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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]And people complain about Sidwell's former policy of on the spot questions? Taking anything more than 15-20 minutes is defeating the purpose.[/quote]

What a dumb approach.  Written responses help schools evaluate the parents and their suitability for the school.  The school has no idea how much time you out into the essays, but an articulate, polished response is obviously going to make a better impression than something written off the cuff.

I spent maybe 1/2 an hour drafting responses to each question.  Over a period of several weeks, I spent probably another 10 hours carefully editing each essay, reviewing for brevity, word choice, clarity of ideas, etc.  I used to write professionally, and I applied every erg of talent and training to the essay writing process.

DC was accepted by all the schools where we applied, including Big 3 schools. DC had great test scores and made very positive impressions during play dates, so I can't say definitively that the essays made a difference.  But, since private school admissions are extremely competitive, why would you disadvantage your child by submitting slap-dash essays?  [/quote]

Because being neurotic and passing on that trait to your kids is kind of terrible. [/quote]

Not the PP, but I'd be perfectly happy if my children realize that it is sometimes the small things that make a difference, particularly in subjective processes.  If it takes ten hours, then that is ten hours very well spent in my view if you have any strong view of where you'd like your child to go to school.  If you have a great public option, or if for some reason you know he or she is very likely to be admitted to a school you are very happy with, then I'd agree that spending an hour tops then going our for a nice bike ride makes sense.  For those who do not have those certainties, and especially those who are applying for schools for kids to attend for up to 14 years (if pk-12), it would seem to be worth it to put in a day's effort up front in the application process.  [/quote]

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