Private Schools - Waitlisted at Pace

[CMMom]

Originally Posted by RMAA2H

Thank you for all of your responses! This is very stressful. As long as we are on the waitlist I can't help but have hope even though it seems like there are a lot of kids on Pace's waiting list.

Is it a standard policy at all private schools that you are liable for the full year's tuition once you accept a spot?

Also, has anyone heard of people on the waitlist getting offers in the middle of the school year or late in the summer?

It can happen right up until the day school starts. You never know whose parent might get transferred out of town over the summer. But you've got to have a spot somewhere. The private schools are not dumb. School A doesn't want you to decide on Aug. 15 to attend School B and then they have to fill a slot last-minute. So, they make sure that you are on the hook for a full year's tuition to discourage you from jumping ship. I don't know about you, but I can't afford to flush $20K+ down the toilet, so that prevents people from hopping around.

If your backup plan is a public school, you're sitting pretty because there's no reason not to stay on the waiting list indefinitely and make a last-minute decision if needed. But if you accept an offer while you're waiting, you'll have to make a potentially very pricey decision.

[Littleboysrule]

Originally Posted by RMAA2H

Thank you for all of your responses! This is very stressful. As long as we are on the waitlist I can't help but have hope even though it seems like there are a lot of kids on Pace's waiting list.

Is it a standard policy at all private schools that you are liable for the full year's tuition once you accept a spot?

Also, has anyone heard of people on the waitlist getting offers in the middle of the school year or late in the summer?

Others may be more knowledgeable but I have been told the WL could move up until the start of school. I have heard that no one enters mid year.

[AnsleyPark]

I highly recommend a hand written letter (not an email) together with a request for a personal visit so you can make a case for your student.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by RMAA2H

Is it a standard policy at all private schools that you are liable for the full year's tuition once you accept a spot?

I got hammered on that once and it did not make me happy.

[Riaatl]

Originally Posted by lastminutemom

Yes -- read the contract. Read it carefully. It is pretty standard. Perhaps some of the lesser known schools don't do it, but the reality is that the schools need the guarantee of tuition to pay their bills, etc.

There may be movement in the summer if a family moves away,for example. But again, few and far between.

Anyone hear anything regarding the wait lists ?

[Littleboysrule]

Is there a time on the 14th that contracts are due? Is it the same date for lower, middle & upper schools?

[buckheadmom11]

Originally Posted by Littleboysrule

Is there a time on the 14th that contracts are due? Is it the same date for lower, middle & upper schools?

I have been told the due date is by Thursday at 2:00pm. We only applied to lower schools, but I would imagine it's the same for all.

[Pdxgypsy]

has anyone moved off the waitlist yet?

[Riaatl]

We didn't hear anything so we went ahead and put our deposit down for our 2nd choice.

[Littleboysrule]

Anyone hear about wait lists moving?