What should Daughter Say?

kelsmom
Sat, 19 Sep 2009 18:25:52 +0000

Oh, my gosh … I am so glad I don’t live where some of you live!! D went to an excellent private school, but rank. scores & where students were applying were never the topics of parent conversation. The kids may have discussed them among friends, but it was never in a way other than just chatting. I can honestly say that there was no competition, no jealousy, no back-stabbing.

S is in a public school that actively encourages students in the application process. The staff works to instill a culture of applying early. I have overheard some parents trying to impress others with where their kids are applying, but I haven’t noticed any discussion of the particulars (scores, rank) among parents, nor have I noticed anyone worrying about where anyone else’s kid is applying. The kids share their info openly - my son has seen all the essay questions for UMich not because he has bothered to start his app, but because his classmates showed him while filling out their own apps. ACT scores were openly shared last year because all juniors in our state are required to take the ACT as part of our state exam. When the scores came in, the kids talked about them. Rank? With almost 500 kids in the class, I doubt they have a clue who has what rank!