I think that if you are going to do a more "in-depth" application process it should be done for everybody, not just the sixth graders. Also I am a kid that skipped so I think that if you made it composed entirely with "true eighth graders" I may not have made it in or next year may not have wanted to go because of friends or some other factor. Some of the students who feel it as a "unusual environment" may too themselves have skipped a grade or some of their best friends at school may have. They just may not like subbies even though they were like that once. So what if it was more difficult for sixth graders would these students not have gotten in or what about their best friends they would have never met them. Would this also discourage very talented students from attending this school? It may be perfect for somebody, but because they hear of this application process, they don't think it is worth their time. Then the next year they want to stay at their old school. I think that your proposal was meant for good but would be less effective then it sounds.