Trying to get a feel, do you think private MS/HS admissions will be more/less/same competitive than usual this year? We are applying to 2T/3T middle for a very strong applicant but don't have a read. Thoughts?
A few reasons, we're downtown/east side and not interested in UWS or Bronx at this point, we're not interested in SS - which left Dalton. We looked at Dalton and just didn't like the feel of it at all. Felt very studied, pretentious, over the top... We decided to stick with four schools in our general vicinity downtown (and really love and will FC one of them) but would consider applying further afield for HS if it's not challenging enough. Also - not 100% convinced we'll go private in the end but want an option.
I think many people will be applying to keep their options open. I know families who have been very happy with public schools and who never considered private schools until now. However, it doesn't necessarily mean that people will take those spots if accepted. I know people considering moving out of the city, switching to different public schools and applying to privates. Who knows how things will end up next spring/summer/fall. I think there will be more applicants from people who didn't consider privates before, so the numbers may be higher than before. There are so many moving parts and applying now is the smart thing to do to keep options open. As families leave TT schools and move out of the city, I do think there will be private school applicants looking to "upgrade". At DC's private HS, there are fewer kids in this year's 9th grade class compared to other grades. So spots have opened up. Many, many variables all around. I would suggest applying broadly and keeping as many options open as possible. Those 2T/3T schools might get very popular with public school families looking to switch.
I think it will be competitive this year. We would have never thought to apply to private school under normal circumstances. We have a strong applicant but need FA and will be applying to 2T/3T for both 5th and 6th grade (December birthday) to increase our chances.
Looking more competitive given uncertainties around the DOE situation. Why not apply TT for a very strong applicant? You need numbers on your side!
A few reasons, we're downtown/east side and not interested in UWS or Bronx at this point, we're not interested in SS - which left Dalton. We looked at Dalton and just didn't like the feel of it at all. Felt very studied, pretentious, over the top... We decided to stick with four schools in our general vicinity downtown (and really love and will FC one of them) but would consider applying further afield for HS if it's not challenging enough. Also - not 100% convinced we'll go private in the end but want an option.
I think many people will be applying to keep their options open. I know families who have been very happy with public schools and who never considered private schools until now. However, it doesn't necessarily mean that people will take those spots if accepted. I know people considering moving out of the city, switching to different public schools and applying to privates. Who knows how things will end up next spring/summer/fall. I think there will be more applicants from people who didn't consider privates before, so the numbers may be higher than before. There are so many moving parts and applying now is the smart thing to do to keep options open. As families leave TT schools and move out of the city, I do think there will be private school applicants looking to "upgrade". At DC's private HS, there are fewer kids in this year's 9th grade class compared to other grades. So spots have opened up. Many, many variables all around. I would suggest applying broadly and keeping as many options open as possible. Those 2T/3T schools might get very popular with public school families looking to switch.
I think it will be competitive this year. We would have never thought to apply to private school under normal circumstances. We have a strong applicant but need FA and will be applying to 2T/3T for both 5th and 6th grade (December birthday) to increase our chances.
Totally, we wouldn't have considered it either but times have changed. Good luck to you!