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[quote=SAM2][u][b]Part 2[/b][/u]

[b]The Application Process[/b]

[i]What should I look for at school open houses? What questions should I ask, or not ask? What should I wear?[/i] 
[url=http://fwd4.me/EMh]Several threads[/url] discuss these issues. Many people suggest avoiding questions that are designed to show how smart or accomplished your child is ("Will this school allow my four year old to work with the precalculus group?"). For dress, most people seem to suggest avoiding the extremes -- not too casual, but not overly dressy either. Here are a few useful links: http://fwd4.me/Crq and http://fwd4.me/Crr .  Also, the NAIS (Nat'l Association of Independent Schools) has an [url=http://fwd4.me/VtZ]excellent list of tips[/url] for applying to independent schools, and the [url=http://fwd4.me/Vtc]AISGW has suggestions as well[/url].

[i]What is the WPPSI? What about the WISC and the ERB?[/i] 
These are all different IQ tests that many private schools require for younger children. They generally seem to cost about $200-400. Many school websites list nearby places that administer the test, and there are several threads in the DCUM archive with comments about different testers. Be sure to check your application materials closely to make sure your child takes the correct test.

[i]What do the scores mean?[/i] 
Your child’s test results likely will have a verbal score, a performance score, and a full-scale IQ (FSIQ) scores. The report might also include a percentile score for each category (for example, 70th percentile). Here is one website that converts IQ scores to percentiles: http://www.iqcomparisonsite.com/IQtable.aspx . The report also may contain a short written description of your child from the tester. Here is a link to a sample WPPSI report that describes the different scores: http://www.iupui.edu/~flip/testreport.pdf .

[i]Are these test scores reliable?[/i] 
Like everything else, opinions differ on this. Some people say the tests are worthless, while others think the tests have strong predictive value. Here is one academic who studies these things: http://faculty.education.uiowa.edu/dlohman/ . And here are a few threads discussing the topic at length: 
http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/90254.page
http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/81620.page

[i]What if there is a big split in my child's scores?[/i] 
Some people say that a significant difference between verbal and performance scores can suggest cognitive issues that should be evaluated further. Your tester can help evaluate the scores and their significance for your child. There are many threads in the DCUM archive that discuss this issue. Here are a few: 
http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/36048.page 
http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/25964.page 
http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/44755.page

[i]Why are all these people saying their kids scored 99%? How is that possible?[/i] 
Statistically, only about 1 in 100 children should score 99% FSIQ (1 in 72 if you count those who might round up from 98.6%). But when you see someone posting on DCUM about their child’s 99% score, you’re hearing from people who are interested enough in education to be considering private schools and putting their children through testing, affluent enough to be able to afford those things, and proud enough of their child’s score to post the result. Thus, the odds of a 99% score are much higher here on DCUM threads. Also, believe it or not, some parents are known to exaggerate their child’s successes, particularly on an anonymous message board. Here are a few threads on the topic: 
http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/39002.page
http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/90984.page

[i]Do certain schools have cut-offs in what WPPSI’s they’ll accept?[/i] 
Some people claim that certain schools look for a score above the 85th percentile, or above the 70th percentile. But plenty of people report admissions success at a number of schools with various scores. Here are some threads discussing this issue:
http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/76695.page
http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1098.page

[i]Watch out: Many people have very strong opinions about WPPSI scores and their meaning.[/i] 
There are probably many reasons for this. For example, many people may find it frustrating that three-year-old children are having their IQs judged, and that the results can significantly affect their educational futures. If you post a question about WPPSI scores and their meaning, you may get better responses if you are careful how you phrase it, and you should expect some controversy regardless.

[i]What about the SSAT/ISEE tests for applicants to upper grades?[/i]
[I don't know much about these tests. If someone will write a summary, I will insert it here.]

[i]How are admissions decisions made?[/i] 
Here is one thread with several thoughtful posts from people who seem to have been involved in the process, relaying their experiences:
http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/88757.page

[i]How important or unimportant is diversity to the application process?[/i] 
Most people on DCUM seem to agree that schools put some weight on applicant diversity, and many of the schools’ websites seem to support this view. Different schools likely value diversity differently. Note also that there is a practical question about how much of a role diversity plays, and a separate but related policy question about what role diversity should play. (See, for example: http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/78193.page .) Also, many people are quick to point out that diversity extends well beyond race, to include such topics as religion, geography, socioeconomic status (SES), etc.

[i]Is my non-diverse child going to be squeezed out of a slot by a diversity applicant? Or alternatively, will people assume my diverse child was given some preference, and not admitted on pure merit?[/i] 
These are some extremely controversial issues, and they’ve been explored several times. See, for example: 
http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/29055.page

[i]Watch out: Race and diversity are sensitive ones that should be treated respectfully.[/i] 
This should be obvious. Private school admissions issues are already highly controversial, and when they’re paired with issues of race/diversity, the combination is volatile. Even the terms of the discussion (diversity, color, non-white, minority, etc) can be highly charged. Use care and respect.

[i]How important is sibling/legacy status?[/i] 
It seems most schools will give some preference to siblings, but how much preference might vary from school to school. As for legacies, it seems generally assumed that most schools will give some preference to legacies, but how much is unclear. There are plenty of examples of people on DCUM being disappointed when their legacy/sibling child was denied by their preferred school. Similarly, there are plenty of examples of wholly unconnected children being accepted to various schools.
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