Playandlearn, I would say "yes" and "pretty much." I have learned tons from other DYS parents about issues related to high school and college, and there have been plenty of older kids at the gatherings I have been to. As for the 2nd question, if you spend time looking back at the posts on this board, you will see that kids who meet the minimum requirements on both IQ and achievement do tend to get in, as long as the letter and other info in the application don't raise any red flags.