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[quote=Anonymous][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]

So submitting half-ass work product is the better approach? If you think so, then maybe a subpar public school is a better environment for you. [/quote]

No. It doesn't take us 10 hours to put together great answers. I can't believe it takes anyone that long. Maybe look at a different school that fits your family better?[/quote]

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