What’s it like at St. John’s in DC?
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Anonymous
| Deal Parent here. Visited the Open House with my son today. Of course, he was blown away and so was I. Beautiful campus and sports complex, friendly kids, welcoming staff. We’re going to apply. All admin were very nice and neutral when it came to admissions. Any suggestions on how to prepare, what does the ideal student look like and financial aid. He is an only child, no sports and honor roll. DH and I make about $230K. I know it sounds like a lot but it really isn’t. We were planning on going to Wilson but now feel like it may not be the best match. Also, any suggestions on preparing for the private school testing. Please no snark, just really trying to help my kid as we all are. The open house was very well attended so I know a lot of people are interested. |
Anonymous
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My kid did a bunch of test prep in 8th grade for the SSAT, PSAT and HSPT. You can buy test prep books to help. Is St. John’s a Catholic school? Check which test they require and then get a book with practice tests.
At open houses, everyone is trained to be nice, neutral, kind. My kid has been an ambassador at her middle and high schools. They are highly trained for this and say all the right things. Apply to more than one place. Remember you are the customer, so you can choose them just as much as they can choose you. You might get snark for your comment about 230k not being a lot. That comment sounds entitled and deserves some snark. |
Anonymous
| SJC probably requires the HSPT. MY DS got 93rd percentile and got into GCHS. These days, SJC might be more difficult to get into though. |
Anonymous
Fixed that for you. And FYI with one kid in private, you’ll likely not qualify for FA. Good luck to you and your son. |
Anonymous
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SJC tuition is only $22k. There is ZERO chance you'll get aid on a $230K HHI.
SJC likes Deal kids. I don't know of anyone who applied last year who did not get in (out of about 20 kids in my kid's friend group). |
Anonymous
| $230k and asking for financial aid?! Wilson may be a better match. |
Anonymous
| You make $230k and can’t afford $22k for tuition?? You need a financial planner. |
Anonymous
| OP ignore the haters. I know many people with similar incomes that have received $5-10k from SJC. However, they are usually athletes or contribute significantly to the school (arts program etc). |
Anonymous
| SJC gives significant merit academic scholarships. If your kid has excellent grades and is a good test taker it is worth it to have them study for the hspt. |
Anonymous
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OP - get the HSPT test book and take some practice exams. Are you Catholic? Not necessary, but does help. This is a school that can be more selective these days so it would be good to have some extracurricular activities even if they are not sports. DS was admitted but chose to go elsewhere to play sports. We have friends there now and they are happy, but so are our friends at the other area Catholic (and secular) schools.
If this is your first private school Open House I would encourage you to go to a few more. They (mostly) all do a great job, assuming you are allowed to go in person. Good luck! |
Anonymous
Not many non Catholic schools are doing traditional open houses this year. |
Anonymous
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OMG. You're asking about financial aid?
I think you're asking because you're not used to paying tuition. One of my friends did the same thing. They have multiple houses and take trips to Europe...and want financial aid. We make way less than you do and pay about $22k. You have to prioritize and budget differently. SMH |
Anonymous
Again, OP, I know three families that make >$300k and get some merit based aid. |
Anonymous
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Our child is a freshman & loves SJC. We were told to apply /express interest for something very specific Ie: a specific sport, the cadet core, audition for theater, audition for music(band, choral etc,,) Many auditions take place in Jan or early Feb. our child auditioned & we were shocked to receive a small merit scholarship for participation in xyz group.
We have friends that opted to apply without expressing specific interests & unfortunately we’re waitlisted. Good luck! |
Anonymous
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Great place for many different child profiles (there is no one formula). I did not know if my kid would get in after reading DCUM but it worked out (here and elsewhere). Do not get caught up in thinking your kid must do X or score Y. Apply broadly based on interests and fit. At least your kid can shadow this year.
Meanwhile SJC is a wonderful place (for many different types of kids). SJC Freshmen Innovation Challenge https://vimeo.com/627897936 |