Reply to How many in your schools senior class have no tips at all?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]A few thoughts. 
1) extra time is not an advantage if it is proportional and legit to a dress a learning disability.  It is supposed to be compensation for a deficit. But, I agree the system needs reform.  Kids usually get a round block od extra time without proof that it is proportional to the need - in other words, if a deficit warrants an extra 10 minutes that kid likely will get 30 min or 60 min more- or no extra time at all. 
2) but OP's point that privates stack their schools with students with hooks is well taken.  It is one way they try to ensure that their college placements exceed averages.  Of course, the best advantage is just an inredibly self-motivated student with insane talent and supportive parents with an interest and means of suportting the child in any way possible.    [/quote]

On your number 2, it is neither as complicated or as sinister as you make it out.  Private schools "stack their schools with students" who are . . . IN THEIR APPLICANT POOL.  The schools cost $40,000 per year, and the schools that give the MOST aid in this area still have 75% full-paying students.  Who has the money in this area?  Generally parents with advanced degrees (doctors, lawyers, consultants etc.) and often those parents are alums of Ivies and/or other highly selective schools.  That's just the demography of the DC area.

When schools do their admissions, they are looking for the smartest kids in the applicant pool, and diversity, and maybe athletic talent if they care about that.  Those are all things that can lead to college admissions success too.  Do schools know that parents look at college outcomes as part of the school choice process, so that it is part of marketing?  Sure.  But it's just a piece.  And school admissions committees don't sit around saying "how can we assure that in 13 or 8 or 4 years we'll have the most Ivy admits?"  They are saying "who are the strongest students in our pile and how can we convince them to come to our school"?  And "do we have enough financial aid in the pot for everyone who needs it"?  And "will we continue to have a good applicant pool as tuition goes up?"

Lastly, for those weighing in the "extra time" issues -- give it a rest.  Encourage your own child to work hard and do well, and to recognize that time spent worrying about other people's perceived advantages and how "fair" they are is time wasted.[/quote]

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