Getting into St. Albans

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If these are big time donors and the kid can walk, talk and chew gum at the same time he is a shoo in. Good as gold. The kid doesn't need to be an academic or athletic superstar -- a ATM superstar is an acceptable hook. All other things being equal, any private school would be foolish not to accept the child of a heavy financial hitter. Everyone in a class can't graduate at #1. Since when was average performance considered a failure.

Absolutely he's in.

[Anonymous]

No. Those are your thoughts. You have no evidence to suggest the child will struggle at STA. A SSAT score less than 99.9 percentile doesn't mean a student will struggle academically, does it? You do not have to be the sharpest tool in the shed to get the job done. What are your thoughts about all the students at STA that are in the bottom quartile of performers? Someone will be in the bottom quartile ... even at STA. Are any of these students "struggling"? How many? How do you assess "struggling"? By definition, are all passing students in the bottom quartile struggling?

[Anonymous]

Knowing a board member can't be much of a help at STA, since even being the son of a board member doesn't guarantee you will get in. Quite a few don't.

[Anonymous]

Also, being incredibly rich doesn't guarantee a spot at STA. I know of a very nice, bright boy whose parents are among the richest in the area who was rejected for 4th grade.

[Anonymous]

Reality check. Being rich is not synonymous to giving and donating. A rich miser is no hook to private institutions!

[Anonymous]

Also, being incredibly rich doesn't guarantee a spot at STA. I know of a very nice, bright boy whose parents are among the richest in the area who was rejected for 4th grade.

But being incredibly rich AND generous (think 6 and 7 figures) with a bright son is worth a guaranteed admission in GOLD.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No. Those are your thoughts. You have no evidence to suggest the child will struggle at STA. A SSAT score less than 99.9 percentile doesn't mean a student will struggle academically, does it? You do not have to be the sharpest tool in the shed to get the job done. What are your thoughts about all the students at STA that are in the bottom quartile of performers? Someone will be in the bottom quartile ... even at STA. Are any of these students "struggling"? How many? How do you assess "struggling"? By definition, are all passing students in the bottom quartile struggling?

No one said anything about this child scoring anywhere near the 99.9% level, in fact, I believe it said he was not a strong student at his current school. There are lots of options for underachieving and average students. I wouldn't think STA would be one of them. You seem very defensive. Are you a big donor with high hopes?

[Anonymous]

College placement is too important to STA for them to waste too many spots on average or weak academic performers, no matter how rich and generous the parents are. The reputation is too important.

[Anonymous]

No one said anything about this child scoring anywhere near the 99.9% level, in fact, I believe it said he was not a strong student at his current school. There are lots of options for underachieving and average students. I wouldn't think STA would be one of them. You seem very defensive. Are you a big donor with high hopes?

Please define a pupil who is not a strong student? What are the criteria? Not a ... Artist, Musician, published novelist, math competition champion, science fair winner? Do you believe all kids at STA are strong? Are there kids at STA that are not as strong as others? If the kids meet STA standards and the family is a generous donor he will be accepted to STA (all other things being equal). Like any population, the students at STA will mimic a Bell shaped curve for "strength".

[Anonymous]

No one said anything about this child scoring anywhere near the 99.9% level, in fact, I believe it said he was not a strong student at his current school. There are lots of options for underachieving and average students. I wouldn't think STA would be one of them. You seem very defensive. Are you a big donor with high hopes?

Sorry to prick your bubble we prefer Groton to STA.

STA is a fine option for average students that can do the work with big hooks. It's clear you are not in touch with STA

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No. Those are your thoughts. You have no evidence to suggest the child will struggle at STA. A SSAT score less than 99.9 percentile doesn't mean a student will struggle academically, does it? You do not have to be the sharpest tool in the shed to get the job done. What are your thoughts about all the students at STA that are in the bottom quartile of performers? Someone will be in the bottom quartile ... even at STA. Are any of these students "struggling"? How many? How do you assess "struggling"? By definition, are all passing students in the bottom quartile struggling?

No one said anything about this child scoring anywhere near the 99.9% level, in fact, I believe it said he was not a strong student at his current school. There are lots of options for underachieving and average students. I wouldn't think STA would be one of them. You seem very defensive. Are you a big donor with high hopes?

The poster you quote does not sound defensive. You, however, are rude.

[Anonymous]

College placement is too important to STA for them to waste too many spots on average or weak academic performers, no matter how rich and generous the parents are. The reputation is too important.

Not when the kid's family donated the library for future generations of STA to study in and benefit from. That's how it works in the real world. In our Congress, it's called pork, very much alive in America and the way she does things!

[Anonymous]

The LS head mentioned more than once at the open house that they are "waiting for someone" to write a multimillion dollar check to fund new athletic fields. I thought it was pretty tacky.

[Anonymous]

College placement is too important to STA for them to waste too many spots on average or weak academic performers, no matter how rich and generous the parents are. The reputation is too important.

Be careful what you wish for. No money (endowment), no reputation.

[Anonymous]

The LS head mentioned more than once at the open house that they are "waiting for someone" to write a multimillion dollar check to fund new athletic fields. I thought it was pretty tacky.

Write that check. Preserve the STA reputation. If your son can walk, talk and chew gum at the same time; he's in and you can take that to the bank. The school may even make accommodations for him if necessary. This is the cost of business, American style.