Hockaday 2023 - 2024 Admission (spring break, best school, office)

[sps80]

So we just found out that we were declined at Hockaday for 5th. My older daughter was accepted to Hockaday just last year. Can't seem to wrap my head around this. I was hoping a wait list at least but it was outright declined. Her scores were average, but I know of someone who was waitlisted with scores lower than my daughter. Any words of consolation? Very bummed.

[barnicles]

Originally Posted by sps80

So we just found out that we were declined at Hockaday for 5th. My older daughter was accepted to Hockaday just last year. Can't seem to wrap my head around this. I was hoping a wait list at least but it was outright declined. Her scores were average, but I know of someone who was waitlisted with scores lower than my daughter. Any words of consolation? Very bummed.

You already know this, but Hockaday girls are under a TON of pressure from all sides--- specifically academically. If the admissions team didn't feel that your daughter would thrive in the environment they offer, then you should be grateful that they didn't admit her just because her sister is there. I promise you don't want your child undertaking more stress than they are capable of handling, especially in the middle school years where physical/emotional development alone can be overwhelming. It took my family many years to find the right kind of schools for my kids and their different needs. When my middle child was in the wrong type of learning environment (put there because his older sibling did well there), he wasn't happy. Don't let this get you down: "not a good fit" does not mean "not good enough". The harder you take this news, the harder your child will.... there is a much better school out there for her (perhaps she's in it?), and she''ll have to carve her own path.

[Grlmomdallas]

So sorry. Nothing to say other than do not take it personally. It’s truly a crap shoot.

[rabbit33]

Keep in mind the 5th grade class at Hockaday probably has 45 or maybe 50 girls. There might be 10 or 15 openings. There will be something like 100-150 applicants for those 10-15 openings. Every one of those students applying is brilliant, motivated, and as accomplished as a 5th grader can be. You're talking about admission to what's probably one of the top 10 girls' private schools in the nation.

[apple44]

Your girl will do great with or without Hockaday! Have faith in yourself. Have faith in her.

[sps80]

Originally Posted by apple44

Your girl will do great with or without Hockaday! Have faith in yourself. Have faith in her.

I am sure she will. We will try out for 6th grade again, so trying to understand if a decline means never a chance again or if there is a possibility to gain admission.

[apple44]

Originally Posted by sps80

I am sure she will. We will try out for 6th grade again, so trying to understand if a decline means never a chance again or if there is a possibility to gain admission.

I heard at some schools, you can reach out to admissions office to learn the reasoning of their decision. Some parents told me the admissions officer gave them meaningful feedback and would tell them whether to apply again.

[TurtleCreek80]

Originally Posted by sps80

I am sure she will. We will try out for 6th grade again, so trying to understand if a decline means never a chance again or if there is a possibility to gain admission.

I would have a candid chat with admissions after spring break about what it would take for her to be a strong repeat applicant candidate. Waitlist means you met the criteria for admissions but there isn’t room for you; decline means you don’t meet the criteria. I think it’s a pretty strong message.

If she has average academics in any other school, the stress of keeping up at Hockaday might kill her spirit and any love of learning she has. It’s not fun to be at the bottom of the pack in such a hyper-competitive environment. And the pressure only goes up in middle & high school.

I know it’s easier to have both girls at the same school, but isn’t it better to have both girls at the best school for each of them? They’re unique people and choosing private school allows you to get each kid into an environment where she will thrive.

[sps80]

Originally Posted by apple44

Your girl will do great with or without Hockaday! Have faith in yourself. Have faith in her.

Originally Posted by TurtleCreek80

I would have a candid chat with admissions after spring break about what it would take for her to be a strong repeat applicant candidate. Waitlist means you met the criteria for admissions but there isn’t room for you; decline means you don’t meet the criteria. I think it’s a pretty strong message.

If she has average academics in any other school, the stress of keeping up at Hockaday might kill her spirit and any love of learning she has. It’s not fun to be at the bottom of the pack in such a hyper-competitive environment. And the pressure only goes up in middle & high school.

I know it’s easier to have both girls at the same school, but isn’t it better to have both girls at the best school for each of them? They’re unique people and choosing private school allows you to get each kid into an environment where she will thrive.

Yes, will definitely have a talk. She has very high grades on her transcripts. Her ISEE scores were average (could be better) but higher than other admits (I know this because of a few friends whose kids go there). She attended different schools especially with covid and virtual so not sure if that played into the decision.

[sps80]

Originally Posted by apple44

I heard at some schools, you can reach out to admissions office to learn the reasoning of their decision. Some parents told me the admissions officer gave them meaningful feedback and would tell them whether to apply again.

Thank you! Will reach out to them.