My DD applied for 4th grade but her scores were too low and she needed some accommodation for low processing. However (and this is why I love Holton), the admissions director made a few calls and within days DD was accepted at a school that turned out to be the perfect fit for her. Holton was very kind to us and truly went the extra mile for our daughter even though she was not a viable candidate.

To the person who applied with 5 other girls from the same school and only 2 were accepted, did you apply into 4th grade? Were you all coming from a private school in DC? Anything that you can share would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

there are not many spots available at Holton for 5th. 3rd and 4th are entry years.

Mine was waitlisted at Holton and eventually got in for Gr. 7. Ended up at an Ivy. So, whoever wrote that Holton was easy to get into. It was less easy than getting into an Ivy in my dd's case.

Anonymous wrote:Whether it's Holton or any other private, from my experience, how well the parent, coaches, tutors, current teachers and others advocate for the applicant matters, too. What gets lost in a lot of these discussions is that the independent school application process is highly competitive for other reasons than test scores. Personally, I believe school reps are looking for something more--something that stands out about each applicant. Sometimes, students have mid-level scores, but they are star athletes or talented musicians or inspiring school leaders. Sometimes, what students do for community service over a long period of time will strike the committee as "profound" or "moving".

Even if a big deal is not made of the class visits, they matter, too. What the teacher says about how your child interacts with others, how much initiative and interest the child exhibits can help or even hurt his or her chances, I'm certain. What about personality? Goals? Thoughtfulness? If you think those things don't matter,esp when considering older applicants who will reveal a lot about themselves when they interview, then I'm sorry, but I think you're not fully aware of how admissions' committees read students' application files.

I've worked with families for many years (on a strictly voluntary basis) and helped with getting their children into the best private schools, and what I've seen that matters is how committed the parents are, what special talents/interests the children have, how well they interview/do in the classroom on a visit, and how much others have to say about the candidates. Take the time to get quality letters of recommendation from teachers and others who interact and work with your child, make sure that your older child is prepared for the interview, and instill good values from the beginning. Having a positive outlook, kind spirit, and good personality can child a part from a large pool of others and in a positive way.

I'm not too sure how much "connections" matter at Holton, but I do think it's one of the schools that looks at the entire application package.

Good luck! Your dd will do well; it's obvious that you care, and that's going to make a huge difference now and down the road.

Helpful Post thanks for taking the time to write it...

For those going to 5th how do the girls get a chance to 'interview' I hear they are with a group of girls, does anyone know the format of the visit? Do they have a one on one with the AD? Thanks

Whether it's Holton or any other private, from my experience, how well the parent, coaches, tutors, current teachers and others advocate for the applicant matters, too. What gets lost in a lot of these discussions is that the independent school application process is highly competitive for other reasons than test scores. Personally, I believe school reps are looking for something more--something that stands out about each applicant. Sometimes, students have mid-level scores, but they are star athletes or talented musicians or inspiring school leaders. Sometimes, what students do for community service over a long period of time will strike the committee as "profound" or "moving".

Even if a big deal is not made of the class visits, they matter, too. What the teacher says about how your child interacts with others, how much initiative and interest the child exhibits can help or even hurt his or her chances, I'm certain. What about personality? Goals? Thoughtfulness? If you think those things don't matter,esp when considering older applicants who will reveal a lot about themselves when they interview, then I'm sorry, but I think you're not fully aware of how admissions' committees read students' application files.

I've worked with families for many years (on a strictly voluntary basis) and helped with getting their children into the best private schools, and what I've seen that matters is how committed the parents are, what special talents/interests the children have, how well they interview/do in the classroom on a visit, and how much others have to say about the candidates. Take the time to get quality letters of recommendation from teachers and others who interact and work with your child, make sure that your older child is prepared for the interview, and instill good values from the beginning. Having a positive outlook, kind spirit, and good personality can child a part from a large pool of others and in a positive way.

I'm not too sure how much "connections" matter at Holton, but I do think it's one of the schools that looks at the entire application package.

Good luck! Your dd will do well; it's obvious that you care, and that's going to make a huge difference now and down the road.

Third grade is actually one of the hardest grades to get in. A lot of parents want their DDs to be "10 year girls." The year my DD came to Holton there were so many 3rd grade applicants! Several applicants were from Primary Day or legacy applicants. I think 4th grade is an easier entry point.

My daughter applied for 3rd with 99th percentile WISC, and at the time was showing signs of becoming a very good athlete, musician. She did not get in, but did get into GDS and Sidwell. Didn't apply to NCS because couldn't wait a year to leave where she was in school. We did not live in Maryland, and at that moment they were fighting with neighbors about expansion and supposedly needed to have as many families as possible from the neighborhood to help with zoning battle. So particularly in the younger years with lots of applicants, and many other factors involved, can't count on admission even with fantastic scores.

Anonymous wrote:Holton is a great school but most girls are accepted. Don't worry!

My daughter applied in with 5 other friends. Only 2 got in. The 4 that did not get in were good students, one was very good. I was a little surprised. Holton looks for the whole package. You don't have to be the absolute smartest but you have to be a hard worker, have another hook (athletic, musical, art etc...) and be of the right mentality.

It is a terrific school, but not particularly hard to get into in the early years. Last year they accept a LOT more than 15 spots they had to fill for 4th grade. I can think of at least 6 girls who were accepted but chose others schools. Good luck!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are lots of entry points. They take 30 girls in 3rd, another class (15) in 4th and another 15 in 6th. Then they grow the class again at 7th and 9th.

is this still true in 2015?

No, the classes in 7th and 8th grade are the largest they have ever had. They can't add too many more unless enough girls move to another school. Last year zero girls left so only 2 were added. I am sure some will leave for co-ed schools at 9th grade but I don't see a huge increase in new girls for upper and middle school.

Anonymous wrote:There are lots of entry points. They take 30 girls in 3rd, another class (15) in 4th and another 15 in 6th. Then they grow the class again at 7th and 9th.

is this still true in 2015?

Any new insights on getting into Holton in the 4th grade?

Anonymous wrote:Holton is a great school but most girls are accepted. Don't worry!

I wish this were true. This is not true, I know plenty of girls that were rejected or waitlisted.

Holton is a great school but most girls are accepted. Don't worry!