March, 2008

Dear Parents of Seniors and Seniors,

            We are rounding the last turn and beginning the homestretch. Below you will find highlighted certain procedures for this period as well as reasons for the enclosures.

            WAIT-LISTS Please read carefully the enclosed statement on wait-lists. Because of the demographics this year, colleges will create longer wait-lists than usual, and may in the end admit more from the wait-lists. If you are wait-listed, you probably will not hear finally from that college much before May 15. Consequently, you must put down a deposit at another college to secure a place there. When and if you are accepted off a wait-list at your first choice school, you must immediately notify the reserved school who will probably return your deposit. However, do not push a wait-list at a college you do not expect to attend, and please do not expect Delbarton to promote your cause at a college which wait-listed you unless we are confident you will matriculate there.

            DEPOSITS/REGISTRATIONS The candidates' common reply date is May 1. Maintaining yourself on a wait-list but placing a deposit on a secondary choice is the only exception that can honorably be made to the requirement of a common reply date. In addition, it is unethical to submit a deposit to more than one college after May 1. Students who do this run the risk of having their admission withdrawn at both colleges. Many of the colleges Delbarton students attend share their registration lists after May 1.

            COMMUNICATE WITH THE COLLEGES  In addition to notifying a college as soon as possible if you are accepting an offer of admission off a wait-list elsewhere, you should also as soon as possible, write to those colleges whose offers of admission you have decided not to accept. Be courteous by thanking the college for the consideration they extended to you. Parents, may we ask that you follow up on this request by reminding your sons of this important courtesy.

DECIDING AND LAST MINUTE COLLEGE VISITS Many colleges have special visiting days for admitted candidates. These are worth attending. Seniors who have college days remaining and who are not sure of the college they should attend ought to make a quick tour of their top admits during April. Mr. Rosenhaus, Mr. Flanagan and Abbot Giles would like to chat with each senior about his admits, and we're sure all faculty members will be happy to assist in this important discussion phase of the decision-making process. Incidentally, for the sake of preserving independent judgment and clear thinking, it may be better for the senior to visit each college alone or with a parent, but not with classmates.

            THE "FEBRUARIES" RESOLVED Do you remember the Update on the "Februaries?" Well, March, April and May is the time to bring the crisis to an end, to resolve it by letting go, by trusting, by accepting what is. The future of each Delbarton senior is far too magnificent to begin it with a long face or with anger for what you hoped was going to be. Now is the time to stand up proudly, to decide, and to keep moving on.

            In guidance during April and May we will be dealing with selecting college courses and majors. Through it all, as the seniors experience the difficulties as well as the opportunities of deciding, let us keep in touch. May God bless you and yours, especially during these days.

P.S.      Seniors should inform Abbot Giles, Mr. Flanagan and Mr. Rosenhaus of all college decisions as soon as they learn of them. Let us know in person, at school, or put a message on our voice mails, Extensions 3060, 2340 and 3012.