and the rarity of "high" GPAs.

To some previous posters: yes, the majority of Ivies this year have been heavy, heavy legacy - think a parent with time on the board, generational legacy, that sort of thing. Yes, UChicago accepted a very very high number of students again this year, but many of those who have been accepted will most likely end up choosing others instead.

Public universities this year were very, very scary for Sidwell students: Wisco was arguably the biggest shocker of the year and rejected/waitlisted deserving students in droves. Much less success at Michigan this year as well.

Sidwell is still just as strong as (if not stronger than) in years past when it comes to highly selective LACS and did well with EDs there.

There are instructors at Sidwell who essentially NEVER give above a B+ on papers. So, students endlessly grind and wear themselves trying to get a decent grade in the class. What is Sidwell doing exactly?

^^ hopefully the administration is finally starting to see the negative effects of this with regards to college admissions

Unhooked Dalton does way better than unhooked Sidwell

Umm, no they are not. We have two kids at Sidwell -- spaced a number of years apart. Older one graduated and younger DC has some time left. This has been a standard complaint about Sidwell for a while. School simply does not engage. Those interested should look at Dalton outcomes. They used to be just like Sidwell. Now, there is an ocean of a difference between the two schools.

Are there simply more legacy at Dalton?

Or are you saying Dalton has lowered its standards and is no longer “rigorous?”

No, def not saying that. I live in NYC and know a lot of Dalton parents. They all seem hooked.

DD goes to camp with girls who went to Dalton, Spence, Chapin, etc. These schools have wealthier parents than Sidwell hands down. I don’t think it’s just legacy, but probably some major donors.