Everything counts. That said, I've worked with independent school admission offices for nearly 20 years, and I've never heard someone say "We're concerned about John because Jane's grades are mediocre." It seems pretty far outside the admission process to compare siblings on that kind of metric.

If there are broader family issues (uncooperative parents, e.g., as a PP noted, or accounts frequently in arrears), those factors could certainly come into play. However, it seems like stating the obvious to say that admission officers recognize that children, even those from the same family, are different.

Yes they definitely do at our Big 5.

No.

Schools care more about discipline issues than they do about grades. As long as the older sibling is not a problem student, the little ones should be shoe ins.

Anonymous wrote:I could definitely see them checking siblings' grades and discipline records for major red flags, and possibly holding it against an applicant if the sibling is on academic probation or has been suspended repeatedly or something. But harder for me to imagine that good grades would be viewed as a plus. No idea though.

+1 We have had both boys and girls follow after their older siblings at their respective single-sex schools. From speaking with others, I know our schools looked at records of the older siblings. My understanding is that they primarily are checking for discipline issues since those reflect parenting/family dynamic issues that would be a predictor for the younger child. I think typical or better grades for older siblings are expected but they don't need to be the school rock stars for grades. In essence, the schools want to know that the older sibling is in line with the norm. If the older child is outside the norm in a bad way then that could be a yellow or red light for a younger sibling applicant without extenuating circumstances.

I could definitely see them checking siblings' grades and discipline records for major red flags, and possibly holding it against an applicant if the sibling is on academic probation or has been suspended repeatedly or something. But harder for me to imagine that good grades would be viewed as a plus. No idea though.

I think they care more if you are a PIA parent. Not being mean but they look at that. I doubt they are checking your older child's grades.

We have one kid who just stated in a Big3 private. Doing very well academically but it's obviously early in the year.
If we apply a second kid next year, will the first kid's grades reflect on the second's chance of admission?
Does admissions check? I would hope not but it just occurred to me to wonder.