<p>Having concluded the admissions process with my dd happily choosing to attend Smith College, I have some general observations, based both on our own situation and close reading of the various threads, particularly relating to the “Seven Sisters.”</p>
<p>There is very little rhyme, reason, or logic to the entire selection process. Chance threads are meaningless. Girls are waitlisted at one school, rejected at another and then admitted by a third. Other girls get accepted at the one the first girl gets rejected at, etc. etc. Stats profiles are highly misleading. Factors such as geography, ethnicity, and other “hooks” are much more important than schools are willing to admit.</p>
<p>A huge eye-opener is the naivete that both applicants AND their parents bring to the financial aid process. People making $250k are unwilling to make any sacrifices on their kids’ behalf and expect the schools to offer them big aid packages. </p>
<p>Another observation:interviews, downplayed by many on here, are important. So is showing a significant level of interest in a school. Not to the extent of continuously emailing admissions staff, but rather by visiting the school, having the interview, etc.</p>
<p>Finally, I have to say many of the applicants have an unrealistic view of what schools they may be able to get into. I sometimes wonder what, if anything, high school guidance counselors do to advise kids applying to schools far beyond a reasonable expectation of getting admitted.</p>
<p>I’m sure others will have divergent viewpoints. Again, this is just my opinion based on personal observation and experience.</p>