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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Having a child applying to 9th grade , I can see where OP is coming from.

The admissions process is EXHAUSTING for both the parents and the kids. I have literally been to one school FIVE times already for various admissions events (tours, interview, dropping off DC for a shadow day, athletics event, parent coffee...) and that is just ONE school. DC is applying to six schools and this has been like a full time job. They are applying to six schools just to make sure they can get into one because nothing is guaranteed and we have no idea what the schools really want.

I just wish schools would give some loose guidelines as to what they are looking for for me to know if my child even has a shot at that school. That way we don't waste our time or the admissions teams time.

The problem is that I believe that the performance of the admissions team is based on how many applications they get. They have every incentive to encourage you to apply even though they know your child does not stand a chance. 
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I'm sorry this thread is getting derailed as it is a good topic. We are also applying to private schools and it is taking up most of my non working time, between the visits and shadow days and essays and applications and the test prep. But what are really the chances of being admitted at this or that school? Deep inside I'm aware there must goals the school is looking for in an incoming class, this % for athletes, this % for black students, this % for other non white students, this % for legacies, so does it really mean out of a hypothetical 30 open seats in an expansion year, we're really competing for one of five seats, not 30? Those would be the true odds.

And of course we're always worried whether we're doing enough during the admissions process. Is just filling out the applications fine or do schools still somehow expect more from us without explicitly saying so? Do they keep records of how often we visit the campus? But other than the open house and shadow day, what else is there? [/quote]
I only figured this out after applying 3 times. Now finally figured out some ideas to improve the chance, but the chances are still extremely low, especially for lower grades. I do wonder if family from American  education system or people who themselves went to private school have an advantage as they know how to “talk” or advocate their family better than international ones, besides all the usual hooks.

But my only point is keep trying as there are just not enough spots for all the qualified kids. And there will never be transparent because I imagine the admission is also dynamic. [/quote]

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