<p>@mumfor</p>
<p>Basketweaver covered all of this exceptionally well. Just to put in my two cents, I attended IYWS the summer between my sophomore and junior years. I’m a senior now.
At my session, there were maybe 3 rising college freshman, 20 rising high school seniors, 25 rising juniors, and 3 rising sophomores. That might be totally inaccurate, but I remember the proportions being something along those lines.</p>
<p>There were a few students there who had been accepted after most (I’m not exactly sure what the waitlist is/how it works, other than through word of mouth), but most who are accepted choose to attend. It’s difficult to get be accepted. Like basketweaver said, the acceptance rate is only about 20%. The year I went, I also applied to Sewanee, Alpha, and Kenyon, which are all exceptional programs as well. I would highly encourage your son to apply to a few. Even if he’s an absolutely brilliant and mature young man, room is made for the older students first.</p>
<p>I wish him (and you!) good luck in the process! IYWS was one of the best experiences of my life; I’ve watched the older students graduate and decorate the Ivies, written my college essays about growing after attending the program, and stayed in touch with the friends I met there. I’d encourage anyone who loves to write to apply.</p>