Is a public school A = private school A- (or B+)?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Those kids don’t even attend school on a regular basis. My DH had quite a few students who missed well over 50 days of school. They missed that every year.

Yes. Public school teacher here. The ones getting Cs and Ds DON'T ATTEND SCHOOL.
And there are a surprisingly large number of them.

Let me be frank. It is not difficult to get Bs at most publics if you simply come to school and make any attempt to do the work.

Are we comparing 50k private schools with schools that have high truancy rates? Because I bet the kids from Thomas Jefferson or Bronx Science would like a word.

You are totally missing the point (or being purposely obtuse). MOST public schools (which is the vast majority of kids applying to college) inflate grades - privates (and public magnets which are basically privates paid for by our taxes) don’t. Magnets make up a very small percentage of public schools…

we don't have magnets in nyc so I'm lost on that point. but I'm trying to make things clear. most colleges are not at all selective, so this is moot. if you're talking selective colleges, then no, the vast majority aren't coming from public. It's usually more public than private, but not by a vast number. rigorous public schools don't inflate grades. I've never heard of retakes, but obviously this is something thats happening in Arlington. Can't imagine the resources that would require and most rigorous public schools don't have those resources.

Parents in this are area are care about the most selective colleges so grade inflation matters here (that’s why they are sending them to rigorous magnets or privates). It’s disingenuous to say the “vast majority of kids” at selective schools aren’t coming from public. In fact, 60 percent or more are coming from public.

The DC area has some of THE most rigorous schools in the country. Virginia and Maryland rank in the top ten states for education and the DC area schools are at the top for those lists (Fairfax and MCPS are top in the nation). They are all are doing equitable grading which results in grade inflation.

I think we have some of the most rigorous publics. We have strong private schools, but not top in the country.

Disagree on the publics, just more DC bluster. [b]TJ students have a national rep for arrogance not achievement, when they go on to top schools but are quickly overshadowed.

Says the mommy who's still upset that her snowflake didn't get into TJ and pissed off at having to pay top $ for a medicore 'Big 3' (or is it Big 30?) private.

Nope, on the other side of the country, in a niche academic setting. TJ is known, I’ll give it that—I don’t bring it up, these are people who met TJ alums in college. The rep is they come in with egos but fade to bit players. While students from other elite publics tend the opposite, nice enough but will eat your lunch.

Top 10% students at the most rigorous institutions in the US are made up of mostly TJ grads including MIT, CMU, UC Berkeley, Princeton, Caltech etc. Schools do not want to talk about this since it is not pol cor.

Or ... it's not talked about because it can't possibly be true. The top 10% of those schools is more students than TJ graduates. The top 1% is, too. Now, over represented at Pitt, I'd believe you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Those kids don’t even attend school on a regular basis. My DH had quite a few students who missed well over 50 days of school. They missed that every year.

Yes. Public school teacher here. The ones getting Cs and Ds DON'T ATTEND SCHOOL.
And there are a surprisingly large number of them.

Let me be frank. It is not difficult to get Bs at most publics if you simply come to school and make any attempt to do the work.

Are we comparing 50k private schools with schools that have high truancy rates? Because I bet the kids from Thomas Jefferson or Bronx Science would like a word.

You are totally missing the point (or being purposely obtuse). MOST public schools (which is the vast majority of kids applying to college) inflate grades - privates (and public magnets which are basically privates paid for by our taxes) don’t. Magnets make up a very small percentage of public schools…

we don't have magnets in nyc so I'm lost on that point. but I'm trying to make things clear. most colleges are not at all selective, so this is moot. if you're talking selective colleges, then no, the vast majority aren't coming from public. It's usually more public than private, but not by a vast number. rigorous public schools don't inflate grades. I've never heard of retakes, but obviously this is something thats happening in Arlington. Can't imagine the resources that would require and most rigorous public schools don't have those resources.

Parents in this are area are care about the most selective colleges so grade inflation matters here (that’s why they are sending them to rigorous magnets or privates). It’s disingenuous to say the “vast majority of kids” at selective schools aren’t coming from public. In fact, 60 percent or more are coming from public.

The DC area has some of THE most rigorous schools in the country. Virginia and Maryland rank in the top ten states for education and the DC area schools are at the top for those lists (Fairfax and MCPS are top in the nation). They are all are doing equitable grading which results in grade inflation.

I think we have some of the most rigorous publics. We have strong private schools, but not top in the country.

Disagree on the publics, just more DC bluster. [b]TJ students have a national rep for arrogance not achievement, when they go on to top schools but are quickly overshadowed.

Says the mommy who's still upset that her snowflake didn't get into TJ and pissed off at having to pay top $ for a medicore 'Big 3' (or is it Big 30?) private.

Nope, on the other side of the country, in a niche academic setting. TJ is known, I’ll give it that—I don’t bring it up, these are people who met TJ alums in college. The rep is they come in with egos but fade to bit players. While students from other elite publics tend the opposite, nice enough but will eat your lunch.

Top 10% students at the most rigorous institutions in the US are made up of mostly TJ grads including MIT, CMU, UC Berkeley, Princeton, Caltech etc. Schools do not want to talk about this since it is not pol cor.

Or ... it's not talked about because it can't possibly be true. The top 10% of those schools is more students than TJ graduates. The top 1% is, too. Now, over represented at Pitt, I'd believe you.

You are probably right. It's top 5%.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Those kids don’t even attend school on a regular basis. My DH had quite a few students who missed well over 50 days of school. They missed that every year.

Yes. Public school teacher here. The ones getting Cs and Ds DON'T ATTEND SCHOOL.
And there are a surprisingly large number of them.

Let me be frank. It is not difficult to get Bs at most publics if you simply come to school and make any attempt to do the work.

Are we comparing 50k private schools with schools that have high truancy rates? Because I bet the kids from Thomas Jefferson or Bronx Science would like a word.

You are totally missing the point (or being purposely obtuse). MOST public schools (which is the vast majority of kids applying to college) inflate grades - privates (and public magnets which are basically privates paid for by our taxes) don’t. Magnets make up a very small percentage of public schools…

we don't have magnets in nyc so I'm lost on that point. but I'm trying to make things clear. most colleges are not at all selective, so this is moot. if you're talking selective colleges, then no, the vast majority aren't coming from public. It's usually more public than private, but not by a vast number. rigorous public schools don't inflate grades. I've never heard of retakes, but obviously this is something thats happening in Arlington. Can't imagine the resources that would require and most rigorous public schools don't have those resources.

Parents in this are area are care about the most selective colleges so grade inflation matters here (that’s why they are sending them to rigorous magnets or privates). It’s disingenuous to say the “vast majority of kids” at selective schools aren’t coming from public. In fact, 60 percent or more are coming from public.

The DC area has some of THE most rigorous schools in the country. Virginia and Maryland rank in the top ten states for education and the DC area schools are at the top for those lists (Fairfax and MCPS are top in the nation). They are all are doing equitable grading which results in grade inflation.

I think we have some of the most rigorous publics. We have strong private schools, but not top in the country.

Disagree on the publics, just more DC bluster. [b]TJ students have a national rep for arrogance not achievement, when they go on to top schools but are quickly overshadowed.

Says the mommy who's still upset that her snowflake didn't get into TJ and pissed off at having to pay top $ for a medicore 'Big 3' (or is it Big 30?) private.

Nope, on the other side of the country, in a niche academic setting. TJ is known, I’ll give it that—I don’t bring it up, these are people who met TJ alums in college. The rep is they come in with egos but fade to bit players. While students from other elite publics tend the opposite, nice enough but will eat your lunch.

Top 10% students at the most rigorous institutions in the US are made up of mostly TJ grads including MIT, CMU, UC Berkeley, Princeton, Caltech etc. Schools do not want to talk about this since it is not pol cor.

Or ... it's not talked about because it can't possibly be true. The top

10% of those schools is more students than TJ graduates. The top 1% is, too. Now, over represented at Pitt, I'd believe you.

You are probably right. It's top 5%.

You're arithmetic challenged (hope that's the PC statement).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Those kids don’t even attend school on a regular basis. My DH had quite a few students who missed well over 50 days of school. They missed that every year.

Yes. Public school teacher here. The ones getting Cs and Ds DON'T ATTEND SCHOOL.
And there are a surprisingly large number of them.

Let me be frank. It is not difficult to get Bs at most publics if you simply come to school and make any attempt to do the work.

Are we comparing 50k private schools with schools that have high truancy rates? Because I bet the kids from Thomas Jefferson or Bronx Science would like a word.

You are totally missing the point (or being purposely obtuse). MOST public schools (which is the vast majority of kids applying to college) inflate grades - privates (and public magnets which are basically privates paid for by our taxes) don’t. Magnets make up a very small percentage of public schools…

we don't have magnets in nyc so I'm lost on that point. but I'm trying to make things clear. most colleges are not at all selective, so this is moot. if you're talking selective colleges, then no, the vast majority aren't coming from public. It's usually more public than private, but not by a vast number. rigorous public schools don't inflate grades. I've never heard of retakes, but obviously this is something thats happening in Arlington. Can't imagine the resources that would require and most rigorous public schools don't have those resources.

Parents in this are area are care about the most selective colleges so grade inflation matters here (that’s why they are sending them to rigorous magnets or privates). It’s disingenuous to say the “vast majority of kids” at selective schools aren’t coming from public. In fact, 60 percent or more are coming from public.

The DC area has some of THE most rigorous schools in the country. Virginia and Maryland rank in the top ten states for education and the DC area schools are at the top for those lists (Fairfax and MCPS are top in the nation). They are all are doing equitable grading which results in grade inflation.

I think we have some of the most rigorous publics. We have strong private schools, but not top in the country.

Disagree on the publics, just more DC bluster. [b]TJ students have a national rep for arrogance not achievement, when they go on to top schools but are quickly overshadowed.

Says the mommy who's still upset that her snowflake didn't get into TJ and pissed off at having to pay top $ for a medicore 'Big 3' (or is it Big 30?) private.

Nope, on the other side of the country, in a niche academic setting. TJ is known, I’ll give it that—I don’t bring it up, these are people who met TJ alums in college. The rep is they come in with egos but fade to bit players. While students from other elite publics tend the opposite, nice enough but will eat your lunch.

Top 10% students at the most rigorous institutions in the US are made up of mostly TJ grads including MIT, CMU, UC Berkeley, Princeton, Caltech etc. Schools do not want to talk about this since it is not pol cor.

Or ... it's not talked about because it can't possibly be true. The top 10% of those schools is more students than TJ graduates. The top 1% is, too. Now, over represented at Pitt, I'd believe you.

You are probably right. It's top 5%.

TJ grads make up the plurality (largest group) of the top 5% of the top/elite schools.

[Anonymous]

an A at a good or very good public is probably equal to an A- at a top private (top 3-5 private) for that city/metro area.

Grades are probably equivalent for a test-in top public and a top 3-5 private.

selective colleges would know that.

My husband's brother was at a good public school in Ohio (was ranked #2 in that school) and got into MIT electrical engineering and nearly failed out his first year because the students and material were much more rigorous at MIT. It took him 6 years to graduate versus 4. His friends at MIT who came from top privates and test-in top publics did not struggle as much as he did. His kids are now at private school in MA because he really did see the difference.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Those kids don’t even attend school on a regular basis. My DH had quite a few students who missed well over 50 days of school. They missed that every year.

Yes. Public school teacher here. The ones getting Cs and Ds DON'T ATTEND SCHOOL.
And there are a surprisingly large number of them.

Let me be frank. It is not difficult to get Bs at most publics if you simply come to school and make any attempt to do the work.

Are we comparing 50k private schools with schools that have high truancy rates? Because I bet the kids from Thomas Jefferson or Bronx Science would like a word.

You are totally missing the point (or being purposely obtuse). MOST public schools (which is the vast majority of kids applying to college) inflate grades - privates (and public magnets which are basically privates paid for by our taxes) don’t. Magnets make up a very small percentage of public schools…

we don't have magnets in nyc so I'm lost on that point. but I'm trying to make things clear. most colleges are not at all selective, so this is moot. if you're talking selective colleges, then no, the vast majority aren't coming from public. It's usually more public than private, but not by a vast number. rigorous public schools don't inflate grades. I've never heard of retakes, but obviously this is something thats happening in Arlington. Can't imagine the resources that would require and most rigorous public schools don't have those resources.

Parents in this are area are care about the most selective colleges so grade inflation matters here (that’s why they are sending them to rigorous magnets or privates). It’s disingenuous to say the “vast majority of kids” at selective schools aren’t coming from public. In fact, 60 percent or more are coming from public.

The DC area has some of THE most rigorous schools in the country. Virginia and Maryland rank in the top ten states for education and the DC area schools are at the top for those lists (Fairfax and MCPS are top in the nation). They are all are doing equitable grading which results in grade inflation.

I think we have some of the most rigorous publics. We have strong private schools, but not top in the country.

Disagree on the publics, just more DC bluster. [b]TJ students have a national rep for arrogance not achievement, when they go on to top schools but are quickly overshadowed.

Says the mommy who's still upset that her snowflake didn't get into TJ and pissed off at having to pay top $ for a medicore 'Big 3' (or is it Big 30?) private.

Nope, on the other side of the country, in a niche academic setting. TJ is known, I’ll give it that—I don’t bring it up, these are people who met TJ alums in college. The rep is they come in with egos but fade to bit players. While students from other elite publics tend the opposite, nice enough but will eat your lunch.

Top 10% students at the most rigorous institutions in the US are made up of mostly TJ grads including MIT, CMU, UC Berkeley, Princeton, Caltech etc. Schools do not want to talk about this since it is not pol cor.

Or ... it's not talked about because it can't possibly be true. The top 10% of those schools is more students than TJ graduates. The top 1% is, too. Now, over represented at Pitt, I'd believe you.

You are probably right. It's top 5%.

TJ grads make up the plurality (largest group) of the top 5% of the top/elite schools.

til, TJ graduates thousands of students every year

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:an A at a good or very good public is probably equal to an A- at a top private (top 3-5 private) for that city/metro area.

Grades are probably equivalent for a test-in top public and a top 3-5 private.

selective colleges would know that.

My husband's brother was at a good public school in Ohio (was ranked #2 in that school) and got into MIT electrical engineering and nearly failed out his first year because the students and material were much more rigorous at MIT. It took him 6 years to graduate versus 4. His friends at MIT who came from top privates and test-in top publics did not struggle as much as he did. His kids are now at private school in MA because he really did see the difference.

Years ago there was an academic study on grade inflation that found it to be most prevalent in private schools. Other than anecdotes, is there anything newer to discount that study?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:an A at a good or very good public is probably equal to an A- at a top private (top 3-5 private) for that city/metro area.

Grades are probably equivalent for a test-in top public and a top 3-5 private.

selective colleges would know that.

My husband's brother was at a good public school in Ohio (was ranked #2 in that school) and got into MIT electrical engineering and nearly failed out his first year because the students and material were much more rigorous at MIT. It took him 6 years to graduate versus 4. His friends at MIT who came from top privates and test-in top publics did not struggle as much as he did. His kids are now at private school in MA because he really did see the difference.

Years ago there was an academic study on grade inflation that found it to be most prevalent in private schools. Other than anecdotes, is there anything newer to discount that study?

Do you have a link to the study? What’s been posted above doesn’t support grade inflation at urban privates

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:an A at a good or very good public is probably equal to an A- at a top private (top 3-5 private) for that city/metro area.

Grades are probably equivalent for a test-in top public and a top 3-5 private.

selective colleges would know that.

My husband's brother was at a good public school in Ohio (was ranked #2 in that school) and got into MIT electrical engineering and nearly failed out his first year because the students and material were much more rigorous at MIT. It took him 6 years to graduate versus 4. His friends at MIT who came from top privates and test-in top publics did not struggle as much as he did. His kids are now at private school in MA because he really did see the difference.

Years ago there was an academic study on grade inflation that found it to be most prevalent in private schools. Other than anecdotes, is there anything newer to discount that study?

Do you have a link to the study? What’s been posted above doesn’t support grade inflation at urban privates

Here's a summary https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/grade-inflation-is-greater-in-wealthier-schools-study-says/2017/08 What has been posted above is personal stories and rumors.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Those kids don’t even attend school on a regular basis. My DH had quite a few students who missed well over 50 days of school. They missed that every year.

Yes. Public school teacher here. The ones getting Cs and Ds DON'T ATTEND SCHOOL.
And there are a surprisingly large number of them.

Let me be frank. It is not difficult to get Bs at most publics if you simply come to school and make any attempt to do the work.

Are we comparing 50k private schools with schools that have high truancy rates? Because I bet the kids from Thomas Jefferson or Bronx Science would like a word.

You are totally missing the point (or being purposely obtuse). MOST public schools (which is the vast majority of kids applying to college) inflate grades - privates (and public magnets which are basically privates paid for by our taxes) don’t. Magnets make up a very small percentage of public schools…

we don't have magnets in nyc so I'm lost on that point. but I'm trying to make things clear. most colleges are not at all selective, so this is moot. if you're talking selective colleges, then no, the vast majority aren't coming from public. It's usually more public than private, but not by a vast number. rigorous public schools don't inflate grades. I've never heard of retakes, but obviously this is something thats happening in Arlington. Can't imagine the resources that would require and most rigorous public schools don't have those resources.

Parents in this are area are care about the most selective colleges so grade inflation matters here (that’s why they are sending them to rigorous magnets or privates). It’s disingenuous to say the “vast majority of kids” at selective schools aren’t coming from public. In fact, 60 percent or more are coming from public.

The DC area has some of THE most rigorous schools in the country. Virginia and Maryland rank in the top ten states for education and the DC area schools are at the top for those lists (Fairfax and MCPS are top in the nation). They are all are doing equitable grading which results in grade inflation.

I think we have some of the most rigorous publics. We have strong private schools, but not top in the country.

Disagree on the publics, just more DC bluster. [b]TJ students have a national rep for arrogance not achievement, when they go on to top schools but are quickly overshadowed.

Says the mommy who's still upset that her snowflake didn't get into TJ and pissed off at having to pay top $ for a medicore 'Big 3' (or is it Big 30?) private.

Nope, on the other side of the country, in a niche academic setting. TJ is known, I’ll give it that—I don’t bring it up, these are people who met TJ alums in college. The rep is they come in with egos but fade to bit players. While students from other elite publics tend the opposite, nice enough but will eat your lunch.

Top 10% students at the most rigorous institutions in the US are made up of mostly TJ grads including MIT, CMU, UC Berkeley, Princeton, Caltech etc. Schools do not want to talk about this since it is not pol cor.

Or ... it's not talked about because it can't possibly be true. The top 10% of those schools is more students than TJ graduates. The top 1% is, too. Now, over represented at Pitt, I'd believe you.

You are probably right. It's top 5%.

TJ grads make up the plurality (largest group) of the top 5% of the top/elite schools.

til, TJ graduates thousands of students every year

You need to brush up on your arithmetic skills.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:an A at a good or very good public is probably equal to an A- at a top private (top 3-5 private) for that city/metro area.

Grades are probably equivalent for a test-in top public and a top 3-5 private.

selective colleges would know that.

My husband's brother was at a good public school in Ohio (was ranked #2 in that school) and got into MIT electrical engineering and nearly failed out his first year because the students and material were much more rigorous at MIT. It took him 6 years to graduate versus 4. His friends at MIT who came from top privates and test-in top publics did not struggle as much as he did. His kids are now at private school in MA because he really did see the difference.

I agree. But I think other posters are getting confused between selective private schools you have to apply to and be screened for and just any old private school where you can roll up and enroll due to your ability to pay. For top or selective privates, the majority of students are high performers who have been hand-picked from various public and private schools due to their impressive records. There are some spots reserved for donors, but the majority are selected because they already are high performers in middle school (grades plus ECs plus high performance on SSAT or ISEE). Selective private high schools (with 10% admission rate or less) are able to hand pick the best of the best so it is very tough competition to be in the top 10-20% of that class.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:an A at a good or very good public is probably equal to an A- at a top private (top 3-5 private) for that city/metro area.

Grades are probably equivalent for a test-in top public and a top 3-5 private.

selective colleges would know that.

My husband's brother was at a good public school in Ohio (was ranked #2 in that school) and got into MIT electrical engineering and nearly failed out his first year because the students and material were much more rigorous at MIT. It took him 6 years to graduate versus 4. His friends at MIT who came from top privates and test-in top publics did not struggle as much as he did. His kids are now at private school in MA because he really did see the difference.

My brother went to MIT for EE after graduating from a mediocre public high school in a semi-rural part of OH that didn't send more than a few kids to college out of state. Those who went to college mostly went to places like Kent State, Bowling Green, and Ohio U. He did well at MIT. As a practical matter, the public/private divide was irrelevant at MIT. The domestic/int'l divide mattered a little more but for the domestic students, everyone he knew had already been taking advanced math courses in local colleges by junior year because they had torn through every math course at their high school by then. Didn't matter whether you were a public or private school student. If you hadn't already been taking high-level college math courses (AP courses aren't the same thing as taking the actual content of higher level math courses) or otherwise supplemented your HS math curriculum, you struggled.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Those kids don’t even attend school on a regular basis. My DH had quite a few students who missed well over 50 days of school. They missed that every year.

Yes. Public school teacher here. The ones getting Cs and Ds DON'T ATTEND SCHOOL.
And there are a surprisingly large number of them.

Let me be frank. It is not difficult to get Bs at most publics if you simply come to school and make any attempt to do the work.

Are we comparing 50k private schools with schools that have high truancy rates? Because I bet the kids from Thomas Jefferson or Bronx Science would like a word.

You are totally missing the point (or being purposely obtuse). MOST public schools (which is the vast majority of kids applying to college) inflate grades - privates (and public magnets which are basically privates paid for by our taxes) don’t. Magnets make up a very small percentage of public schools…

we don't have magnets in nyc so I'm lost on that point. but I'm trying to make things clear. most colleges are not at all selective, so this is moot. if you're talking selective colleges, then no, the vast majority aren't coming from public. It's usually more public than private, but not by a vast number. rigorous public schools don't inflate grades. I've never heard of retakes, but obviously this is something thats happening in Arlington. Can't imagine the resources that would require and most rigorous public schools don't have those resources.

Parents in this are area are care about the most selective colleges so grade inflation matters here (that’s why they are sending them to rigorous magnets or privates). It’s disingenuous to say the “vast majority of kids” at selective schools aren’t coming from public. In fact, 60 percent or more are coming from public.

The DC area has some of THE most rigorous schools in the country. Virginia and Maryland rank in the top ten states for education and the DC area schools are at the top for those lists (Fairfax and MCPS are top in the nation). They are all are doing equitable grading which results in grade inflation.

I think we have some of the most rigorous publics. We have strong private schools, but not top in the country.

Disagree on the publics, just more DC bluster. [b]TJ students have a national rep for arrogance not achievement, when they go on to top schools but are quickly overshadowed.

Says the mommy who's still upset that her snowflake didn't get into TJ and pissed off at having to pay top $ for a medicore 'Big 3' (or is it Big 30?) private.

Nope, on the other side of the country, in a niche academic setting. TJ is known, I’ll give it that—I don’t bring it up, these are people who met TJ alums in college. The rep is they come in with egos but fade to bit players. While students from other elite publics tend the opposite, nice enough but will eat your lunch.

Top 10% students at the most rigorous institutions in the US are made up of mostly TJ grads including MIT, CMU, UC Berkeley, Princeton, Caltech etc. Schools do not want to talk about this since it is not pol cor.

Or ... it's not talked about because it can't possibly be true. The top 10% of those schools is more students than TJ graduates. The top 1% is, too. Now, over represented at Pitt, I'd believe you.

You are probably right. It's top 5%.

TJ grads make up the plurality (largest group) of the top 5% of the top/elite schools.

til, TJ graduates thousands of students every year

You need to brush up on your arithmetic skills.

5% of UCLA + Cal alone is more than the entire TJ class size and that's just the elite schools in the UC system, not even the whole state of California let alone the country.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:an A at a good or very good public is probably equal to an A- at a top private (top 3-5 private) for that city/metro area.

Grades are probably equivalent for a test-in top public and a top 3-5 private.

selective colleges would know that.

My husband's brother was at a good public school in Ohio (was ranked #2 in that school) and got into MIT electrical engineering and nearly failed out his first year because the students and material were much more rigorous at MIT. It took him 6 years to graduate versus 4. His friends at MIT who came from top privates and test-in top publics did not struggle as much as he did. His kids are now at private school in MA because he really did see the difference.

I agree. But I think other posters are getting confused between selective private schools you have to apply to and be screened for and just any old private school where you can roll up and enroll due to your ability to pay. For top or selective privates, the majority of students are high performers who have been hand-picked from various public and private schools due to their impressive records. There are some spots reserved for donors, but the majority are selected because they already are high performers in middle school (grades plus ECs plus high performance on SSAT or ISEE). Selective private high schools (with 10% admission rate or less) are able to hand pick the best of the best so it is very tough competition to be in the top 10-20% of that class.

The biggest screen that private schools do is ability to pay and most keep their lifers. Sidwell starts at PK- can you explain how they select for the academically elite 4 year olds?

[Anonymous]

a lot of kids almost flunk of MIT first year. that's why it's all pass/fail that year.

my dh went there, called his dad after his first test. dad, I got an 8. "out of 10?" no, out of 100.

graduated just fine with an engineering degree in 4 years. then decided he wanted to do medicine, but that's another story