We had an odd experience with a non-dmv school that is a notoriously impossible admit for 9th. Normal interview but no response to email or other communication or any other indication that we had a shadow of a chance. Huge surprise on decision day when DC was admitted. We were so confused. I have to say the lack of any interaction over the process did dampen DC’s interest in what would have otherwise been their top choice school.

Anonymous wrote:Great experience with SSSAS.

Same. Their admissions team is amazing.

Anonymous wrote:Great experience with SSSAS.

Same here, for Upper School. Great admissions team!

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Anonymous wrote:We applied Potomac (only) and got WL x2. Found them to be helpful and communicative throughout the process. Only thing that surprised us quite a bit was the 1:1 session with our K was extremely basic, with exercises on the order of drawing a shape using the right color crayon. I know it wasn't supposed to be an entirely academic evaluation, but still it was just surprised they weren't asking at least SOME questions to get a better handle on where DC was at in terms of math, reading, writing, etc.

Agree it was pretty basic. Maybe it was a screener? Like make sure the kid passes the bare minimum and then they’ll take who they want based on wealth, status, etc. (can you tell I’m bitter lol)

This wasn't our experience, and we got in for K (not a big donor, or URM, or super wealthy). They started with the crayons, colors, shapes, etc. but worked up to addition, subtraction, double digit number recognition, etc. with our DD over the course of the half hour.

Kids applying to K doing addition and subtraction and double digit number recognition?

Anonymous wrote:Holton was the worst. Nothing went right from forgetting our interview, sent the wrong link for the assessment and seemed generally disinterested.

We had kind of the opposite experience at Holton approximately 6 years ago. We got the sense from the interview that our DD would be offered admission. The interviewer from the Admissions Office was so enthusiastic about our DD and said that everything looked great, etc. Then she was ultimately waitlisted. In looking back on it, maybe the AO was trying to convey that our DD's application was complete, and that we could feel good about that. But both DH and I, on the car ride home after that interview, separately said that we got the sense that our DD could expect to be admitted.

So maybe it's best if admissions offices are a little bit distant from applicants. Otherwise, if the admissions offices are too nice and enthusiastic, they might give false hope that their DC will be admitted.

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Anonymous wrote:I really liked the Bullis admissions team. Very personable.

Matt Trammell is an ultimate professional. Our DC chose another school, and it was very difficult to tell Matt, because he had been so welcoming.

+1 and we were waitlisted there. That guy is amazing.

+2! Matt is great.

GDS main interviewer is the worst and what comes out of her mouth sometimes is shocking. We "applied" my younger one and even though we were most likely going to get into the school it was horrid. Many stories coming out.

Great experience with SSSAS.

Anonymous wrote:Sidwell HS learning specialist seemed irritated she had to meet with families. Had a rude tone and making a face the entire time. I wondered if it was because we are not white. Gave a very bad impression of the school.

NCS, Holton, GDS admissions people and interviewers all very nice in comparison.

Wow that’s bad. I hope you notified the head of admissions and DEI. Sorry that happened to you.

Sidwell - Great
Bullis - Great
Stone Ridge - Great

Holton - Different

We had a really nice experience with both WIS and Potomac's admissions offices and overall process (MS/LS). They are very different schools; but the Admissions staff we engaged with at both were very responsive, positive and kind. If DC had been accepted to both schools it would have been a hard decision choosing between the two. DC was accepted at one and rejected from the other so the decision made itself in the end!

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Anonymous wrote:I found SAES to be involved, responsive, and helpful during all parts of the process. They had read our application before the interview, were warm and open in conversations, presented a great virtual open house, and gave multiple opportunities for parents and kids to come onto campus.

I agree but they dropped the ball after admissions decisions came out. Communication was horrible and it really scared us away. Such a weird time for the wheels to come off the bus.

Saes is an average school, not a great school. If your child got into a higher performing school, go there and don't concern yourself any further with St. Andrew's shortcomings.

Do you think Bullis is better?

Someone on here clearly has a bone to pick with SAES lately. There have been several posts with the same bitter theme about how it’s not a a strong school, or it’s gotten “too big for its britches,” or whatever. It seems to happen with schools from time to time on here, and it’s unfortunate because people can’t tell if it’s one or two disgruntled parents or a real issue.

Fwiw, we chose SAES over Bullis. I don’t think the academics between SAES and Bullis are likely all that different. Our K-8 felt both would serve our DC, who is a strong student, well academically. We have friends with kids at both schools who are happy.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I found SAES to be involved, responsive, and helpful during all parts of the process. They had read our application before the interview, were warm and open in conversations, presented a great virtual open house, and gave multiple opportunities for parents and kids to come onto campus.

I agree but they dropped the ball after admissions decisions came out. Communication was horrible and it really scared us away. Such a weird time for the wheels to come off the bus.

Saes is an average school, not a great school. If your child got into a higher performing school, go there and don't concern yourself any further with St. Andrew's shortcomings.

Do you think Bullis is better?

Anonymous wrote:What were people’s impressions of Admissions at K-8 schools?

CES was great. Very warm admissions director, responds quickly and helpful.

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Anonymous wrote:I found SAES to be involved, responsive, and helpful during all parts of the process. They had read our application before the interview, were warm and open in conversations, presented a great virtual open house, and gave multiple opportunities for parents and kids to come onto campus.

I agree but they dropped the ball after admissions decisions came out. Communication was horrible and it really scared us away. Such a weird time for the wheels to come off the bus.

Saes is an average school, not a great school. If your child got into a higher performing school, go there and don't concern yourself any further with St. Andrew's shortcomings.

Totally agree.