My DCs class at Field has a number of transfers from Maret so I think it probably is a pressure cooker....sorry.

Anonymous wrote:My friend is pulling her son out of Maret for 9th grade. She thinks the rigor is not worth it. Her kid hates it and she keeps wondering what the hell the point is.

PP, can you elaborate? What does he hate about it? My sense is that it's not as much of a pressure cooker as some of the other "top tier" schools despite being very competitive to get into.

Anonymous wrote:What about SJC?

SJC's deadline has passed

This is the OP--thanks for the replies. I meant to type Field in the first post, but mistakenly wrote Bullis twice. Any idea how hard it is to get admitted to Field, Burke, or St. Andrews with this profile?

I have a son who is brilliant, but a free spirit. Our college counselor keeps saying the GDS would have been the perfect school for him. It's a little late, but seems like a great place.

My friend is pulling her son out of Maret for 9th grade. She thinks the rigor is not worth it. Her kid hates it and she keeps wondering what the hell the point is.

Burke would be terrific for a bright but anxious student. We were very impressed when my son applied. I have also heard wonderful things about St Andrews but we didn't apply because we're Jewish.

What about SJC?

No on GDS and Maret. Yes on Field, Burke, Sandy Spring Friends, St. Andrew's, McLean. I know very little about Bullis.

Field seems created just for your kid

Visit the schools with your child. Sometimes that will provide insights that you might not get from the website.

St. Andrews would be a great option.

Considering Burke, Bullis, St Andrews, and Bullis because theoretically less pressure than other schools. Thoughts on these schools? Would you add GDS or Maret to the list? Not concerned about the rigor of the work, but more the stress that may be felt. Thank you!