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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]This thread echoes the typical refrain of admins when parents question how BASIS handles college counseling and applications. What you get is, don't complain, BASIS is free and has a fantastic track record in admissions. If you're unhappy it's because your kid isn't all that good.

I see room for improvement. [b]Some DC privates competing with BASIS in admissions are adapting better to a changing admissions landscape. [/b]

For example there are privates and public schools in the burbs that have started advising seniors aiming for Ivies to take 1-2 Cambridge A-Levels in Nov of senior year. This approach gives rising seniors 5 months after the last APs they've taken whose scores come in time to go with Jan applications to prep for additional standardized subject tests. A-Levels are on a par with IB Diploma higher level exams. Cambridge scores help seniors stand out on college applications.

At privates, AP course work doesn't wrap up junior year. BASIS could offer seniors more flexibility but the franchise is set in its ways. If you doubt this as a BASIS parent, ask the college counselor about Cambridge exams.[/quote]

LOL. Couple of things. First, does it surprise you that private schools have better and more resources to adapt? Second, the fact that you are comparing BASIS to DC privates is the point. It is a public charter school.[/quote]  [b]Private schools have the mentality to adapt[/b], and to relentlessly build on students' academic strengths. We know that BASIS admits dozens of 5th graders who speak, read and write good Spanish, French or Chinese, coming from the DCI feeders. Yet BASIS does nothing to help immersion kids keep up language skills (even via after-school study financed by parents), and only permits study languages at the beginning level from 8th grade. In the same situation, private school admins would see an opportunity to build on skills that would support elite college admissions success up the chain. [/quote]

You clearly know NOTHING about education, private schools and resources. The only thing more astounding than your ignorance is your unwavering confidence in the face of sheet ignorance.

If you think the only thing holding BASIS back from adapting like GDS, Sidwell and others can is "mentality" then you are beyond help. [/quote]

BASIS parent w/no idea what you're complaining about. The school has its strengths, and obviously doesn't have anywhere near the resources of GDS or Sidwell, but there's still a mentality issue. Not a "mentality" issue.

When we asked the counselor about applying to colleges from a gap year, were were advised that gap years are a terrible idea, so we don't advise taking them. Why no gap years? Because BASIS wants (really really wants), the bragging rights to every impressive senior year admissions offer students get.

How was the problem resources in that situation? Please explain.[/quote]

Not sure why or how this is that hard. PPP to whom I responded suggested (ne, stated) that the only difference between BASIS and privates is the mentality that allows them to adapt and change. When one is resource constrained one focuses on things one can control. Why is that concept difficult for your to understand?

I'd also suggest that having a run in a with a college counselor and indicting a whole school on that basis is silly. It also ignores that every high school's counselors are tasked primarily with protecting the reputation of the school. I don't know any college counselors who are doin that instead of other jobs, if you know what I mean.  [/quote]

This is nonsense, nobody on this thread has argued that only material difference between BASIS college counseling and that at Sidwell etc. is one of mentality. But mentality isn't irrelevant.

We've been at BASIS long enough to know just how controlling and paternalistic certain admins can be. Families who can't afford private school develop strategies to help them circumvent public school roadblocks. We use a commercial transcript/midyear report forwarding service and generic recommendations. BASIS doesn't even have our full college list and doesn't need it. Not a big deal.[/quote]

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