Wheaton or Blair magnet program?

[Anonymous]

Any personal experience being the parent of someone in one of these programs?

From what I have read, Blair seems to be favored for the Math, and Wheaton for the engineering. I have a hard time discerning between the two in order to help DS think this through.

[Anonymous]

Do you want a collaborative environment? Wheaton
Competitive one? Blair

Also, when college time rolls around students in the Wheaton magnet are big fish, small pond. A little easier to distinguish yourself there.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for that. Reminds of the difference between an Ivy League school and a big state school. If you excel at a state school, you will be a big fish in a small pond. Opposite is very much true at an Ivy League school.

I would like to know from people who have their children in either program. It really helps to hear of specific instances of how each program is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Any personal experience being the parent of someone in one of these programs?

From what I have read, Blair seems to be favored for the Math, and Wheaton for the engineering. I have a hard time discerning between the two in order to help DS think this through.

Math is fine at either school. Make the choice based on what your child wants to study. Blair is more generic STEM whereas Wheaton is engineering.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, by generic STEM do you mean that it spans the core sciences better? (Chemistry, Biology, Physics)
When I think Engineering, seems to me it's just applied math.

[Anonymous]

They have sample course schedules for these magnet programs online. Wheaton has both engineering and biomedical magnets. The students take challenging math and science classes (including AP classes) plus Project Lead the Way (PLTW) courses in engineering or biomed. PLTW classes are very hands-on and project-based. I don't know as much about Blair, but they have their own STEM courses that are different than what is offered elsewhere. You can easily apply to all of these programs on the common app and then see where you get in. Blair is more difficult to get into.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, by generic STEM do you mean that it spans the core sciences better? (Chemistry, Biology, Physics)
When I think Engineering, seems to me it's just applied math.

Sort of, I mean application versus theory. One of my kids went to Blair SMSC, and I went through an engineering school. I felt the focus of Blair was more on how to think like a scientist whereas engineering was more about applications, but I don't have direct experience with Wheaton. By all accounts its an amazing program. I would suggest that to anyone seriously considering a career in engineering.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, by generic STEM do you mean that it spans the core sciences better? (Chemistry, Biology, Physics)
When I think Engineering, seems to me it's just applied math.

Sort of, I mean application versus theory. One of my kids went to Blair SMSC, and I went through an engineering school. I felt the focus of Blair was more on how to think like a scientist whereas engineering was more about applications, but I don't have direct experience with Wheaton. By all accounts its an amazing program. I would suggest that to anyone seriously considering a career in engineering.

thanks, this is what I was looking for.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They have sample course schedules for these magnet programs online. Wheaton has both engineering and biomedical magnets. The students take challenging math and science classes (including AP classes) plus Project Lead the Way (PLTW) courses in engineering or biomed. PLTW classes are very hands-on and project-based. I don't know as much about Blair, but they have their own STEM courses that are different than what is offered elsewhere. You can easily apply to all of these programs on the common app and then see where you get in. Blair is more difficult to get into.

thanks, I have looked at these listing and they are definitely comparable. DS plans to apply to both. He still has 8th grade next year.

[Anonymous]

Bair. But your kid has to get in there. If you have to ask this question, I guess go for Wheaton.

Isn't Wheaton a lottery or something?

[Anonymous]

Wheaton has magnets?? name sake only probably

[Anonymous]

Yes, Wheaton has real application-based magnets in engineering and biomedical science that are quite popular in the DCC. They have other programs that are available by lottery.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Bair. But your kid has to get in there. If you have to ask this question, I guess go for Wheaton.

Isn't Wheaton a lottery or something?

OP here, not sure this is one of those "if you have to ask, you don't have what it takes to get into Blair" things. It's more in the "lifestyle choice" domain. Of, course he still needs to be accepted into one or both programs, and I have no idea how that would go, but it's fair to say he is ahead enough in math that it would make sense that he could get in. He is doing Algebra 2 next year in 8th grade, which I think puts him in the "calculus in 10th grade" slot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wheaton has magnets?? name sake only probably

No..newer magnets but gaining reputations.

[Anonymous]

Some good info here and some misinfo. Parent of Blair and Wheaton magnet kids here. Firstly, neither is lottery, both are magnets. Wheaton's programs are relatively young. Secondly, the Ivy/state U analogy really doesn't fit. What I think the "big fish, small pond " poster was hinting at is related in part to program size (Wheaton much smaller). Also, kids can stand out through collaboration, in part because of the program itself and part the kids who apply.

Blair's math (with the exception of one bad teacher) is unmatched. Top notch teachers and subject potential. Excellent physics and bio teachers as well. Some students tend to be hyper competitive, and there is a kind of dominant dude culture that the program is trying to address. Excellent education, great admin, but a bit of a stress factory that requires a thick skin and advocacy in the face of some jerk-y peers.

Wheaton's engineering program has good math and science classes and outstanding engineering classes. Students can get credit from RIT. They take Principles of Engineering, Digital, Civil or Aero among other classes. Because the program is small, there many ways to shine. It is a supportive collaborative environment, especially for female students.

Can you still apply to both? My kids were able to do that. Both went to admitted student events, talked to students/faculty. Both made the right choices for them. If you have to choose one, go for the better fit. Both are great programs. You may want to consider extra curriculars. Blair has a great music program, etc.