Anonymous wrote:Yes. I think for our children magnets were absolutely worth it for college admissions.
The pathway for both of my kids -> PHS SMCS -> UMD. We are Asian-American first gen immigrants. Our kids chose STEM careers. Both had perfect stats in GPA and SAT, NMS, ECs, Internships and research papers etc. We knew that they would not get into top private schools based on the fact that many of their peers in PHS look and achieve like them.
Apart from that, they also did not apply extensively. They applied to 6 schools in all. Since UMD was in-state and great for CS, Physics and Math (both did double majors, both had Math in common), that was their lowest bar in terms of where they wanted to apply. This did not leave very many colleges for them that were ranked higher for these majors. This is not a drawback but a boon. Imagine having a college like UMD as your safety. To be honest, UMD was very much their dream school, target and safety all rolled in one.
Having done STEM research internships during PHS (It is a SMCS requirement) and having written a paper based on that - they also found it easy to get future internships @ UMD right from the get go. Having been through the rigor, pace, and curriculum of SMCS and having so many AP and post-AP credits transfer, allowed them to juggle two hard majors, internships, and socializing in college with ease. They watched many of their college classmates - either do very poorly in hard courses or study very hard to stay afloat or do well but without any outside interests. In other words, the training and exposure they got at PHS made college seem easy.
The kind of professional training that the SMCS teaches these students in terms of advocating for oneself, building a network of peers, acquiring skill sets, acquiring credentials, creating and seeking opportunities, time management and organization is invaluable for college and professional life. They also were hugely networked at UMD with other area students from DMV because they had either competed with them in other arenas or had crossed paths with them.
Last, but not the least - since they are already in-state in a public university and the cost is already low. Therefore, even a small merit aid usually covers a significant amount of tuition if not all. This merit $$$ was like a payday for the work that they did in magnet HS.
For us, magnet STEM schools was worth it for succeeding in college and professional life. It made the college admission process easy too.
Of course, I don't mean to be glib and say that it was all easy. To be in the magnet track meant that my kids were performing academically at very high levels from ES. They were acing all kinds of tests that was being administered by MCPS- Raven, TerraNova, MAPS - and tests like JHU-CTY outside of school.
They were consistent from K-12, and also worked hard to have a well rounded resume - ECs, volunteer work, competitions, honor societies, internships, research papers, no discipline issues, consistent performance, no absenteeism, juggling leadership responsibilities, self advocating etc.
This is my child's experience as well. Finishing up SMACs now with a UMd presidential scholarship and direct admit to CS. Will now be paying very low tuition for a top-ranked CS school.
I'd say the magnet helped a lot with UMd admissions. I am not sure helped elsewhere but will never know. I am sure my child does not stand out as much as they would at home HS. Also I do not think the school profile that gets sent to colleges does the magnet students any favors.
If you don’t mind, Could you elaborate on this further?
Sure. Still in the middle of college admissions since I have a current senior. I assume you are wondering about the shool profile comment. My understanding is that without a school ranking, some colleges will try to guess based on the GPA bands. For Poolesville, the top bands are 78% for unweighted GPA and 58% for weighted. So after 4 years of hard work and taking all the hardest math classes (functions etc), my 4.0 UW 4.7W GPA kid only appears to be in the top 58% of their class. UMd will understand this, but other schools may not.
Different poster. This might as well have been in a different language. What do you mean by “GPA bands”? Can you explain to me like I’m an idiot?
+1 Isn't it true that most T20 colleges tear apart the GPA calculation anyways, and re-calculate based on their own scale. But, I don't know what they might do with the SMCS's specialty classes like, Analysis 2, Quantum Physics, Organic Chemistry, etc.?? Do those get weighted more in the re-calculation??
I don't think they do. Also, some of the SMACs classes are not even listed properly on the transcripts.
They were on ours at least when we got a copy of it last year.
Well i thought so too at first. Example of this would be the SMACS 9th grade computer class listed on transcript as "Foundations of Computer Science". Unless someone is familiar with SMACS they would not not know that this is actually also AP Computer Science.
Magnet CS 9 is noted as Advanced Level class and part of a Special Program. Although there are a few honors classes that get this designation, it's mostly reserved for APs.
0.5 credit per semester
Functions begun in Algebra 1 are continued and expanded to include all forms of algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, and circular functions. The study of each includes a precise definition, a consideration of graphs and applications, an analysis of distinguishing and interesting features, and an identification of related tangents and slopes. Students study trigonometry, approached from circular functions, conics, limits, and derivatives.
Prerequisite: Magnet or Honors Geometry
Grade Level: 9 - 10 - 11 - 12
No repeats for credit
It’s algebra 2 and precalculus in a very condensed fast paced schedule.
That sounds like a bad idea. Better just to start algebra in 6th.
You should meet with Peter Ostrander at he Blair magnet. I am sure he would be very interested in your opinion.
Anonymous wrote:Yes. I think for our children magnets were absolutely worth it for college admissions.
The pathway for both of my kids -> PHS SMCS -> UMD. We are Asian-American first gen immigrants. Our kids chose STEM careers. Both had perfect stats in GPA and SAT, NMS, ECs, Internships and research papers etc. We knew that they would not get into top private schools based on the fact that many of their peers in PHS look and achieve like them.
Apart from that, they also did not apply extensively. They applied to 6 schools in all. Since UMD was in-state and great for CS, Physics and Math (both did double majors, both had Math in common), that was their lowest bar in terms of where they wanted to apply. This did not leave very many colleges for them that were ranked higher for these majors. This is not a drawback but a boon. Imagine having a college like UMD as your safety. To be honest, UMD was very much their dream school, target and safety all rolled in one.
Having done STEM research internships during PHS (It is a SMCS requirement) and having written a paper based on that - they also found it easy to get future internships @ UMD right from the get go. Having been through the rigor, pace, and curriculum of SMCS and having so many AP and post-AP credits transfer, allowed them to juggle two hard majors, internships, and socializing in college with ease. They watched many of their college classmates - either do very poorly in hard courses or study very hard to stay afloat or do well but without any outside interests. In other words, the training and exposure they got at PHS made college seem easy.
The kind of professional training that the SMCS teaches these students in terms of advocating for oneself, building a network of peers, acquiring skill sets, acquiring credentials, creating and seeking opportunities, time management and organization is invaluable for college and professional life. They also were hugely networked at UMD with other area students from DMV because they had either competed with them in other arenas or had crossed paths with them.
Last, but not the least - since they are already in-state in a public university and the cost is already low. Therefore, even a small merit aid usually covers a significant amount of tuition if not all. This merit $$$ was like a payday for the work that they did in magnet HS.
For us, magnet STEM schools was worth it for succeeding in college and professional life. It made the college admission process easy too.
Of course, I don't mean to be glib and say that it was all easy. To be in the magnet track meant that my kids were performing academically at very high levels from ES. They were acing all kinds of tests that was being administered by MCPS- Raven, TerraNova, MAPS - and tests like JHU-CTY outside of school.
They were consistent from K-12, and also worked hard to have a well rounded resume - ECs, volunteer work, competitions, honor societies, internships, research papers, no discipline issues, consistent performance, no absenteeism, juggling leadership responsibilities, self advocating etc.
This is my child's experience as well. Finishing up SMACs now with a UMd presidential scholarship and direct admit to CS. Will now be paying very low tuition for a top-ranked CS school.
I'd say the magnet helped a lot with UMd admissions. I am not sure helped elsewhere but will never know. I am sure my child does not stand out as much as they would at home HS. Also I do not think the school profile that gets sent to colleges does the magnet students any favors.
If you don’t mind, Could you elaborate on this further?
Sure. Still in the middle of college admissions since I have a current senior. I assume you are wondering about the shool profile comment. My understanding is that without a school ranking, some colleges will try to guess based on the GPA bands. For Poolesville, the top bands are 78% for unweighted GPA and 58% for weighted. So after 4 years of hard work and taking all the hardest math classes (functions etc), my 4.0 UW 4.7W GPA kid only appears to be in the top 58% of their class. UMd will understand this, but other schools may not.
Different poster. This might as well have been in a different language. What do you mean by “GPA bands”? Can you explain to me like I’m an idiot?
+1 Isn't it true that most T20 colleges tear apart the GPA calculation anyways, and re-calculate based on their own scale. But, I don't know what they might do with the SMCS's specialty classes like, Analysis 2, Quantum Physics, Organic Chemistry, etc.?? Do those get weighted more in the re-calculation??
I don't think they do. Also, some of the SMACs classes are not even listed properly on the transcripts.
They were on ours at least when we got a copy of it last year.
Well i thought so too at first. Example of this would be the SMACS 9th grade computer class listed on transcript as "Foundations of Computer Science". Unless someone is familiar with SMACS they would not not know that this is actually also AP Computer Science.
At the two open houses I’ve been to this year (including the accepted one) the staff at Blair made it VERY clear that their classes are not AP classes. They do not follow the AP curriculum.
Right, same at Poolesville. Just realized I mixed up the class name. My point is that I think it’s confusing to colleges with the magnet class names. Blair school profile seems to do a better job.
I agree, Blair schools profile is written MUCH better than Poolesville. Poolesville profile is not even emphasizing the difficult courses and should emphasize the rigor and difficult and competitiveness selection process for the program.
Anonymous wrote:Yes. I think for our children magnets were absolutely worth it for college admissions.
The pathway for both of my kids -> PHS SMCS -> UMD. We are Asian-American first gen immigrants. Our kids chose STEM careers. Both had perfect stats in GPA and SAT, NMS, ECs, Internships and research papers etc. We knew that they would not get into top private schools based on the fact that many of their peers in PHS look and achieve like them.
Apart from that, they also did not apply extensively. They applied to 6 schools in all. Since UMD was in-state and great for CS, Physics and Math (both did double majors, both had Math in common), that was their lowest bar in terms of where they wanted to apply. This did not leave very many colleges for them that were ranked higher for these majors. This is not a drawback but a boon. Imagine having a college like UMD as your safety. To be honest, UMD was very much their dream school, target and safety all rolled in one.
Having done STEM research internships during PHS (It is a SMCS requirement) and having written a paper based on that - they also found it easy to get future internships @ UMD right from the get go. Having been through the rigor, pace, and curriculum of SMCS and having so many AP and post-AP credits transfer, allowed them to juggle two hard majors, internships, and socializing in college with ease. They watched many of their college classmates - either do very poorly in hard courses or study very hard to stay afloat or do well but without any outside interests. In other words, the training and exposure they got at PHS made college seem easy.
The kind of professional training that the SMCS teaches these students in terms of advocating for oneself, building a network of peers, acquiring skill sets, acquiring credentials, creating and seeking opportunities, time management and organization is invaluable for college and professional life. They also were hugely networked at UMD with other area students from DMV because they had either competed with them in other arenas or had crossed paths with them.
Last, but not the least - since they are already in-state in a public university and the cost is already low. Therefore, even a small merit aid usually covers a significant amount of tuition if not all. This merit $$$ was like a payday for the work that they did in magnet HS.
For us, magnet STEM schools was worth it for succeeding in college and professional life. It made the college admission process easy too.
Of course, I don't mean to be glib and say that it was all easy. To be in the magnet track meant that my kids were performing academically at very high levels from ES. They were acing all kinds of tests that was being administered by MCPS- Raven, TerraNova, MAPS - and tests like JHU-CTY outside of school.
They were consistent from K-12, and also worked hard to have a well rounded resume - ECs, volunteer work, competitions, honor societies, internships, research papers, no discipline issues, consistent performance, no absenteeism, juggling leadership responsibilities, self advocating etc.
This is my child's experience as well. Finishing up SMACs now with a UMd presidential scholarship and direct admit to CS. Will now be paying very low tuition for a top-ranked CS school.
I'd say the magnet helped a lot with UMd admissions. I am not sure helped elsewhere but will never know. I am sure my child does not stand out as much as they would at home HS. Also I do not think the school profile that gets sent to colleges does the magnet students any favors.
If you don’t mind, Could you elaborate on this further?
Sure. Still in the middle of college admissions since I have a current senior. I assume you are wondering about the shool profile comment. My understanding is that without a school ranking, some colleges will try to guess based on the GPA bands. For Poolesville, the top bands are 78% for unweighted GPA and 58% for weighted. So after 4 years of hard work and taking all the hardest math classes (functions etc), my 4.0 UW 4.7W GPA kid only appears to be in the top 58% of their class. UMd will understand this, but other schools may not.
Different poster. This might as well have been in a different language. What do you mean by “GPA bands”? Can you explain to me like I’m an idiot?
+1 Isn't it true that most T20 colleges tear apart the GPA calculation anyways, and re-calculate based on their own scale. But, I don't know what they might do with the SMCS's specialty classes like, Analysis 2, Quantum Physics, Organic Chemistry, etc.?? Do those get weighted more in the re-calculation??
I don't think they do. Also, some of the SMACs classes are not even listed properly on the transcripts.
They were on ours at least when we got a copy of it last year.
Well i thought so too at first. Example of this would be the SMACS 9th grade computer class listed on transcript as "Foundations of Computer Science". Unless someone is familiar with SMACS they would not not know that this is actually also AP Computer Science.
At the two open houses I’ve been to this year (including the accepted one) the staff at Blair made it VERY clear that their classes are not AP classes. They do not follow the AP curriculum.
Right, same at Poolesville. Just realized I mixed up the class name. My point is that I think it’s confusing to colleges with the magnet class names. Blair school profile seems to do a better job.
Admissions officers at most elite schools are familiar with the program and its specific courses.
Anonymous wrote:Yes. I think for our children magnets were absolutely worth it for college admissions.
The pathway for both of my kids -> PHS SMCS -> UMD. We are Asian-American first gen immigrants. Our kids chose STEM careers. Both had perfect stats in GPA and SAT, NMS, ECs, Internships and research papers etc. We knew that they would not get into top private schools based on the fact that many of their peers in PHS look and achieve like them.
Apart from that, they also did not apply extensively. They applied to 6 schools in all. Since UMD was in-state and great for CS, Physics and Math (both did double majors, both had Math in common), that was their lowest bar in terms of where they wanted to apply. This did not leave very many colleges for them that were ranked higher for these majors. This is not a drawback but a boon. Imagine having a college like UMD as your safety. To be honest, UMD was very much their dream school, target and safety all rolled in one.
Having done STEM research internships during PHS (It is a SMCS requirement) and having written a paper based on that - they also found it easy to get future internships @ UMD right from the get go. Having been through the rigor, pace, and curriculum of SMCS and having so many AP and post-AP credits transfer, allowed them to juggle two hard majors, internships, and socializing in college with ease. They watched many of their college classmates - either do very poorly in hard courses or study very hard to stay afloat or do well but without any outside interests. In other words, the training and exposure they got at PHS made college seem easy.
The kind of professional training that the SMCS teaches these students in terms of advocating for oneself, building a network of peers, acquiring skill sets, acquiring credentials, creating and seeking opportunities, time management and organization is invaluable for college and professional life. They also were hugely networked at UMD with other area students from DMV because they had either competed with them in other arenas or had crossed paths with them.
Last, but not the least - since they are already in-state in a public university and the cost is already low. Therefore, even a small merit aid usually covers a significant amount of tuition if not all. This merit $$$ was like a payday for the work that they did in magnet HS.
For us, magnet STEM schools was worth it for succeeding in college and professional life. It made the college admission process easy too.
Of course, I don't mean to be glib and say that it was all easy. To be in the magnet track meant that my kids were performing academically at very high levels from ES. They were acing all kinds of tests that was being administered by MCPS- Raven, TerraNova, MAPS - and tests like JHU-CTY outside of school.
They were consistent from K-12, and also worked hard to have a well rounded resume - ECs, volunteer work, competitions, honor societies, internships, research papers, no discipline issues, consistent performance, no absenteeism, juggling leadership responsibilities, self advocating etc.
This is my child's experience as well. Finishing up SMACs now with a UMd presidential scholarship and direct admit to CS. Will now be paying very low tuition for a top-ranked CS school.
I'd say the magnet helped a lot with UMd admissions. I am not sure helped elsewhere but will never know. I am sure my child does not stand out as much as they would at home HS. Also I do not think the school profile that gets sent to colleges does the magnet students any favors.
If you don’t mind, Could you elaborate on this further?
Sure. Still in the middle of college admissions since I have a current senior. I assume you are wondering about the shool profile comment. My understanding is that without a school ranking, some colleges will try to guess based on the GPA bands. For Poolesville, the top bands are 78% for unweighted GPA and 58% for weighted. So after 4 years of hard work and taking all the hardest math classes (functions etc), my 4.0 UW 4.7W GPA kid only appears to be in the top 58% of their class. UMd will understand this, but other schools may not.
Different poster. This might as well have been in a different language. What do you mean by “GPA bands”? Can you explain to me like I’m an idiot?
+1 Isn't it true that most T20 colleges tear apart the GPA calculation anyways, and re-calculate based on their own scale. But, I don't know what they might do with the SMCS's specialty classes like, Analysis 2, Quantum Physics, Organic Chemistry, etc.?? Do those get weighted more in the re-calculation??
I don't think they do. Also, some of the SMACs classes are not even listed properly on the transcripts.
They were on ours at least when we got a copy of it last year.
Well i thought so too at first. Example of this would be the SMACS 9th grade computer class listed on transcript as "Foundations of Computer Science". Unless someone is familiar with SMACS they would not not know that this is actually also AP Computer Science.
At the two open houses I’ve been to this year (including the accepted one) the staff at Blair made it VERY clear that their classes are not AP classes. They do not follow the AP curriculum.
Right, same at Poolesville. Just realized I mixed up the class name. My point is that I think it’s confusing to colleges with the magnet class names. Blair school profile seems to do a better job.
Admissions officers at most elite schools are familiar with the program and its specific courses.
How do you know this? Honestly i am now pretty disappointed with the Poolesville profile in comparison to the Blair one.
Anonymous wrote:Yes. I think for our children magnets were absolutely worth it for college admissions.
The pathway for both of my kids -> PHS SMCS -> UMD. We are Asian-American first gen immigrants. Our kids chose STEM careers. Both had perfect stats in GPA and SAT, NMS, ECs, Internships and research papers etc. We knew that they would not get into top private schools based on the fact that many of their peers in PHS look and achieve like them.
Apart from that, they also did not apply extensively. They applied to 6 schools in all. Since UMD was in-state and great for CS, Physics and Math (both did double majors, both had Math in common), that was their lowest bar in terms of where they wanted to apply. This did not leave very many colleges for them that were ranked higher for these majors. This is not a drawback but a boon. Imagine having a college like UMD as your safety. To be honest, UMD was very much their dream school, target and safety all rolled in one.
Having done STEM research internships during PHS (It is a SMCS requirement) and having written a paper based on that - they also found it easy to get future internships @ UMD right from the get go. Having been through the rigor, pace, and curriculum of SMCS and having so many AP and post-AP credits transfer, allowed them to juggle two hard majors, internships, and socializing in college with ease. They watched many of their college classmates - either do very poorly in hard courses or study very hard to stay afloat or do well but without any outside interests. In other words, the training and exposure they got at PHS made college seem easy.
The kind of professional training that the SMCS teaches these students in terms of advocating for oneself, building a network of peers, acquiring skill sets, acquiring credentials, creating and seeking opportunities, time management and organization is invaluable for college and professional life. They also were hugely networked at UMD with other area students from DMV because they had either competed with them in other arenas or had crossed paths with them.
Last, but not the least - since they are already in-state in a public university and the cost is already low. Therefore, even a small merit aid usually covers a significant amount of tuition if not all. This merit $$$ was like a payday for the work that they did in magnet HS.
For us, magnet STEM schools was worth it for succeeding in college and professional life. It made the college admission process easy too.
Of course, I don't mean to be glib and say that it was all easy. To be in the magnet track meant that my kids were performing academically at very high levels from ES. They were acing all kinds of tests that was being administered by MCPS- Raven, TerraNova, MAPS - and tests like JHU-CTY outside of school.
They were consistent from K-12, and also worked hard to have a well rounded resume - ECs, volunteer work, competitions, honor societies, internships, research papers, no discipline issues, consistent performance, no absenteeism, juggling leadership responsibilities, self advocating etc.
This is my child's experience as well. Finishing up SMACs now with a UMd presidential scholarship and direct admit to CS. Will now be paying very low tuition for a top-ranked CS school.
I'd say the magnet helped a lot with UMd admissions. I am not sure helped elsewhere but will never know. I am sure my child does not stand out as much as they would at home HS. Also I do not think the school profile that gets sent to colleges does the magnet students any favors.
If you don’t mind, Could you elaborate on this further?
Sure. Still in the middle of college admissions since I have a current senior. I assume you are wondering about the shool profile comment. My understanding is that without a school ranking, some colleges will try to guess based on the GPA bands. For Poolesville, the top bands are 78% for unweighted GPA and 58% for weighted. So after 4 years of hard work and taking all the hardest math classes (functions etc), my 4.0 UW 4.7W GPA kid only appears to be in the top 58% of their class. UMd will understand this, but other schools may not.
Different poster. This might as well have been in a different language. What do you mean by “GPA bands”? Can you explain to me like I’m an idiot?
+1 Isn't it true that most T20 colleges tear apart the GPA calculation anyways, and re-calculate based on their own scale. But, I don't know what they might do with the SMCS's specialty classes like, Analysis 2, Quantum Physics, Organic Chemistry, etc.?? Do those get weighted more in the re-calculation??
I don't think they do. Also, some of the SMACs classes are not even listed properly on the transcripts.
They were on ours at least when we got a copy of it last year.
Well i thought so too at first. Example of this would be the SMACS 9th grade computer class listed on transcript as "Foundations of Computer Science". Unless someone is familiar with SMACS they would not not know that this is actually also AP Computer Science.
At the two open houses I’ve been to this year (including the accepted one) the staff at Blair made it VERY clear that their classes are not AP classes. They do not follow the AP curriculum.
Right, same at Poolesville. Just realized I mixed up the class name. My point is that I think it’s confusing to colleges with the magnet class names. Blair school profile seems to do a better job.
Admissions officers at most elite schools are familiar with the program and its specific courses.
How do you know this? Honestly i am now pretty disappointed with the Poolesville profile in comparison to the Blair one.
As a parent of a poolesville kid, I also agree with you!
Anonymous wrote:Don’t do magnet for college admission purposes. Some kids need more. If your kid is one of those then yes. If not, go to home school.
Totally agree! Mine needed the more that the Magnet gave; deeper classes/instruction, similar peers, etc… but IT DOES not help that much in terms of college acceptances. IT DOES help in being prepared better for college; time management, deeper understanding of info, work ethic, etc…
Anonymous wrote:Yes. I think for our children magnets were absolutely worth it for college admissions.
The pathway for both of my kids -> PHS SMCS -> UMD. We are Asian-American first gen immigrants. Our kids chose STEM careers. Both had perfect stats in GPA and SAT, NMS, ECs, Internships and research papers etc. We knew that they would not get into top private schools based on the fact that many of their peers in PHS look and achieve like them.
Apart from that, they also did not apply extensively. They applied to 6 schools in all. Since UMD was in-state and great for CS, Physics and Math (both did double majors, both had Math in common), that was their lowest bar in terms of where they wanted to apply. This did not leave very many colleges for them that were ranked higher for these majors. This is not a drawback but a boon. Imagine having a college like UMD as your safety. To be honest, UMD was very much their dream school, target and safety all rolled in one.
Having done STEM research internships during PHS (It is a SMCS requirement) and having written a paper based on that - they also found it easy to get future internships @ UMD right from the get go. Having been through the rigor, pace, and curriculum of SMCS and having so many AP and post-AP credits transfer, allowed them to juggle two hard majors, internships, and socializing in college with ease. They watched many of their college classmates - either do very poorly in hard courses or study very hard to stay afloat or do well but without any outside interests. In other words, the training and exposure they got at PHS made college seem easy.
The kind of professional training that the SMCS teaches these students in terms of advocating for oneself, building a network of peers, acquiring skill sets, acquiring credentials, creating and seeking opportunities, time management and organization is invaluable for college and professional life. They also were hugely networked at UMD with other area students from DMV because they had either competed with them in other arenas or had crossed paths with them.
Last, but not the least - since they are already in-state in a public university and the cost is already low. Therefore, even a small merit aid usually covers a significant amount of tuition if not all. This merit $$$ was like a payday for the work that they did in magnet HS.
For us, magnet STEM schools was worth it for succeeding in college and professional life. It made the college admission process easy too.
Of course, I don't mean to be glib and say that it was all easy. To be in the magnet track meant that my kids were performing academically at very high levels from ES. They were acing all kinds of tests that was being administered by MCPS- Raven, TerraNova, MAPS - and tests like JHU-CTY outside of school.
They were consistent from K-12, and also worked hard to have a well rounded resume - ECs, volunteer work, competitions, honor societies, internships, research papers, no discipline issues, consistent performance, no absenteeism, juggling leadership responsibilities, self advocating etc.
This is my child's experience as well. Finishing up SMACs now with a UMd presidential scholarship and direct admit to CS. Will now be paying very low tuition for a top-ranked CS school.
I'd say the magnet helped a lot with UMd admissions. I am not sure helped elsewhere but will never know. I am sure my child does not stand out as much as they would at home HS. Also I do not think the school profile that gets sent to colleges does the magnet students any favors.
If you don’t mind, Could you elaborate on this further?
Sure. Still in the middle of college admissions since I have a current senior. I assume you are wondering about the shool profile comment. My understanding is that without a school ranking, some colleges will try to guess based on the GPA bands. For Poolesville, the top bands are 78% for unweighted GPA and 58% for weighted. So after 4 years of hard work and taking all the hardest math classes (functions etc), my 4.0 UW 4.7W GPA kid only appears to be in the top 58% of their class. UMd will understand this, but other schools may not.
Different poster. This might as well have been in a different language. What do you mean by “GPA bands”? Can you explain to me like I’m an idiot?
+1 Isn't it true that most T20 colleges tear apart the GPA calculation anyways, and re-calculate based on their own scale. But, I don't know what they might do with the SMCS's specialty classes like, Analysis 2, Quantum Physics, Organic Chemistry, etc.?? Do those get weighted more in the re-calculation??
I don't think they do. Also, some of the SMACs classes are not even listed properly on the transcripts.
They were on ours at least when we got a copy of it last year.
Well i thought so too at first. Example of this would be the SMACS 9th grade computer class listed on transcript as "Foundations of Computer Science". Unless someone is familiar with SMACS they would not not know that this is actually also AP Computer Science.
Magnet CS 9 is noted as Advanced Level class and part of a Special Program. Although there are a few honors classes that get this designation, it's mostly reserved for APs.
0.5 credit per semester
Functions begun in Algebra 1 are continued and expanded to include all forms of algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, and circular functions. The study of each includes a precise definition, a consideration of graphs and applications, an analysis of distinguishing and interesting features, and an identification of related tangents and slopes. Students study trigonometry, approached from circular functions, conics, limits, and derivatives.
Prerequisite: Magnet or Honors Geometry
Grade Level: 9 - 10 - 11 - 12
No repeats for credit
It’s algebra 2 and precalculus in a very condensed fast paced schedule.
That sounds like a bad idea. Better just to start algebra in 6th.
You should meet with Peter Ostrander at he Blair magnet. I am sure he would be very interested in your opinion.
I emailed the magnet folks and they did not return my email. So, we declined.
Anonymous wrote:Yes. I think for our children magnets were absolutely worth it for college admissions.
The pathway for both of my kids -> PHS SMCS -> UMD. We are Asian-American first gen immigrants. Our kids chose STEM careers. Both had perfect stats in GPA and SAT, NMS, ECs, Internships and research papers etc. We knew that they would not get into top private schools based on the fact that many of their peers in PHS look and achieve like them.
Apart from that, they also did not apply extensively. They applied to 6 schools in all. Since UMD was in-state and great for CS, Physics and Math (both did double majors, both had Math in common), that was their lowest bar in terms of where they wanted to apply. This did not leave very many colleges for them that were ranked higher for these majors. This is not a drawback but a boon. Imagine having a college like UMD as your safety. To be honest, UMD was very much their dream school, target and safety all rolled in one.
Having done STEM research internships during PHS (It is a SMCS requirement) and having written a paper based on that - they also found it easy to get future internships @ UMD right from the get go. Having been through the rigor, pace, and curriculum of SMCS and having so many AP and post-AP credits transfer, allowed them to juggle two hard majors, internships, and socializing in college with ease. They watched many of their college classmates - either do very poorly in hard courses or study very hard to stay afloat or do well but without any outside interests. In other words, the training and exposure they got at PHS made college seem easy.
The kind of professional training that the SMCS teaches these students in terms of advocating for oneself, building a network of peers, acquiring skill sets, acquiring credentials, creating and seeking opportunities, time management and organization is invaluable for college and professional life. They also were hugely networked at UMD with other area students from DMV because they had either competed with them in other arenas or had crossed paths with them.
Last, but not the least - since they are already in-state in a public university and the cost is already low. Therefore, even a small merit aid usually covers a significant amount of tuition if not all. This merit $$$ was like a payday for the work that they did in magnet HS.
For us, magnet STEM schools was worth it for succeeding in college and professional life. It made the college admission process easy too.
Of course, I don't mean to be glib and say that it was all easy. To be in the magnet track meant that my kids were performing academically at very high levels from ES. They were acing all kinds of tests that was being administered by MCPS- Raven, TerraNova, MAPS - and tests like JHU-CTY outside of school.
They were consistent from K-12, and also worked hard to have a well rounded resume - ECs, volunteer work, competitions, honor societies, internships, research papers, no discipline issues, consistent performance, no absenteeism, juggling leadership responsibilities, self advocating etc.
This is my child's experience as well. Finishing up SMACs now with a UMd presidential scholarship and direct admit to CS. Will now be paying very low tuition for a top-ranked CS school.
I'd say the magnet helped a lot with UMd admissions. I am not sure helped elsewhere but will never know. I am sure my child does not stand out as much as they would at home HS. Also I do not think the school profile that gets sent to colleges does the magnet students any favors.
If you don’t mind, Could you elaborate on this further?
Sure. Still in the middle of college admissions since I have a current senior. I assume you are wondering about the shool profile comment. My understanding is that without a school ranking, some colleges will try to guess based on the GPA bands. For Poolesville, the top bands are 78% for unweighted GPA and 58% for weighted. So after 4 years of hard work and taking all the hardest math classes (functions etc), my 4.0 UW 4.7W GPA kid only appears to be in the top 58% of their class. UMd will understand this, but other schools may not.
Different poster. This might as well have been in a different language. What do you mean by “GPA bands”? Can you explain to me like I’m an idiot?
+1 Isn't it true that most T20 colleges tear apart the GPA calculation anyways, and re-calculate based on their own scale. But, I don't know what they might do with the SMCS's specialty classes like, Analysis 2, Quantum Physics, Organic Chemistry, etc.?? Do those get weighted more in the re-calculation??
I don't think they do. Also, some of the SMACs classes are not even listed properly on the transcripts.
They were on ours at least when we got a copy of it last year.
Well i thought so too at first. Example of this would be the SMACS 9th grade computer class listed on transcript as "Foundations of Computer Science". Unless someone is familiar with SMACS they would not not know that this is actually also AP Computer Science.
Magnet CS 9 is noted as Advanced Level class and part of a Special Program. Although there are a few honors classes that get this designation, it's mostly reserved for APs.
0.5 credit per semester
Functions begun in Algebra 1 are continued and expanded to include all forms of algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, and circular functions. The study of each includes a precise definition, a consideration of graphs and applications, an analysis of distinguishing and interesting features, and an identification of related tangents and slopes. Students study trigonometry, approached from circular functions, conics, limits, and derivatives.
Prerequisite: Magnet or Honors Geometry
Grade Level: 9 - 10 - 11 - 12
No repeats for credit
It’s algebra 2 and precalculus in a very condensed fast paced schedule.
That sounds like a bad idea. Better just to start algebra in 6th.
That's only happens if you in boundary of a wealthy Potomac ES.
Strange you say that as that’s not true and we are the opposite of Potomac.
Anonymous wrote:Yes. I think for our children magnets were absolutely worth it for college admissions.
The pathway for both of my kids -> PHS SMCS -> UMD. We are Asian-American first gen immigrants. Our kids chose STEM careers. Both had perfect stats in GPA and SAT, NMS, ECs, Internships and research papers etc. We knew that they would not get into top private schools based on the fact that many of their peers in PHS look and achieve like them.
Apart from that, they also did not apply extensively. They applied to 6 schools in all. Since UMD was in-state and great for CS, Physics and Math (both did double majors, both had Math in common), that was their lowest bar in terms of where they wanted to apply. This did not leave very many colleges for them that were ranked higher for these majors. This is not a drawback but a boon. Imagine having a college like UMD as your safety. To be honest, UMD was very much their dream school, target and safety all rolled in one.
Having done STEM research internships during PHS (It is a SMCS requirement) and having written a paper based on that - they also found it easy to get future internships @ UMD right from the get go. Having been through the rigor, pace, and curriculum of SMCS and having so many AP and post-AP credits transfer, allowed them to juggle two hard majors, internships, and socializing in college with ease. They watched many of their college classmates - either do very poorly in hard courses or study very hard to stay afloat or do well but without any outside interests. In other words, the training and exposure they got at PHS made college seem easy.
The kind of professional training that the SMCS teaches these students in terms of advocating for oneself, building a network of peers, acquiring skill sets, acquiring credentials, creating and seeking opportunities, time management and organization is invaluable for college and professional life. They also were hugely networked at UMD with other area students from DMV because they had either competed with them in other arenas or had crossed paths with them.
Last, but not the least - since they are already in-state in a public university and the cost is already low. Therefore, even a small merit aid usually covers a significant amount of tuition if not all. This merit $$$ was like a payday for the work that they did in magnet HS.
For us, magnet STEM schools was worth it for succeeding in college and professional life. It made the college admission process easy too.
Of course, I don't mean to be glib and say that it was all easy. To be in the magnet track meant that my kids were performing academically at very high levels from ES. They were acing all kinds of tests that was being administered by MCPS- Raven, TerraNova, MAPS - and tests like JHU-CTY outside of school.
They were consistent from K-12, and also worked hard to have a well rounded resume - ECs, volunteer work, competitions, honor societies, internships, research papers, no discipline issues, consistent performance, no absenteeism, juggling leadership responsibilities, self advocating etc.
This is my child's experience as well. Finishing up SMACs now with a UMd presidential scholarship and direct admit to CS. Will now be paying very low tuition for a top-ranked CS school.
I'd say the magnet helped a lot with UMd admissions. I am not sure helped elsewhere but will never know. I am sure my child does not stand out as much as they would at home HS. Also I do not think the school profile that gets sent to colleges does the magnet students any favors.
If you don’t mind, Could you elaborate on this further?
Sure. Still in the middle of college admissions since I have a current senior. I assume you are wondering about the shool profile comment. My understanding is that without a school ranking, some colleges will try to guess based on the GPA bands. For Poolesville, the top bands are 78% for unweighted GPA and 58% for weighted. So after 4 years of hard work and taking all the hardest math classes (functions etc), my 4.0 UW 4.7W GPA kid only appears to be in the top 58% of their class. UMd will understand this, but other schools may not.
Different poster. This might as well have been in a different language. What do you mean by “GPA bands”? Can you explain to me like I’m an idiot?
+1 Isn't it true that most T20 colleges tear apart the GPA calculation anyways, and re-calculate based on their own scale. But, I don't know what they might do with the SMCS's specialty classes like, Analysis 2, Quantum Physics, Organic Chemistry, etc.?? Do those get weighted more in the re-calculation??
I don't think they do. Also, some of the SMACs classes are not even listed properly on the transcripts.
They were on ours at least when we got a copy of it last year.
Well i thought so too at first. Example of this would be the SMACS 9th grade computer class listed on transcript as "Foundations of Computer Science". Unless someone is familiar with SMACS they would not not know that this is actually also AP Computer Science.
At the two open houses I’ve been to this year (including the accepted one) the staff at Blair made it VERY clear that their classes are not AP classes. They do not follow the AP curriculum.
Right, same at Poolesville. Just realized I mixed up the class name. My point is that I think it’s confusing to colleges with the magnet class names. Blair school profile seems to do a better job.
Admissions officers at most elite schools are familiar with the program and its specific courses.
How do you know this? Honestly i am now pretty disappointed with the Poolesville profile in comparison to the Blair one.
because one of my friends does college admissions and claims that any halfway decent admissions office is completely familiar with these specifics classes and programs
Anonymous wrote:Yes. I think for our children magnets were absolutely worth it for college admissions.
The pathway for both of my kids -> PHS SMCS -> UMD. We are Asian-American first gen immigrants. Our kids chose STEM careers. Both had perfect stats in GPA and SAT, NMS, ECs, Internships and research papers etc. We knew that they would not get into top private schools based on the fact that many of their peers in PHS look and achieve like them.
Apart from that, they also did not apply extensively. They applied to 6 schools in all. Since UMD was in-state and great for CS, Physics and Math (both did double majors, both had Math in common), that was their lowest bar in terms of where they wanted to apply. This did not leave very many colleges for them that were ranked higher for these majors. This is not a drawback but a boon. Imagine having a college like UMD as your safety. To be honest, UMD was very much their dream school, target and safety all rolled in one.
Having done STEM research internships during PHS (It is a SMCS requirement) and having written a paper based on that - they also found it easy to get future internships @ UMD right from the get go. Having been through the rigor, pace, and curriculum of SMCS and having so many AP and post-AP credits transfer, allowed them to juggle two hard majors, internships, and socializing in college with ease. They watched many of their college classmates - either do very poorly in hard courses or study very hard to stay afloat or do well but without any outside interests. In other words, the training and exposure they got at PHS made college seem easy.
The kind of professional training that the SMCS teaches these students in terms of advocating for oneself, building a network of peers, acquiring skill sets, acquiring credentials, creating and seeking opportunities, time management and organization is invaluable for college and professional life. They also were hugely networked at UMD with other area students from DMV because they had either competed with them in other arenas or had crossed paths with them.
Last, but not the least - since they are already in-state in a public university and the cost is already low. Therefore, even a small merit aid usually covers a significant amount of tuition if not all. This merit $$$ was like a payday for the work that they did in magnet HS.
For us, magnet STEM schools was worth it for succeeding in college and professional life. It made the college admission process easy too.
Of course, I don't mean to be glib and say that it was all easy. To be in the magnet track meant that my kids were performing academically at very high levels from ES. They were acing all kinds of tests that was being administered by MCPS- Raven, TerraNova, MAPS - and tests like JHU-CTY outside of school.
They were consistent from K-12, and also worked hard to have a well rounded resume - ECs, volunteer work, competitions, honor societies, internships, research papers, no discipline issues, consistent performance, no absenteeism, juggling leadership responsibilities, self advocating etc.
This is my child's experience as well. Finishing up SMACs now with a UMd presidential scholarship and direct admit to CS. Will now be paying very low tuition for a top-ranked CS school.
I'd say the magnet helped a lot with UMd admissions. I am not sure helped elsewhere but will never know. I am sure my child does not stand out as much as they would at home HS. Also I do not think the school profile that gets sent to colleges does the magnet students any favors.
If you don’t mind, Could you elaborate on this further?
Sure. Still in the middle of college admissions since I have a current senior. I assume you are wondering about the shool profile comment. My understanding is that without a school ranking, some colleges will try to guess based on the GPA bands. For Poolesville, the top bands are 78% for unweighted GPA and 58% for weighted. So after 4 years of hard work and taking all the hardest math classes (functions etc), my 4.0 UW 4.7W GPA kid only appears to be in the top 58% of their class. UMd will understand this, but other schools may not.
Different poster. This might as well have been in a different language. What do you mean by “GPA bands”? Can you explain to me like I’m an idiot?
+1 Isn't it true that most T20 colleges tear apart the GPA calculation anyways, and re-calculate based on their own scale. But, I don't know what they might do with the SMCS's specialty classes like, Analysis 2, Quantum Physics, Organic Chemistry, etc.?? Do those get weighted more in the re-calculation??
I don't think they do. Also, some of the SMACs classes are not even listed properly on the transcripts.
They were on ours at least when we got a copy of it last year.
Well i thought so too at first. Example of this would be the SMACS 9th grade computer class listed on transcript as "Foundations of Computer Science". Unless someone is familiar with SMACS they would not not know that this is actually also AP Computer Science.
Magnet CS 9 is noted as Advanced Level class and part of a Special Program. Although there are a few honors classes that get this designation, it's mostly reserved for APs.
0.5 credit per semester
Functions begun in Algebra 1 are continued and expanded to include all forms of algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, and circular functions. The study of each includes a precise definition, a consideration of graphs and applications, an analysis of distinguishing and interesting features, and an identification of related tangents and slopes. Students study trigonometry, approached from circular functions, conics, limits, and derivatives.
Prerequisite: Magnet or Honors Geometry
Grade Level: 9 - 10 - 11 - 12
No repeats for credit
It’s algebra 2 and precalculus in a very condensed fast paced schedule.
That sounds like a bad idea. Better just to start algebra in 6th.
That's only happens if you in boundary of a wealthy Potomac ES.
Strange you say that as that’s not true and we are the opposite of Potomac.
I know at Frost any 6th grader with a map score over 250 is allowed to take Algebra in 6th but it's in Potomac.
At TPMS they require students to have completed AIM before taking Algebra so only the Potomac kids whose ES offers AIM in 5th have this option.
Anonymous wrote:Yes. I think for our children magnets were absolutely worth it for college admissions.
The pathway for both of my kids -> PHS SMCS -> UMD. We are Asian-American first gen immigrants. Our kids chose STEM careers. Both had perfect stats in GPA and SAT, NMS, ECs, Internships and research papers etc. We knew that they would not get into top private schools based on the fact that many of their peers in PHS look and achieve like them.
Apart from that, they also did not apply extensively. They applied to 6 schools in all. Since UMD was in-state and great for CS, Physics and Math (both did double majors, both had Math in common), that was their lowest bar in terms of where they wanted to apply. This did not leave very many colleges for them that were ranked higher for these majors. This is not a drawback but a boon. Imagine having a college like UMD as your safety. To be honest, UMD was very much their dream school, target and safety all rolled in one.
Having done STEM research internships during PHS (It is a SMCS requirement) and having written a paper based on that - they also found it easy to get future internships @ UMD right from the get go. Having been through the rigor, pace, and curriculum of SMCS and having so many AP and post-AP credits transfer, allowed them to juggle two hard majors, internships, and socializing in college with ease. They watched many of their college classmates - either do very poorly in hard courses or study very hard to stay afloat or do well but without any outside interests. In other words, the training and exposure they got at PHS made college seem easy.
The kind of professional training that the SMCS teaches these students in terms of advocating for oneself, building a network of peers, acquiring skill sets, acquiring credentials, creating and seeking opportunities, time management and organization is invaluable for college and professional life. They also were hugely networked at UMD with other area students from DMV because they had either competed with them in other arenas or had crossed paths with them.
Last, but not the least - since they are already in-state in a public university and the cost is already low. Therefore, even a small merit aid usually covers a significant amount of tuition if not all. This merit $$$ was like a payday for the work that they did in magnet HS.
For us, magnet STEM schools was worth it for succeeding in college and professional life. It made the college admission process easy too.
Of course, I don't mean to be glib and say that it was all easy. To be in the magnet track meant that my kids were performing academically at very high levels from ES. They were acing all kinds of tests that was being administered by MCPS- Raven, TerraNova, MAPS - and tests like JHU-CTY outside of school.
They were consistent from K-12, and also worked hard to have a well rounded resume - ECs, volunteer work, competitions, honor societies, internships, research papers, no discipline issues, consistent performance, no absenteeism, juggling leadership responsibilities, self advocating etc.
This is my child's experience as well. Finishing up SMACs now with a UMd presidential scholarship and direct admit to CS. Will now be paying very low tuition for a top-ranked CS school.
I'd say the magnet helped a lot with UMd admissions. I am not sure helped elsewhere but will never know. I am sure my child does not stand out as much as they would at home HS. Also I do not think the school profile that gets sent to colleges does the magnet students any favors.
If you don’t mind, Could you elaborate on this further?
Sure. Still in the middle of college admissions since I have a current senior. I assume you are wondering about the shool profile comment. My understanding is that without a school ranking, some colleges will try to guess based on the GPA bands. For Poolesville, the top bands are 78% for unweighted GPA and 58% for weighted. So after 4 years of hard work and taking all the hardest math classes (functions etc), my 4.0 UW 4.7W GPA kid only appears to be in the top 58% of their class. UMd will understand this, but other schools may not.
Different poster. This might as well have been in a different language. What do you mean by “GPA bands”? Can you explain to me like I’m an idiot?
Sure, this is the Poolesville poster again. Its confusing.
I believe most MCPS HS do it this way. College admissions is a tricky business so it's hard to say the impact of this. As I said, I think it helped my kid at UMd. If I was a betting person, I think my kid's odds would be better non-magnet for Ivys. Especially for the SMACs kids, I don't think it is clear the rigor of some of these classes. There are plenty of kids getting into top schools. It just feels a bit harder.
That said, even with many things lost due to Covid, my kid said they would do the magnet over in a heartbeat.
Anonymous wrote:Yes. I think for our children magnets were absolutely worth it for college admissions.
The pathway for both of my kids -> PHS SMCS -> UMD. We are Asian-American first gen immigrants. Our kids chose STEM careers. Both had perfect stats in GPA and SAT, NMS, ECs, Internships and research papers etc. We knew that they would not get into top private schools based on the fact that many of their peers in PHS look and achieve like them.
Apart from that, they also did not apply extensively. They applied to 6 schools in all. Since UMD was in-state and great for CS, Physics and Math (both did double majors, both had Math in common), that was their lowest bar in terms of where they wanted to apply. This did not leave very many colleges for them that were ranked higher for these majors. This is not a drawback but a boon. Imagine having a college like UMD as your safety. To be honest, UMD was very much their dream school, target and safety all rolled in one.
Having done STEM research internships during PHS (It is a SMCS requirement) and having written a paper based on that - they also found it easy to get future internships @ UMD right from the get go. Having been through the rigor, pace, and curriculum of SMCS and having so many AP and post-AP credits transfer, allowed them to juggle two hard majors, internships, and socializing in college with ease. They watched many of their college classmates - either do very poorly in hard courses or study very hard to stay afloat or do well but without any outside interests. In other words, the training and exposure they got at PHS made college seem easy.
The kind of professional training that the SMCS teaches these students in terms of advocating for oneself, building a network of peers, acquiring skill sets, acquiring credentials, creating and seeking opportunities, time management and organization is invaluable for college and professional life. They also were hugely networked at UMD with other area students from DMV because they had either competed with them in other arenas or had crossed paths with them.
Last, but not the least - since they are already in-state in a public university and the cost is already low. Therefore, even a small merit aid usually covers a significant amount of tuition if not all. This merit $$$ was like a payday for the work that they did in magnet HS.
For us, magnet STEM schools was worth it for succeeding in college and professional life. It made the college admission process easy too.
Of course, I don't mean to be glib and say that it was all easy. To be in the magnet track meant that my kids were performing academically at very high levels from ES. They were acing all kinds of tests that was being administered by MCPS- Raven, TerraNova, MAPS - and tests like JHU-CTY outside of school.
They were consistent from K-12, and also worked hard to have a well rounded resume - ECs, volunteer work, competitions, honor societies, internships, research papers, no discipline issues, consistent performance, no absenteeism, juggling leadership responsibilities, self advocating etc.
This is my child's experience as well. Finishing up SMACs now with a UMd presidential scholarship and direct admit to CS. Will now be paying very low tuition for a top-ranked CS school.
I'd say the magnet helped a lot with UMd admissions. I am not sure helped elsewhere but will never know. I am sure my child does not stand out as much as they would at home HS. Also I do not think the school profile that gets sent to colleges does the magnet students any favors.
If you don’t mind, Could you elaborate on this further?
Sure. Still in the middle of college admissions since I have a current senior. I assume you are wondering about the shool profile comment. My understanding is that without a school ranking, some colleges will try to guess based on the GPA bands. For Poolesville, the top bands are 78% for unweighted GPA and 58% for weighted. So after 4 years of hard work and taking all the hardest math classes (functions etc), my 4.0 UW 4.7W GPA kid only appears to be in the top 58% of their class. UMd will understand this, but other schools may not.
Different poster. This might as well have been in a different language. What do you mean by “GPA bands”? Can you explain to me like I’m an idiot?
+1 Isn't it true that most T20 colleges tear apart the GPA calculation anyways, and re-calculate based on their own scale. But, I don't know what they might do with the SMCS's specialty classes like, Analysis 2, Quantum Physics, Organic Chemistry, etc.?? Do those get weighted more in the re-calculation??
I don't think they do. Also, some of the SMACs classes are not even listed properly on the transcripts.
They were on ours at least when we got a copy of it last year.
Well i thought so too at first. Example of this would be the SMACS 9th grade computer class listed on transcript as "Foundations of Computer Science". Unless someone is familiar with SMACS they would not not know that this is actually also AP Computer Science.
Magnet CS 9 is noted as Advanced Level class and part of a Special Program. Although there are a few honors classes that get this designation, it's mostly reserved for APs.
0.5 credit per semester
Functions begun in Algebra 1 are continued and expanded to include all forms of algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, and circular functions. The study of each includes a precise definition, a consideration of graphs and applications, an analysis of distinguishing and interesting features, and an identification of related tangents and slopes. Students study trigonometry, approached from circular functions, conics, limits, and derivatives.
Prerequisite: Magnet or Honors Geometry
Grade Level: 9 - 10 - 11 - 12
No repeats for credit
It’s algebra 2 and precalculus in a very condensed fast paced schedule.
That sounds like a bad idea. Better just to start algebra in 6th.
That's only happens if you in boundary of a wealthy Potomac ES.
Strange you say that as that’s not true and we are the opposite of Potomac.
I know at Frost any 6th grader with a map score over 250 is allowed to take Algebra in 6th but it's in Potomac.
At TPMS they require students to have completed AIM before taking Algebra so only the Potomac kids whose ES offers AIM in 5th have this option.
That's great you know that. I don't know that as we aren't in a W school district and still had the opportunity to do it. TMPS is just one school. Multiple schools allow it. MCCPTA put out a list.
Anonymous wrote:Yes. I think for our children magnets were absolutely worth it for college admissions.
The pathway for both of my kids -> PHS SMCS -> UMD. We are Asian-American first gen immigrants. Our kids chose STEM careers. Both had perfect stats in GPA and SAT, NMS, ECs, Internships and research papers etc. We knew that they would not get into top private schools based on the fact that many of their peers in PHS look and achieve like them.
Apart from that, they also did not apply extensively. They applied to 6 schools in all. Since UMD was in-state and great for CS, Physics and Math (both did double majors, both had Math in common), that was their lowest bar in terms of where they wanted to apply. This did not leave very many colleges for them that were ranked higher for these majors. This is not a drawback but a boon. Imagine having a college like UMD as your safety. To be honest, UMD was very much their dream school, target and safety all rolled in one.
Having done STEM research internships during PHS (It is a SMCS requirement) and having written a paper based on that - they also found it easy to get future internships @ UMD right from the get go. Having been through the rigor, pace, and curriculum of SMCS and having so many AP and post-AP credits transfer, allowed them to juggle two hard majors, internships, and socializing in college with ease. They watched many of their college classmates - either do very poorly in hard courses or study very hard to stay afloat or do well but without any outside interests. In other words, the training and exposure they got at PHS made college seem easy.
The kind of professional training that the SMCS teaches these students in terms of advocating for oneself, building a network of peers, acquiring skill sets, acquiring credentials, creating and seeking opportunities, time management and organization is invaluable for college and professional life. They also were hugely networked at UMD with other area students from DMV because they had either competed with them in other arenas or had crossed paths with them.
Last, but not the least - since they are already in-state in a public university and the cost is already low. Therefore, even a small merit aid usually covers a significant amount of tuition if not all. This merit $$$ was like a payday for the work that they did in magnet HS.
For us, magnet STEM schools was worth it for succeeding in college and professional life. It made the college admission process easy too.
Of course, I don't mean to be glib and say that it was all easy. To be in the magnet track meant that my kids were performing academically at very high levels from ES. They were acing all kinds of tests that was being administered by MCPS- Raven, TerraNova, MAPS - and tests like JHU-CTY outside of school.
They were consistent from K-12, and also worked hard to have a well rounded resume - ECs, volunteer work, competitions, honor societies, internships, research papers, no discipline issues, consistent performance, no absenteeism, juggling leadership responsibilities, self advocating etc.
This is my child's experience as well. Finishing up SMACs now with a UMd presidential scholarship and direct admit to CS. Will now be paying very low tuition for a top-ranked CS school.
I'd say the magnet helped a lot with UMd admissions. I am not sure helped elsewhere but will never know. I am sure my child does not stand out as much as they would at home HS. Also I do not think the school profile that gets sent to colleges does the magnet students any favors.
If you don’t mind, Could you elaborate on this further?
Sure. Still in the middle of college admissions since I have a current senior. I assume you are wondering about the shool profile comment. My understanding is that without a school ranking, some colleges will try to guess based on the GPA bands. For Poolesville, the top bands are 78% for unweighted GPA and 58% for weighted. So after 4 years of hard work and taking all the hardest math classes (functions etc), my 4.0 UW 4.7W GPA kid only appears to be in the top 58% of their class. UMd will understand this, but other schools may not.
Different poster. This might as well have been in a different language. What do you mean by “GPA bands”? Can you explain to me like I’m an idiot?
Sure, this is the Poolesville poster again. Its confusing.
I believe most MCPS HS do it this way. College admissions is a tricky business so it's hard to say the impact of this. As I said, I think it helped my kid at UMd. If I was a betting person, I think my kid's odds would be better non-magnet for Ivys. Especially for the SMACs kids, I don't think it is clear the rigor of some of these classes. There are plenty of kids getting into top schools. It just feels a bit harder.
That said, even with many things lost due to Covid, my kid said they would do the magnet over in a heartbeat.
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