These responses are really insightful. Younger child is applying to a very well regarded private in a large city that is not DC for earliest elementary entry year. Now that older child has been at the school for a few years and we really like it we’re not applying to any other schools for younger child and I’m more aware of how steep the competition is.

Specifically, a parent who I’m close to mentioned that in addition to all the siblings who were applying in our older children’s grade and non-affiliated children there are quite a few children of alumni applying (these alumni don’t have any children at the school). This got me thinking about what type of legacy would have a bigger pull with admissions.

Sibling attending the school for SURE but only if your family is well liked. If you’re a well liked family where the older kid is not an issue/doing well, the sibling will get in.

If you’re in the fence and the school wants to gently counsel you out, sibling is at risk.

Sorry — just being 100% honest.

Anonymous wrote:Donation history and VIP status being equal:

Sibling at the current school is stronger. However, that sibling student needs to be positively viewed as well as the parents. In this case, the school knows what they are getting at least from the family applying.

This!

Anonymous wrote:Donation history and VIP status being equal:

Sibling at the current school is stronger. However, that sibling student needs to be positively viewed as well as the parents. In this case, the school knows what they are getting at least from the family applying.

+1. Families generally try to keep their kids at the same school when possible. If the sibling is offered a spot, there is a pretty high likelihood that the current student will stay and the sibling will attend. If the parents and current student are well liked, this is a win for the school. And it’s awkward/ uncomfortable for the school to have to explain why the sibling isn’t being offered a spot.

Sibling legacy

Why would it matter for an individual student? It’s not like you can’t apply to both.

Anonymous wrote:Having worked in a private school and been part of the admissions process, I would say parent legacy gives you a greater edge.

So you mean the parent was an alumnus of the school or an Ivy legacy?

Having worked in a private school and been part of the admissions process, I would say parent legacy gives you a greater edge.

Anonymous wrote:I guess sibling has priority and then parent legacy. Between both legacies there will be very few spots left for the rest.

Shit

I guess sibling has priority and then parent legacy. Between both legacies there will be very few spots left for the rest.

Anonymous wrote:So different privates? One where the sibling is and another where a parent went?

Just apply to both and decide between them if you happen to get accepted to both.

So different privates? One where the sibling is and another where a parent went?

If you have an older sibling there, call the admissions office and ask. We've been told directly when it was the priority to keep siblings together if doable.

Donation history and VIP status being equal:

Sibling at the current school is stronger. However, that sibling student needs to be positively viewed as well as the parents. In this case, the school knows what they are getting at least from the family applying.

Going through the K-12 admissions process with my second child and wondering if one legacy is stronger or more preferable. Sibling legacy where sibling is at current school where a younger child is applying or parent legacy. This would be a younger sibling applying for a lower grade/entry year (PK/K) at a private.