What do you mean by a "big donation"? If you give something like 10,000 or 20,000, that seems awfully big to a UMC person like me, but it won't get you anywhere, and is almost sure to backfire and keep you out. Probably the same with a donation of 50,000 or 100,000 too. But are you thinking of making a donation like $500,000 or something in the millions? I have no idea how that would be received. Maybe it would get your son/daughter accepted, but you run the risk that the student is rejected anyway, and of course you can't get the donation back, and everyone who hears about your stunt will think you are an idiot or gross. So it is hard to see how this is a good idea.

Two questions:

What is the school and why is it so important that your son/daughter go there? there are plenty of good schools in the DMV.

Is your son/daughter anywhere close to qualified? If so, why not just apply and hope they get in on their own?

Anonymous wrote:You’ll be shooting your self in the foot. The only time it’s appropriate to do this is if you are an alum or a grandparent was. Otherwise it’s crass. How many rich parents can afford to do what you are doing? Tons. Money is a flush in DC and NYC.

The schools do it all the time. You may think it’s crass but there it is. Where do you think the term development admit comes from?

Anonymous wrote:I know it's obnoxious but how abhorrent is it to offer a big donation when applying to a private? How would one go about doing so? Is it ever done? I'm not in the dcum area but I imagine it would be a similar type of culture across private schools. I was thinking the equivalent of 5 years of tuition for this school. Does everyone do that anyway so it's not a big deal and not a boost at all?

Ask Lori Loughlin

The better way to do it is apply from another private where you have a track record of big donations. The HOS will very likely vouch for your development potential, and that usually moves the needle for admissions.

You are going to have to walk a very fine line not to ruffle anyone’s feathers.

Smells like corruption in here.

Anonymous wrote:Yes, OP. People buy their kids’/grandkids’ seats all the time. Make sure you mention to the “development” folks that you are a prospective parent. Very excited and hoping little Larlo has a chance for admission next year. Know it’s so very competitive but really hoping and wishing he gets a chance.

Big smiles!!

Only if they have been affiliated with the school. And been giving for years. Not one big donation right before admissions. OP would be seen as giving a bribe.

You’ll be shooting your self in the foot. The only time it’s appropriate to do this is if you are an alum or a grandparent was. Otherwise it’s crass. How many rich parents can afford to do what you are doing? Tons. Money is a flush in DC and NYC.

Yes, OP. People buy their kids’/grandkids’ seats all the time. Make sure you mention to the “development” folks that you are a prospective parent. Very excited and hoping little Larlo has a chance for admission next year. Know it’s so very competitive but really hoping and wishing he gets a chance.

Big smiles!!

Thats my plan when we win the lottery!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The school will probably love it and it is gross. Can you live with yourself? Only you can decide.

The school admins somehow live with themselves when wealthy donors do this

🤷🏼‍♂️

Thanks, I'm hoping to get DC into NCS.

Anonymous wrote:The school will probably love it and it is gross. Can you live with yourself? Only you can decide.

The school admins somehow live with themselves when wealthy donors do this

🤷🏼‍♂️

The school will probably love it and it is gross. Can you live with yourself? Only you can decide.

Gross.

I know it's obnoxious but how abhorrent is it to offer a big donation when applying to a private? How would one go about doing so? Is it ever done? I'm not in the dcum area but I imagine it would be a similar type of culture across private schools. I was thinking the equivalent of 5 years of tuition for this school. Does everyone do that anyway so it's not a big deal and not a boost at all?