Anonymous
02/05/2026 15:06
Subject: Told we are waitlisted for our top choice school
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I love this thread. I don't know what's better, desperation of the OP, the snark in response, other posters chiming in with, "you just don't understaaaaaand!!" - it's all fantastic.
It makes the DC private school forum look positively sane and well-adjusted by comparison. And that's no easy feat.
I would never be snarky with a parent who is fighting for what’s best for their child, so long as it doesn’t disparage other children or directly affect them beyond what is already a zero sum game. Sorry your child didn’t have an advocate in you.
It's awesome that you keep demonstrating the lunacy. "What's best for their child" - these kids are all born on third, have a big lead, and will all be more than fine - but parents are in despair because their first choice elementary school put them on the wait list, and they may have to attend another one that is just as good.
As for as the passive aggressive comment at the end, that was pretty lame. Surely you can do better? Then again, it's entirely possible you can't, so I guess I should be more charitable.
Way to sugarcoat and paint in broad brushstrokes. Plenty of posters here apply for financial aid or aren’t rich. You sound bitter.
It isn’t lame. If you want to get nasty with parents because they want an optimal outcome for their child to thrive, you probably don’t care much for your own children (if you have any, some cat ladies post here, maybe you’re the “cool aunt” who drinks too much)
Anonymous
02/05/2026 14:48
Subject: Told we are waitlisted for our top choice school
Anonymous wrote:Is a reject basically a reject with no room, even if you show tons of interest? Our safety school slowly moved to the top of our list as we went though the process and we are pretty shocked to get a reject (boys k-8)
Yes, otherwise you would have been waitlisted. You can always stay in contact and try during a non-entry year.
Anonymous
02/05/2026 14:44
Subject: Told we are waitlisted for our top choice school
Anonymous wrote:Is a reject basically a reject with no room, even if you show tons of interest? Our safety school slowly moved to the top of our list as we went though the process and we are pretty shocked to get a reject (boys k-8)
Did you or your PSD tell the school that it was your first choice? Sadly, I think that a reject is a reject. I guess there is no harm in sending an email and explaining your position (that over time you realized this school is the absolute best fit for your kid, you are still extremely interested, would immediately accept a spot if offered), but I do not think you go in expecting that it will change their mind unfortunately.
Did your son get a spot anywhere else?
Anonymous
02/05/2026 14:31
Subject: Told we are waitlisted for our top choice school
Anonymous wrote:Is a reject basically a reject with no room, even if you show tons of interest? Our safety school slowly moved to the top of our list as we went though the process and we are pretty shocked to get a reject (boys k-8)
Anonymous
02/05/2026 14:25
Subject: Told we are waitlisted for our top choice school
Anonymous wrote:Is a reject basically a reject with no room, even if you show tons of interest? Our safety school slowly moved to the top of our list as we went though the process and we are pretty shocked to get a reject (boys k-8)
You sent a first choice letter and they rejected you?
Anonymous
02/05/2026 14:14
Subject: Told we are waitlisted for our top choice school
Anonymous wrote:Is a reject basically a reject with no room, even if you show tons of interest? Our safety school slowly moved to the top of our list as we went though the process and we are pretty shocked to get a reject (boys k-8)
Which school? Do you have a preschool director who can help you?
Anonymous
02/05/2026 14:10
Subject: Told we are waitlisted for our top choice school
Anonymous wrote:Is a reject basically a reject with no room, even if you show tons of interest? Our safety school slowly moved to the top of our list as we went though the process and we are pretty shocked to get a reject (boys k-8)
Yes.
Anonymous
02/05/2026 14:09
Subject: Told we are waitlisted for our top choice school
Is a reject basically a reject with no room, even if you show tons of interest? Our safety school slowly moved to the top of our list as we went though the process and we are pretty shocked to get a reject (boys k-8)
Anonymous
02/05/2026 14:03
Subject: Told we are waitlisted for our top choice school
Anonymous wrote:NY is a different animal. My guess is that most of you have public school options that are more attractive than most NYC publics, especially beyond elementary school.
NY is actually one of the better American cities in this regard, particularly when you factor in our commuter suburbs; you should see what people go through searching for private schools in Los Angeles...
Anonymous
02/05/2026 13:50
Subject: Told we are waitlisted for our top choice school
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I love this thread. I don't know what's better, desperation of the OP, the snark in response, other posters chiming in with, "you just don't understaaaaaand!!" - it's all fantastic.
It makes the DC private school forum look positively sane and well-adjusted by comparison. And that's no easy feat.
I would never be snarky with a parent who is fighting for what’s best for their child, so long as it doesn’t disparage other children or directly affect them beyond what is already a zero sum game. Sorry your child didn’t have an advocate in you.
It's awesome that you keep demonstrating the lunacy. "What's best for their child" - these kids are all born on third, have a big lead, and will all be more than fine - but parents are in despair because their first choice elementary school put them on the wait list, and they may have to attend another one that is just as good.
As for as the passive aggressive comment at the end, that was pretty lame. Surely you can do better? Then again, it's entirely possible you can't, so I guess I should be more charitable.
I’m not criticizing parents for wanting the best for their kids. I’m questioning why the focus isn’t on those who play the game, make promises, create expectations, and then become dismissive of families.
Anonymous
02/05/2026 13:46
Subject: Told we are waitlisted for our top choice school
Anonymous wrote:I love this thread. I don't know what's better, desperation of the OP, the snark in response, other posters chiming in with, "you just don't understaaaaaand!!" - it's all fantastic.
It makes the DC private school forum look positively sane and well-adjusted by comparison. And that's no easy feat.
NY is a different animal. My guess is that most of you have public school options that are more attractive than most NYC publics, especially beyond elementary school.
Anonymous
02/05/2026 13:44
Subject: Told we are waitlisted for our top choice school
Do people know which schools tend to have a true waitlist versus a soft rejection?
Anonymous
02/05/2026 13:02
Subject: Told we are waitlisted for our top choice school
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I honestly thought I had posted this myself. The same thing happened to us and we still don’t know why.
Are you getting the first choice or did someone bump your spot? Is this also for the girls schools
we were waitlisted for our first choice school, and we don’t know why.
Had your preschool director expected you to get in? Did you send a first choice letter?
Yes and Yes, but our school was supportive and spoke with us on the calls, and it likely just came down to numbers.
If it’s just a line cutter then you’re still high on the waitlist. If you were in until this week, they want you. Just make sure they know you are standing by to sign the contract immediately if they make an offer.
Once waitlisted, do you essentially have to write another first choice email? Or can it be much simpler, just reiterating that you will accept ASAP if given a spot off the waitlist?
You can write a shorter note. Good luck.
Anonymous
02/05/2026 13:01
Subject: Told we are waitlisted for our top choice school
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I love this thread. I don't know what's better, desperation of the OP, the snark in response, other posters chiming in with, "you just don't understaaaaaand!!" - it's all fantastic.
It makes the DC private school forum look positively sane and well-adjusted by comparison. And that's no easy feat.
I would never be snarky with a parent who is fighting for what’s best for their child, so long as it doesn’t disparage other children or directly affect them beyond what is already a zero sum game. Sorry your child didn’t have an advocate in you.
It's awesome that you keep demonstrating the lunacy. "What's best for their child" - these kids are all born on third, have a big lead, and will all be more than fine - but parents are in despair because their first choice elementary school put them on the wait list, and they may have to attend another one that is just as good.
As for as the passive aggressive comment at the end, that was pretty lame. Surely you can do better? Then again, it's entirely possible you can't, so I guess I should be more charitable.
Anonymous
02/05/2026 12:55
Subject: Told we are waitlisted for our top choice school
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I honestly thought I had posted this myself. The same thing happened to us and we still don’t know why.
Are you getting the first choice or did someone bump your spot? Is this also for the girls schools
we were waitlisted for our first choice school, and we don’t know why.
Had your preschool director expected you to get in? Did you send a first choice letter?
Yes and Yes, but our school was supportive and spoke with us on the calls, and it likely just came down to numbers.
If it’s just a line cutter then you’re still high on the waitlist. If you were in until this week, they want you. Just make sure they know you are standing by to sign the contract immediately if they make an offer.
Once waitlisted, do you essentially have to write another first choice email? Or can it be much simpler, just reiterating that you will accept ASAP if given a spot off the waitlist?