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[quote=pbraverman][quote=Anonymous][quote=pbraverman]I think schools understand that parents make school choices in the younger grades. To that extent, then, yes, an expression of a first choice might be helpful. Unless you are over-eager or dishonest, it's hard to see how it would hurt.[/quote]
The problem is that we don't really have a clear first-choice.  There may be one school that we prefer very, very slightly to the others, but the margin is so slim.  And there's no place where we'd instantly accept without taking a second look at other options if DC were lucky enough to get in.  So I don't think we can in good conscience submit one, and unfortunately we'll always wonder "what if" in the event that DC gets WLed here.[/quote]

Yes, I think you've analyzed the situation well. In essence, you have to decide whether you're willing to trade a slightly higher chance of admission (potentially) against the flexibility to delay the decision until you have more information. There is no control group in these experiments, so your "What if..." is, unfortunately, a possibility. All of that said, I don't think a declaration of first choice usually plays a very big role in the process. It's seldom enough to make an unattractive candidate attractive, or vice-versa. With very few exceptions, schools offer admission to the applicants they want, and then deal with the cards as they're played.

There can, however, be ways to influence a wait-list decision positively. If you'd like to talk about that please feel free to get in touch (below).

Peter
_____________________

Disclaimer: The anonymity here makes me uncomfortable; it's easy to be uninformed, personal, or simply mean-spirited if people don't identify themselves. For that reason, I have an account so you know whose words you're reading. I have more than 20 years' experience as a teacher and administrator in independent schools, and I have counseled hundreds of students in finding their next schools. I hope I can be helpful to some folks. If you don't like something I've said, you're in good company — there's a long line of past students and parents ahead of you. :) If you want to chat further, please feel free to contact me offline: peter &lt;at&gt; arcpd &lt;dot&gt; com[/quote]

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