Big day is Friday, but anyone else checking Ravenna "just in case"?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Terrible year to apply. Everyone is flying blind - kids, parents, school.

Agreed. It actually takes some of the pressure off when you realize we are all just doing the best we can under difficult circumstances. The year has been difficult for the schools too, and whatever decisions we receive tomorrow (and I'm not very optimistic) have as much to do with this year as anything reflecting on me or my children. There will be other years and we will all be OK.

I think it makes it more stressful that it seems more of a crap shoot. Maybe in past years you could console yourself by pointing to a factor that you think may have been influential, like a lowish test score or rocky interview. But this year just feels like random chance and its that lack of ability to understand, influence or control that is challenging.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Terrible year to apply. Everyone is flying blind - kids, parents, school.

Yeah, I am getting the feeling from our Big3 that they are unsure if kids will accept. They're going to roll out the red carpet to the few kids they accept because they're not as secure in their choices this year since they have never met the kids. It's very hard
for them to get a grasp on what a person is thinking over Zoom.
Like past years, there are a few kids who will appeal to a large number of schools--URM--especially those who are top academic candidates or top in other ways, kids who have unique academic academic awards or talents who distinguish them from the pack.
Once a school commits to a kid, they want the kid. But this year they're not sure sure if they'll get the kid.
Meanwhile there will be a great swath of kids (90%?) who are not admitted and and sort of interchangeable with each other. But the schools are insecure about whether or not they will land any of the most prized kids.

As a parent with a kid coming out of public who were going to apply anyway, regardless of the pandemic, I think this is where kids applying out of private may have an advantage.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:But the schools are insecure about whether or not they will land any of the most prized kids.

It's troubling to think that 4/5/9 year olds are "prized kids" to be landed when there's not much to distinguish them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From someone who works in an admissions office in an independent school in the DMV-- everyone take a breath. I know this year has been more than stressful for us and our children. I have children of my own that I have applied to schools for too. Remember--- your children will be fine. We are so fortunate to live in an area with great options. This year, applications were sky high---spaces are limited. Schools are trying their best to determine if the school is the best fit for the child and family. This isn't college admissions and is not determining their path for their rest of their life. So-- take a breath, enjoy your child and celebrate their uniqueness. Focus on the positive and know that everything works out for the best. And, if it doesn't, there are always options--nothing is permanent. Be there for your child too-- don't let them feel your disappointment if they don't get into your first choice. Our children need love and support right now and not rejection. So even if there isn't a spot at the school they/you were hoping for, focus on the positives and build up your children. This isn't about us.

Thank you for the generosity of spirit. It did not really help, but it is nice that you are being supportive.

LMAO. I was thinking the same thing but didn't want to post it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But the schools are insecure about whether or not they will land any of the most prized kids.

It's troubling to think that 4/5/9 year olds are "prized kids" to be landed when there's not much to distinguish them.

Yes, agreed. The whole process is crazy and distasteful when you think about it. Especially when "prized" is based on things like race or wealth--both things that kids were just born with but elevate them above other kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But the schools are insecure about whether or not they will land any of the most prized kids.

It's troubling to think that 4/5/9 year olds are "prized kids" to be landed when there's not much to distinguish them.

Yes, agreed. The whole process is crazy and distasteful when you think about it. Especially when "prized" is based on things like race or wealth--both things that kids were just born with but elevate them above other kids.

Spot on...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:From someone who works in an admissions office in an independent school in the DMV-- everyone take a breath. I know this year has been more than stressful for us and our children. I have children of my own that I have applied to schools for too. Remember--- your children will be fine. We are so fortunate to live in an area with great options. This year, applications were sky high---spaces are limited. Schools are trying their best to determine if the school is the best fit for the child and family. This isn't college admissions and is not determining their path for their rest of their life. So-- take a breath, enjoy your child and celebrate their uniqueness. Focus on the positive and know that everything works out for the best. And, if it doesn't, there are always options--nothing is permanent. Be there for your child too-- don't let them feel your disappointment if they don't get into your first choice. Our children need love and support right now and not rejection. So even if there isn't a spot at the school they/you were hoping for, focus on the positives and build up your children. This isn't about us.

I’ve been thinking the same thing. Everyone should relax, this is not life or death. Reassure you kids that no matter what happens, this is just a point in time in life and there is so many more great things to come regardless of this decision.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But the schools are insecure about whether or not they will land any of the most prized kids.

It's troubling to think that 4/5/9 year olds are "prized kids" to be landed when there's not much to distinguish them.

Yes, agreed. The whole process is crazy and distasteful when you think about it. Especially when "prized" is based on things like race or wealth--both things that kids were just born with but elevate them above other kids.

100%

[Anonymous]

My sibling didn’t get into a coveted high school that is nationally known. Went to another good private but not nationally known. My mom thought life was over! They wanted my sibling to go so badly to the that school. Ended up at MIT and Harvard so pretty sure it worked out well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But the schools are insecure about whether or not they will land any of the most prized kids.

It's troubling to think that 4/5/9 year olds are "prized kids" to be landed when there's not much to distinguish them.

Yes, agreed. The whole process is crazy and distasteful when you think about it. Especially when "prized" is based on things like race or wealth--both things that kids were just born with but elevate them above other kids.

100%

I don’t get this “prized” theory. For pk or k maybe but after that all admitted students are accepted depending on many factors, one being that they “round out” the current class they would be joining. What will round out the riding 6th grade at one school is not the same as what will round out another group of kids at another school. They might need more sporty kids in one and more musical, introverted children in another.

[Anonymous]

Rising not riding!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But the schools are insecure about whether or not they will land any of the most prized kids.

It's troubling to think that 4/5/9 year olds are "prized kids" to be landed when there's not much to distinguish them.

Yes, agreed. The whole process is crazy and distasteful when you think about it. Especially when "prized" is based on things like race or wealth--both things that kids were just born with but elevate them above other kids.

100%

I don’t get this “prized” theory. For pk or k maybe but after that all admitted students are accepted depending on many factors, one being that they “round out” the current class they would be joining. What will round out the riding 6th grade at one school is not the same as what will round out another group of kids at another school. They might need more sporty kids in one and more musical, introverted children in another.

No, by high school there are definitely kids who are prized and will get into every school while most kids do not get into any. These are kids who have a outlying talent or who are outstanding in everything. Or top academics plus being a national level athlete. You will see the results tomorrow---there will be many shut-outs and then some kids who get into every school that they apply to.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From someone who works in an admissions office in an independent school in the DMV-- everyone take a breath. I know this year has been more than stressful for us and our children. I have children of my own that I have applied to schools for too. Remember--- your children will be fine. We are so fortunate to live in an area with great options. This year, applications were sky high---spaces are limited. Schools are trying their best to determine if the school is the best fit for the child and family. This isn't college admissions and is not determining their path for their rest of their life. So-- take a breath, enjoy your child and celebrate their uniqueness. Focus on the positive and know that everything works out for the best. And, if it doesn't, there are always options--nothing is permanent. Be there for your child too-- don't let them feel your disappointment if they don't get into your first choice. Our children need love and support right now and not rejection. So even if there isn't a spot at the school they/you were hoping for, focus on the positives and build up your children. This isn't about us.

I’ve been thinking the same thing. Everyone should relax, this is not life or death. Reassure you kids that no matter what happens, this is just a point in time in life and there is so many more great things to come regardless of this decision.

actually I think most parents are just venting here because there can. My LS kids have no in depth idea on what's going on. They did a couple interviews and we will talked about school changing next year but I haven't mentioned schools to them in months. I just say interveiw time and it was never mentioned after that. Im sure its different for older kids.

But no Kindergartener is stressing or needing reassurance over this process.

We are using this as a sounding board- we are not necessarily driving our kids crazy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From someone who works in an admissions office in an independent school in the DMV-- everyone take a breath. I know this year has been more than stressful for us and our children. I have children of my own that I have applied to schools for too. Remember--- your children will be fine. We are so fortunate to live in an area with great options. This year, applications were sky high---spaces are limited. Schools are trying their best to determine if the school is the best fit for the child and family. This isn't college admissions and is not determining their path for their rest of their life. So-- take a breath, enjoy your child and celebrate their uniqueness. Focus on the positive and know that everything works out for the best. And, if it doesn't, there are always options--nothing is permanent. Be there for your child too-- don't let them feel your disappointment if they don't get into your first choice. Our children need love and support right now and not rejection. So even if there isn't a spot at the school they/you were hoping for, focus on the positives and build up your children. This isn't about us.

I’ve been thinking the same thing. Everyone should relax, this is not life or death. Reassure you kids that no matter what happens, this is just a point in time in life and there is so many more great things to come regardless of this decision.

As a family that may need to move if my child is shut out (including from DC application high schools, so there is potentially another month to go of this limbo), given the quality of our in-bound high school -- sure, it's not life-or-death, but there are still big implications for our lives. I appreciate the effort to minimize anxiety, but please don't tell me how to feel.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:From someone who works in an admissions office in an independent school in the DMV-- everyone take a breath. I know this year has been more than stressful for us and our children. I have children of my own that I have applied to schools for too. Remember--- your children will be fine. We are so fortunate to live in an area with great options. This year, applications were sky high---spaces are limited. Schools are trying their best to determine if the school is the best fit for the child and family. This isn't college admissions and is not determining their path for their rest of their life. So-- take a breath, enjoy your child and celebrate their uniqueness. Focus on the positive and know that everything works out for the best. And, if it doesn't, there are always options--nothing is permanent. Be there for your child too-- don't let them feel your disappointment if they don't get into your first choice. Our children need love and support right now and not rejection. So even if there isn't a spot at the school they/you were hoping for, focus on the positives and build up your children. This isn't about us.

I really wish I knew what school you worked at because your attitude is a great reflection on the school. Best of luck to your own child.