People really pay for this service? Wow, people must have money to waste.

We used her services and she spends 3/4 of the time talking about her "credentials" and why she is legitimate. The latter 1/4 (what we actually wanted to know and why we paid her) she rushes through a list of schools and gives her "unbiased" opinion. If you don't know anything about DC, she could be good, but mostly she just provides you with info that is already available on the DCPS website.

We paid for a session with E.V. Downing and found it useful to confirm our ranking. She was able to provide feedback about how she thought our child would do in certain schools and why. I don't think it was necessary but useful nonetheless.

Her services at best for those new to the city or haven't done research.

You can learn a whole lot by hanging out at playgrounds in different neighborhoods on the weekend (parents, instead of nannies) and asking around. The "consultant" is selling you air.

Anonymous wrote:This question is so depressing and illustrates how far removed we are getting from quality neighborhood schools for all.

My sentiments exactly - and that consultants can make a living (if they can) off the inadequacies of DCPS

Anonymous wrote:Here's her secret ranking formula: (Average DC CAS scores + % of White students)/distance from Eastern Market.

LOL

Here's her secret ranking formula: (Average DC CAS scores + % of White students)/distance from Eastern Market.

I haven't used her services, but I suspect her sessions are probably very helpful for people who are too busy to or not interested in doing a ton of research for the school lottery (or are unaware of the resources available here or can't stand the vitriol present on DCUM). If you are on this forum, obviously you are willing/able to devote some time to the research. So her services probably wouldn't be as useful.

Here's her website: http://downeyschoolconsulting.wordpress.com/about-2/

Snake oil.

I did a session when EV Downey. I didn't find it useful, but that's basically because I had already done some basic research, and she goes over the basics. In terms of advising on schools, she can give you a sense of what open houses to check out, but you are the one that has to figure out your priorities. (Is location more important than academics? Those kinds of questions.) there is no gaming the algorithm, so the only "strategy" involved is applying to a safety school (which for us was out IB school). I would recommend reading up on the basics of the lottery and then getting more info on schools from here, the charter school expo, and open houses, so you can rank based in your preferences and criteria.

This question is so depressing and illustrates how far removed we are getting from quality neighborhood schools for all.

She is good at telling you about schools in the area...if you don't know of any. Everything else that she has to offer seems to be common sense. In terms of having her help you rank, again there is no secret formula or way to game the system...and to be honest she doesn't have any real insight here to offer. If you don't have time to do your research, she is worth if, otherwise spend some time online and go to a couple of schools.

Unless she can guarantee admission, which she cannot, it's a complete waste of money, IMO.

E.V. Downey. Will have to look up contact info and post later.

I've heard about the infamous consultant that advises you on how prioritize your schools for the lottery. How do I find this person? Is anyone willing to share their experience using a consultant, or maybe even knowledge that was shared with them? How much did it cost? Thanks so much!