blair magnet quesiton

[Anonymous]

DC was invited to join the Blair math/science magnet - we attended the open house, we are not from TPMS magnet program. From doing research and talking to current families we have heard something to the effect of " don't come here if you want perfect grades and/or elite college admissions". What does the 'average/not superstar' Blair math/science student trajectory look like - do they get mostly B/C grades? Is it incredibly stressful to keep up with the pace of the classes? Are they able to do any extracurriculars or do they have to spend all their time studying? What kinds of colleges are they accepted to? Is it a disadvantage to be in the program as an average student for college admissions because the cohort is so strong? TIA !

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DC was invited to join the Blair math/science magnet - we attended the open house, we are not from TPMS magnet program. From doing research and talking to current families we have heard something to the effect of " don't come here if you want perfect grades and/or elite college admissions". What does the 'average/not superstar' Blair math/science student trajectory look like - do they get mostly B/C grades? Is it incredibly stressful to keep up with the pace of the classes? Are they able to do any extracurriculars or do they have to spend all their time studying? What kinds of colleges are they accepted to? Is it a disadvantage to be in the program as an average student for college admissions because the cohort is so strong? TIA !

My DC graduated from Blair magnet recently. I think I can answer your questions. I wouldn't say it is incredibly stressful, but the level of stress may be a more than home school due to longer hours, more commute, and more rigorous classes. But if you choose your schedule in a balanced way it can be a very rewarding and enjoyable experience, because you can take very interesting electives in your area of interest from very interesting teachers. I have been especially pleased with most of the teachers who are passionate about their subject areas. In my view teachers and interesting electives were the biggest pros of Blair magnet. In terms of grades, I think B's are not uncommon, but saying that students get mostly B's and C's would probably be exaggeration. In terms of college acceptances, a big chunk of students matriculate to either top colleges or UMD STEM with generous awards. But in my opinion the biggest advantage is not in terms of college matriculation, but rather in terms of college preparedness. My DC is having a successful college experience mostly due to Blair magnet background. I think being academically well-prepared when they are in college is especially important, because being away from home (even though that is something that may look attractive when they are in HS) is something they need to adjust initially. Struggling academically on top of that would make it more challenging. So Blair magnet is a big help in that aspect. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

We are incoming 9th to Blair SMCS and just noting for OP that this is exactly what Ostrander emphasized at the open house (at the end, when we were all back in the auditorium). He said don't come here to get straight A's, or to get into an amazing college. Come because you think it sounds like an incredible experience. Your kid will be a top student at their home school, but maybe not at Blair SMCS. They might get all A's at their home school, but maybe not at Blair SMCS. You have to accept that, if you want to do the program. But they WILL no doubt be better prepared for college then if they went to their home school. He didn't brag about where kids get into school (like many other HS do) but we know that every year there are kids who get into MIT, CM, and many other "top" schools but also of course lots of other great schools including UMD. For us, we are going in eyes open, but having decided that the amazing teachers, courses, and electives (as PP noted), that you literally cannot get anywhere else in MCPS, are just too good to pass up.

[Anonymous]

Also the student panel in our parent group had 4 kids, all of whom do extracurriculars, and one kid even said he gets 8 hours of sleep every night. That was reassuring.

[Anonymous]

OP here, yes, we also attended the open house recently and heard from Mr Osterander and the panel - would also appreciate any viewpoints from current families whose kids have been in the program for a year or more. TIA!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DC was invited to join the Blair math/science magnet - we attended the open house, we are not from TPMS magnet program. From doing research and talking to current families we have heard something to the effect of " don't come here if you want perfect grades and/or elite college admissions". What does the 'average/not superstar' Blair math/science student trajectory look like - do they get mostly B/C grades? Is it incredibly stressful to keep up with the pace of the classes? Are they able to do any extracurriculars or do they have to spend all their time studying? What kinds of colleges are they accepted to? Is it a disadvantage to be in the program as an average student for college admissions because the cohort is so strong? TIA !

My DC graduated from Blair magnet recently. I think I can answer your questions. I wouldn't say it is incredibly stressful, but the level of stress may be a more than home school due to longer hours, more commute, and more rigorous classes. But if you choose your schedule in a balanced way it can be a very rewarding and enjoyable experience, because you can take very interesting electives in your area of interest from very interesting teachers. I have been especially pleased with most of the teachers who are passionate about their subject areas. In my view teachers and interesting electives were the biggest pros of Blair magnet. In terms of grades, I think B's are not uncommon, but saying that students get mostly B's and C's would probably be exaggeration. In terms of college acceptances, a big chunk of students matriculate to either top colleges or UMD STEM with generous awards. But in my opinion the biggest advantage is not in terms of college matriculation, but rather in terms of college preparedness. My DC is having a successful college experience mostly due to Blair magnet background. I think being academically well-prepared when they are in college is especially important, because being away from home (even though that is something that may look attractive when they are in HS) is something they need to adjust initially. Struggling academically on top of that would make it more challenging. So Blair magnet is a big help in that aspect. Good luck.

Yes, it can be hard. I've heard only 30% of the SMCS students have an UW 4.0 which is much lower than most home schools.

[Anonymous]

It’s a program for kids who truly enjoy math & science and don’t mind the extra course load and harder classes. College result fluctuates from year to year.

[Anonymous]

Our child is in Blair SMCS and is frequently overwhelmed by workload and complexity of work. He has time management and efficiency issues and is not super organized. Overall, Blair has been a very stressful experience for our family.

Open house is not reality. It is a show that the school puts on. Ostrander is the only one that is realistic about what to expect. 1/2 of the teachers are amazing. The other 1/2 are just putting on the show for the parents and are not that great.

[Anonymous]

Most of magnet kids get straight As or maybe 1-2 semester Bs. Our experience ('22).

Ostrander is encouraging parents to consider learning over grades. But, that doesn't mean good grades are possible, even the norm. Just don't freak out if there is a B here or there. And, don't think of Blair magnet as a golden ticket to top colleges.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our child is in Blair SMCS and is frequently overwhelmed by workload and complexity of work. He has time management and efficiency issues and is not super organized. Overall, Blair has been a very stressful experience for our family.

Open house is not reality. It is a show that the school puts on. Ostrander is the only one that is realistic about what to expect. 1/2 of the teachers are amazing. The other 1/2 are just putting on the show for the parents and are not that great.

You raise important points. Is OP's student prepared and able to put in the extra hours of studying? If so, the student is likely to have a positive experience. I know of magnet parents who do a lot of work with their children at home to assist them in managing the workload. I'm not suggesting that they are doing their students' work, just scribing or coaching their students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DC was invited to join the Blair math/science magnet - we attended the open house, we are not from TPMS magnet program. From doing research and talking to current families we have heard something to the effect of " don't come here if you want perfect grades and/or elite college admissions". What does the 'average/not superstar' Blair math/science student trajectory look like - do they get mostly B/C grades? Is it incredibly stressful to keep up with the pace of the classes? Are they able to do any extracurriculars or do they have to spend all their time studying? What kinds of colleges are they accepted to? Is it a disadvantage to be in the program as an average student for college admissions because the cohort is so strong? TIA !

My DC graduated from Blair magnet recently. I think I can answer your questions. I wouldn't say it is incredibly stressful, but the level of stress may be a more than home school due to longer hours, more commute, and more rigorous classes. But if you choose your schedule in a balanced way it can be a very rewarding and enjoyable experience, because you can take very interesting electives in your area of interest from very interesting teachers. I have been especially pleased with most of the teachers who are passionate about their subject areas. In my view teachers and interesting electives were the biggest pros of Blair magnet. In terms of grades, I think B's are not uncommon, but saying that students get mostly B's and C's would probably be exaggeration. In terms of college acceptances, a big chunk of students matriculate to either top colleges or UMD STEM with generous awards. But in my opinion the biggest advantage is not in terms of college matriculation, but rather in terms of college preparedness. My DC is having a successful college experience mostly due to Blair magnet background. I think being academically well-prepared when they are in college is especially important, because being away from home (even though that is something that may look attractive when they are in HS) is something they need to adjust initially. Struggling academically on top of that would make it more challenging. So Blair magnet is a big help in that aspect. Good luck.

Yes, it can be hard. I've heard only 30% of the SMCS students have an UW 4.0 which is much lower than most home schools.

And, many admissions counselors are aware of the caliber of students coming out of Blair’s magnet. So maybe a slightly lower GPA or fewer APs, balanced with the know rigor.

[Anonymous]

There are no “average” kids in the program, but I’d consider my kid to be average among those in the program. He thinks he falls somewhere close to the mid point in relation to classmates (toward the top of the lower half). Didn’t take functions.

He’s introverted and there isn’t a lot of time or energy for socializing or hobbies outside of class with a long day and then homework. Homework and classes are very challenging but time consuming. Other kids manage sports or are very involved in several clubs (my kid stays after school for a club once or twice a week and doesn’t do a sport and gave up his instrument).

He has all As so far (sophomore year). Some of his friends have definitely had Bs (mostly in non magnet classes) but it seems all As is very common. The superstar kids are winning national and international competitions so all As isn’t a huge achievement.

Overall it’s a great place to be if your kid can cope with the work. Success requires a lot of motivation and organization as much as or more than academic brilliance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DC was invited to join the Blair math/science magnet - we attended the open house, we are not from TPMS magnet program. From doing research and talking to current families we have heard something to the effect of " don't come here if you want perfect grades and/or elite college admissions". What does the 'average/not superstar' Blair math/science student trajectory look like - do they get mostly B/C grades? Is it incredibly stressful to keep up with the pace of the classes? Are they able to do any extracurriculars or do they have to spend all their time studying? What kinds of colleges are they accepted to? Is it a disadvantage to be in the program as an average student for college admissions because the cohort is so strong? TIA !

My DC graduated from Blair magnet recently. I think I can answer your questions. I wouldn't say it is incredibly stressful, but the level of stress may be a more than home school due to longer hours, more commute, and more rigorous classes. But if you choose your schedule in a balanced way it can be a very rewarding and enjoyable experience, because you can take very interesting electives in your area of interest from very interesting teachers. I have been especially pleased with most of the teachers who are passionate about their subject areas. In my view teachers and interesting electives were the biggest pros of Blair magnet. In terms of grades, I think B's are not uncommon, but saying that students get mostly B's and C's would probably be exaggeration. In terms of college acceptances, a big chunk of students matriculate to either top colleges or UMD STEM with generous awards. But in my opinion the biggest advantage is not in terms of college matriculation, but rather in terms of college preparedness. My DC is having a successful college experience mostly due to Blair magnet background. I think being academically well-prepared when they are in college is especially important, because being away from home (even though that is something that may look attractive when they are in HS) is something they need to adjust initially. Struggling academically on top of that would make it more challenging. So Blair magnet is a big help in that aspect. Good luck.

Yes, it can be hard. I've heard only 30% of the SMCS students have an UW 4.0 which is much lower than most home schools.

That’s not accurate. The actual numbers for the class of 2024 are in this document: https://old.mbhs.edu/departments/magnet/ParentResources/MagnetProfile.pdf

About half have an UW 4.0 and 85% have 4.75 or higher weighted.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our child is in Blair SMCS and is frequently overwhelmed by workload and complexity of work. He has time management and efficiency issues and is not super organized. Overall, Blair has been a very stressful experience for our family.

Open house is not reality. It is a show that the school puts on. Ostrander is the only one that is realistic about what to expect. 1/2 of the teachers are amazing. The other 1/2 are just putting on the show for the parents and are not that great.

I’m sorry that your child is struggling and that it is stressful for your family. It sounds like maybe they weren’t a great candidate for the program, as it is emphasized that time management and organizational skills are key to success.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There are no “average” kids in the program, but I’d consider my kid to be average among those in the program. He thinks he falls somewhere close to the mid point in relation to classmates (toward the top of the lower half). Didn’t take functions.

He’s introverted and there isn’t a lot of time or energy for socializing or hobbies outside of class with a long day and then homework. Homework and classes are very challenging but time consuming. Other kids manage sports or are very involved in several clubs (my kid stays after school for a club once or twice a week and doesn’t do a sport and gave up his instrument).

He has all As so far (sophomore year). Some of his friends have definitely had Bs (mostly in non magnet classes) but it seems all As is very common. The superstar kids are winning national and international competitions so all As isn’t a huge achievement.

Overall it’s a great place to be if your kid can cope with the work. Success requires a lot of motivation and organization as much as or more than academic brilliance.

That’s the issue concerning me. I know my kids will probably be getting mostly As, but I don’t think they will win any national and international competitions. Will they still be good fit for this school without feeling inferior to others? They won’t be superstars but rather average magnet students.