What Do You Think of My Child's Chances?

Prep School Admissions Prep School Chances
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@Trebuchet and @gardenstategal: Looking back, I think the following really helped our DC:

  • JBS: a. helps develop self-advocacy, maturity, self-reliance, etc (AOs weren't concerned whether DC can handle a dorm life w/o parents) - these characteristics really came through during DC's interviews b. all ECs are done w/in JBS (so didn't need to go find a cure for cancer or other amazing achievements outside of school) c. track record of solid kids matriculating into top selective BS ("known product?") JBS placement office do have great relationships with many BS but they can't guarantee seats at the most selective schools
  • Letters of recommendation: a. the JBS teachers really know DC because of the 24/7 spent together b. the teachers have experience writing these letters c. we think these letters are super important: I don't think the letters have to say DC is the best they have seen in 10 years. What is more important is how well they know DC and is able to convey in detail DC's strengths in writing
  • Interviews: DC was very personable, told stories (rather than just answering questions) and drove home his top qualities.
  • STATS: High GPA and SSAT DC said most classmates w/ similar stats got into top selective BS (many also had multiple offers) but did say that a very small number of classmates w/ similar stats didn't get into any highly selective schools (so stats alone are insufficient)
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I was to be clear for anyone reading this that – because a similar pattern plays out with college admissions for BS kids – that a JBS counselor relationship with BS (or a BS counselor relationship with colleges) is never a lock or guarantee. There is virtually never an arrangement whereby they get to say “take this kid” and it happens.

But they DO have a relationship over a number of years and when the BS visits with the JBS counselor (or the collegevisits the BS counselor), there is an opportunity to explain any particular needs that the school has so that the JBS can also think about which kids will meet those. And they understand, based on doing this for years, what type of kid is likely to be successful at each school. And all the BS, no matter how popular, cultivate sources of good applicants and JBS are one.

I am guessing that nobody had a shutout. Sure, some high stats kids weren’t admitted to the most selective schools, but they are no doubt still going to excellent BS next year.