SWW Interviews SY 23-24 Actual Experience

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:college admissions are also somewhat like this. there is a degree of arbitrariness where some kids who also would have otherwise done well at the school get left out. there is no perfect fix.

Admissions processes to selective colleges intentionally both obfuscate what they're doing and rely on non-academic indicators because they're not trying to get the most academically-skilled group of students, but rather they are meeting goals having to do with legacies, athletics, and diversity. It's not that they don't know how to accept the strongest students in a way that's not especially arbitrary, it's that they're not trying. And for a DC high school, it's even more the case that there really is a perfect fix if what you wanted was the academically strongest group of students. It would not involve interviews.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:college admissions are also somewhat like this. there is a degree of arbitrariness where some kids who also would have otherwise done well at the school get left out. there is no perfect fix.

Admissions processes to selective colleges intentionally both obfuscate what they're doing and rely on non-academic indicators because they're not trying to get the most academically-skilled group of students, but rather they are meeting goals having to do with legacies, athletics, and diversity. It's not that they don't know how to accept the strongest students in a way that's not especially arbitrary, it's that they're not trying. And for a DC high school, it's even more the case that there really is a perfect fix if what you wanted was the academically strongest group of students. It would not involve interviews.

But Walls doesn’t WANT “the academically strongest group of students.” At least, it doesn’t say that it does, and it’s not acting like it does. What makes you think that it does?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:college admissions are also somewhat like this. there is a degree of arbitrariness where some kids who also would have otherwise done well at the school get left out. there is no perfect fix.

Admissions processes to selective colleges intentionally both obfuscate what they're doing and rely on non-academic indicators because they're not trying to get the most academically-skilled group of students, but rather they are meeting goals having to do with legacies, athletics, and diversity. It's not that they don't know how to accept the strongest students in a way that's not especially arbitrary, it's that they're not trying. And for a DC high school, it's even more the case that there really is a perfect fix if what you wanted was the academically strongest group of students. It would not involve interviews.

But Walls doesn’t WANT “the academically strongest group of students.” At least, it doesn’t say that it does, and it’s not acting like it does. What makes you think that it does?

Right, that's the point. Not there isn't a fix if you don't want to be arbitrary, but that the arbitrariness is the goal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. My kid is in MS; not 8th grade (hence, no application this year). We are trying to decide whether to move to private or stick it out in DC at charters. The changes in SWW over the past year or so have thrown me. I used to think SWW was pulling the best of the best. The reports from last year scared me. Heavily weighted 5 minute "interviews" with no standardization, where sometimes teens are there by themselves and the subjective standard is "we know it when we see it" make me wonder whether SWW will, in 2 years, be what I believed it to be. That's why I asked.

I would suggest that all the people who replied thinking this was some sort of conspiracy or attempt to get an advantage might want to look in the mirror. There's something broken inside you. I sincerely pray that your kids don't inherit your insecurities.

Thanks to others who were willing to reply.

If this is the case, read the other threads about current experiences by students and the school. The interview process won't give you any insight.

-Parent of current Walls Freshman

Equal parts unhelpful and incorrect. Last year was the first time they tried to rely heavily on interviews. It seems to not have been executed consistently or well. Reports on DCUM of 2 minute interviews and inconsistent attendance by kids/parents/teachers. One would hope that SWW would get better at this. One would also expect SWW to refine their process over time. For those reasons my question was not about last year, it was limited to this year's experience.

I asked about the interview process because I am interested in the interview process. It seems weird to me that you would suggest that hearing about the interview process won't inform my view and understanding of the interview process. I explained in an earlier reply why the interview process is important to addressing my concerns about SWW becoming less about attracting the strongest students and becoming more focused on "the right kind of student" (whatever the heck that means). Refinement and improvement in the process would give me comfort that it remains focused on being a strong school focused on academics.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. My kid is in MS; not 8th grade (hence, no application this year). We are trying to decide whether to move to private or stick it out in DC at charters. The changes in SWW over the past year or so have thrown me. I used to think SWW was pulling the best of the best. The reports from last year scared me. Heavily weighted 5 minute "interviews" with no standardization, where sometimes teens are there by themselves and the subjective standard is "we know it when we see it" make me wonder whether SWW will, in 2 years, be what I believed it to be. That's why I asked.

I would suggest that all the people who replied thinking this was some sort of conspiracy or attempt to get an advantage might want to look in the mirror. There's something broken inside you. I sincerely pray that your kids don't inherit your insecurities.

Thanks to others who were willing to reply.

If this is the case, read the other threads about current experiences by students and the school. The interview process won't give you any insight.

-Parent of current Walls Freshman

Equal parts unhelpful and incorrect. Last year was the first time they tried to rely heavily on interviews. It seems to not have been executed consistently or well. Reports on DCUM of 2 minute interviews and inconsistent attendance by kids/parents/teachers. One would hope that SWW would get better at this. One would also expect SWW to refine their process over time. For those reasons my question was not about last year, it was limited to this year's experience.

I asked about the interview process because I am interested in the interview process. It seems weird to me that you would suggest that hearing about the interview process won't inform my view and understanding of the interview process. I explained in an earlier reply why the interview process is important to addressing my concerns about SWW becoming less about attracting the strongest students and becoming more focused on "the right kind of student" (whatever the heck that means). Refinement and improvement in the process would give me comfort that it remains focused on being a strong school focused on academics.

As a current parent also, very short sighted in general. The interview process is merely a screening tool that one gets too if they meet the GPA requirement. It does not address any of the following right NOW:

-Has the quality of student been diminished?

-How rigorous is it in comparison to before?

-Any impact on the culture of the school?

That's only three things but keep focusing on the "interview." You have no idea what you don't know. Listening to DCUM will get you a whole lot of wrong info. The former parent was trying to help you in a nice way. It's clear that you're tone deaf.

[Anonymous]

This is the 3rd year of the current format. My kid is a sophomore at Walls and had the same interview / gpa requirement 2 years ago (no test).

[Anonymous]

NP here. I think it’s fine if OP wants to get more insight into the interview process, but agree that people will be more forthcoming after next Saturday. Right now it could give an unfair advantage to the kids interviewing next weekend. Given how poorly private school admissions went for many, SWW is now also the final hope for those families, so forgive the anxiety.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. My kid is in MS; not 8th grade (hence, no application this year). We are trying to decide whether to move to private or stick it out in DC at charters. The changes in SWW over the past year or so have thrown me. I used to think SWW was pulling the best of the best. The reports from last year scared me. Heavily weighted 5 minute "interviews" with no standardization, where sometimes teens are there by themselves and the subjective standard is "we know it when we see it" make me wonder whether SWW will, in 2 years, be what I believed it to be. That's why I asked.

I would suggest that all the people who replied thinking this was some sort of conspiracy or attempt to get an advantage might want to look in the mirror. There's something broken inside you. I sincerely pray that your kids don't inherit your insecurities.

Thanks to others who were willing to reply.

If this is the case, read the other threads about current experiences by students and the school. The interview process won't give you any insight.

-Parent of current Walls Freshman

Equal parts unhelpful and incorrect. Last year was the first time they tried to rely heavily on interviews. It seems to not have been executed consistently or well. Reports on DCUM of 2 minute interviews and inconsistent attendance by kids/parents/teachers. One would hope that SWW would get better at this. One would also expect SWW to refine their process over time. For those reasons my question was not about last year, it was limited to this year's experience.

I asked about the interview process because I am interested in the interview process. It seems weird to me that you would suggest that hearing about the interview process won't inform my view and understanding of the interview process. I explained in an earlier reply why the interview process is important to addressing my concerns about SWW becoming less about attracting the strongest students and becoming more focused on "the right kind of student" (whatever the heck that means). Refinement and improvement in the process would give me comfort that it remains focused on being a strong school focused on academics.

As a current parent also, very short sighted in general. The interview process is merely a screening tool that one gets too if they meet the GPA requirement. It does not address any of the following right NOW:

-Has the quality of student been diminished?

-How rigorous is it in comparison to before?

-Any impact on the culture of the school?

That's only three things but keep focusing on the "interview." You have no idea what you don't know. Listening to DCUM will get you a whole lot of wrong info. The former parent was trying to help you in a nice way. It's clear that you're tone deaf.

Your response is nonsensical.

"Screening tool"? Of course it is. No one suggested it was primary to GPA. The point is that once you get past that gate the interview is what separates the mass of kids with the minimum GPA from all others. It's just dumb to minimize the impact of the interview on the process.

Moving from a test to an interview could surely diminish student quality and the culture. We won't know for a couple of years. Those are all dependent on the caliber of admitted kids, and that is impacted in part by the interview.

Seems to me you are REALLY defensive about whether your kid is at a school as good as SWW used to be. Your lack of confidence is telling.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NP here. I think it’s fine if OP wants to get more insight into the interview process, but agree that people will be more forthcoming after next Saturday. Right now it could give an unfair advantage to the kids interviewing next weekend. Given how poorly private school admissions went for many, SWW is now also the final hope for those families, so forgive the anxiety.

OP here. This is a reasonable perspective. It is very different from those seeking to minimize the role interviews vs test might have on the caliber of the student body.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is the 3rd year of the current format. My kid is a sophomore at Walls and had the same interview / gpa requirement 2 years ago (no test).

This is an oddly circular response. I asked about this year's interviews to try and get a gauge as to whether interviews are organized and less subjective this year. They were by all accounts all over the map last year. You replied to say I shouldn't ask about this year's interviews because they are the same as last year's? Whah?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. My kid is in MS; not 8th grade (hence, no application this year). We are trying to decide whether to move to private or stick it out in DC at charters. The changes in SWW over the past year or so have thrown me. I used to think SWW was pulling the best of the best. The reports from last year scared me. Heavily weighted 5 minute "interviews" with no standardization, where sometimes teens are there by themselves and the subjective standard is "we know it when we see it" make me wonder whether SWW will, in 2 years, be what I believed it to be. That's why I asked.

I would suggest that all the people who replied thinking this was some sort of conspiracy or attempt to get an advantage might want to look in the mirror. There's something broken inside you. I sincerely pray that your kids don't inherit your insecurities.

Thanks to others who were willing to reply.

If this is the case, read the other threads about current experiences by students and the school. The interview process won't give you any insight.

-Parent of current Walls Freshman

Equal parts unhelpful and incorrect. Last year was the first time they tried to rely heavily on interviews. It seems to not have been executed consistently or well. Reports on DCUM of 2 minute interviews and inconsistent attendance by kids/parents/teachers. One would hope that SWW would get better at this. One would also expect SWW to refine their process over time. For those reasons my question was not about last year, it was limited to this year's experience.

I asked about the interview process because I am interested in the interview process. It seems weird to me that you would suggest that hearing about the interview process won't inform my view and understanding of the interview process. I explained in an earlier reply why the interview process is important to addressing my concerns about SWW becoming less about attracting the strongest students and becoming more focused on "the right kind of student" (whatever the heck that means). Refinement and improvement in the process would give me comfort that it remains focused on being a strong school focused on academics.

As a current parent also, very short sighted in general. The interview process is merely a screening tool that one gets too if they meet the GPA requirement. It does not address any of the following right NOW:

-Has the quality of student been diminished?

-How rigorous is it in comparison to before?

-Any impact on the culture of the school?

That's only three things but keep focusing on the "interview." You have no idea what you don't know. Listening to DCUM will get you a whole lot of wrong info. The former parent was trying to help you in a nice way. It's clear that you're tone deaf.

Your response is nonsensical.

"Screening tool"? Of course it is. No one suggested it was primary to GPA. The point is that once you get past that gate the interview is what separates the mass of kids with the minimum GPA from all others. It's just dumb to minimize the impact of the interview on the process.

Moving from a test to an interview could surely diminish student quality and the culture. We won't know for a couple of years. Those are all dependent on the caliber of admitted kids, and that is impacted in part by the interview.

Seems to me you are REALLY defensive about whether your kid is at a school as good as SWW used to be. Your lack of confidence is telling.

😂😂😂...Can lead a horse to water but.....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is the 3rd year of the current format. My kid is a sophomore at Walls and had the same interview / gpa requirement 2 years ago (no test).

This is an oddly circular response. I asked about this year's interviews to try and get a gauge as to whether interviews are organized and less subjective this year. They were by all accounts all over the map last year. You replied to say I shouldn't ask about this year's interviews because they are the same as last year's? Whah?

NP but how will you use an anonymous website to gauge how objective interviews are or how organized compared to last year? It could have been two or three posters last year who had ‘bad experiences’ interviewing who just posted over and over again. I just don’t think you could possibly get the information you are looking for. Apply next year if you want to see the process or don’t if you are concerned it’s too arbitrary.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. My kid is in MS; not 8th grade (hence, no application this year). We are trying to decide whether to move to private or stick it out in DC at charters. The changes in SWW over the past year or so have thrown me. I used to think SWW was pulling the best of the best. The reports from last year scared me. Heavily weighted 5 minute "interviews" with no standardization, where sometimes teens are there by themselves and the subjective standard is "we know it when we see it" make me wonder whether SWW will, in 2 years, be what I believed it to be. That's why I asked.

I would suggest that all the people who replied thinking this was some sort of conspiracy or attempt to get an advantage might want to look in the mirror. There's something broken inside you. I sincerely pray that your kids don't inherit your insecurities.

Thanks to others who were willing to reply.

If this is the case, read the other threads about current experiences by students and the school. The interview process won't give you any insight.

-Parent of current Walls Freshman

Equal parts unhelpful and incorrect. Last year was the first time they tried to rely heavily on interviews. It seems to not have been executed consistently or well. Reports on DCUM of 2 minute interviews and inconsistent attendance by kids/parents/teachers. One would hope that SWW would get better at this. One would also expect SWW to refine their process over time. For those reasons my question was not about last year, it was limited to this year's experience.

I asked about the interview process because I am interested in the interview process. It seems weird to me that you would suggest that hearing about the interview process won't inform my view and understanding of the interview process. I explained in an earlier reply why the interview process is important to addressing my concerns about SWW becoming less about attracting the strongest students and becoming more focused on "the right kind of student" (whatever the heck that means). Refinement and improvement in the process would give me comfort that it remains focused on being a strong school focused on academics.

As a current parent also, very short sighted in general. The interview process is merely a screening tool that one gets too if they meet the GPA requirement. It does not address any of the following right NOW:

-Has the quality of student been diminished?

-How rigorous is it in comparison to before?

-Any impact on the culture of the school?

That's only three things but keep focusing on the "interview." You have no idea what you don't know. Listening to DCUM will get you a whole lot of wrong info. The former parent was trying to help you in a nice way. It's clear that you're tone deaf.

Your response is nonsensical.

"Screening tool"? Of course it is. No one suggested it was primary to GPA. The point is that once you get past that gate the interview is what separates the mass of kids with the minimum GPA from all others. It's just dumb to minimize the impact of the interview on the process.

Moving from a test to an interview could surely diminish student quality and the culture. We won't know for a couple of years. Those are all dependent on the caliber of admitted kids, and that is impacted in part by the interview.

Seems to me you are REALLY defensive about whether your kid is at a school as good as SWW used to be. Your lack of confidence is telling.

😂😂😂...Can lead a horse to water but.....

It would appear you don't know what that phrase means. You remind me of a teenager who screams "Triggered" when their arguments and claims are debunked.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is the 3rd year of the current format. My kid is a sophomore at Walls and had the same interview / gpa requirement 2 years ago (no test).

This is an oddly circular response. I asked about this year's interviews to try and get a gauge as to whether interviews are organized and less subjective this year. They were by all accounts all over the map last year. You replied to say I shouldn't ask about this year's interviews because they are the same as last year's? Whah?

NP but how will you use an anonymous website to gauge how objective interviews are or how organized compared to last year? It could have been two or three posters last year who had ‘bad experiences’ interviewing who just posted over and over again. I just don’t think you could possibly get the information you are looking for. Apply next year if you want to see the process or don’t if you are concerned it’s too arbitrary.

I can't believe I have to explain this to you, but...I will compare the anectdotal evidence provided for this year against that provided for last year's process. They are both anonymous and need to be taken with a grain of salt. No one suggested this was determinative. Thanks for the incredibly useful advice that I can apply next year and experience it for myself. Thanks also for your opinion that I can't get what I am looking for.

All of DCUM is anonymous. All of it is subject to the same biases or fallacies or repeat posters. How or why would this be any different? Why are you even here if that's your perspective? I'm seriously asking - why would even be here and reading anything, let alone bothering to post?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. My kid is in MS; not 8th grade (hence, no application this year). We are trying to decide whether to move to private or stick it out in DC at charters. The changes in SWW over the past year or so have thrown me. I used to think SWW was pulling the best of the best. The reports from last year scared me. Heavily weighted 5 minute "interviews" with no standardization, where sometimes teens are there by themselves and the subjective standard is "we know it when we see it" make me wonder whether SWW will, in 2 years, be what I believed it to be. That's why I asked.

I would suggest that all the people who replied thinking this was some sort of conspiracy or attempt to get an advantage might want to look in the mirror. There's something broken inside you. I sincerely pray that your kids don't inherit your insecurities.

Thanks to others who were willing to reply.

If this is the case, read the other threads about current experiences by students and the school. The interview process won't give you any insight.

-Parent of current Walls Freshman

Equal parts unhelpful and incorrect. Last year was the first time they tried to rely heavily on interviews. It seems to not have been executed consistently or well. Reports on DCUM of 2 minute interviews and inconsistent attendance by kids/parents/teachers. One would hope that SWW would get better at this. One would also expect SWW to refine their process over time. For those reasons my question was not about last year, it was limited to this year's experience.

I asked about the interview process because I am interested in the interview process. It seems weird to me that you would suggest that hearing about the interview process won't inform my view and understanding of the interview process. I explained in an earlier reply why the interview process is important to addressing my concerns about SWW becoming less about attracting the strongest students and becoming more focused on "the right kind of student" (whatever the heck that means). Refinement and improvement in the process would give me comfort that it remains focused on being a strong school focused on academics.

As a current parent also, very short sighted in general. The interview process is merely a screening tool that one gets too if they meet the GPA requirement. It does not address any of the following right NOW:

-Has the quality of student been diminished?

-How rigorous is it in comparison to before?

-Any impact on the culture of the school?
.
That's only three things but keep focusing on the "interview." You have no idea what you don't know. Listening to DCUM will get you a whole lot of wrong info. The former parent was trying to help you in a nice way. It's clear that you're tone deaf.

These are good initial questions for us-DC is in 7th now. I'd be appreciative for some insights or opinions. Don't care about the interview stuff.