<p>One line of thought is that because the public school is good, you will only apply to the one or two BS that seem “perfect” fits. You’ve visited this May, you’ve gone back in the fall, she loves the feel, resources, etc., and you’ve discussed the repeat sophomore/junior issue with Admissions. In this view, whatever the numbers of new matriculants in past years, you’re going for it, in a “go big or stay home” way.</p>
<p>Alternatively, you buy into the unique advantages of BS over public, she can see herself at more than one or two of the nearby schools (in addition to Blair and L’ville, there’s George, Hill, Peddie, and (maybe!!) Mercersburg, Hun, SAS, Westtown, Kent or Episcopal), and the net is cast more widely because of the higher odds against, particularly if the repeat-soph is nixed.</p>
<p>Really, your particular interests or circumstances will come into play much more than has thus far been presented on the board. You make it sound like maybe you’re in west/central Jersey and want to be within an hour or so of the school, which is perfectly understandable. There can be a distinction, though, between what the kid finds most attractive and the expectations that parent/s have for the process, e.g., the distance from home issue. This seems like a student-inspired adventure, and there needs to be a constant dialogue between the evolving interest of the kid and what the parents are willing to support so that there is alignment. The schools will always be looking to ascertain whether the family is all on the same page or not. </p>
<p>All of the school listed above are “good” to excellent, and they present very different particulars that will make them more or less appealing. Would you go a bit further down the road if the school was simply found to be a better match for your unique and thoughtful daughter? </p>