blair magnet quesiton

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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

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

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

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

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

I feel this letter is negatively impacting the chance of college admission. Anyone who has below or around 4.75 gpa would actually appear to be the bottom of the class. Even if they get 4.8-4.9, colleges would think it’s not hard to achieve.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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

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

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

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

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

I feel this letter is negatively impacting the chance of college admission. Anyone who has below or around 4.75 gpa would actually appear to be the bottom of the class. Even if they get 4.8-4.9, colleges would think it’s not hard to achieve.

But they kind of are at the bottom of their class. It's just a matter of grade inflation. A 4.5 there today is like a 3.3 back in my day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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

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

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

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

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

Sorry to hijack….does anyone know where I can find the poolesville smcs class of 2024 document. I have looked everywhere on their website.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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

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

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

46% of kids have an UW 4.0. The rest have 3.57-3.99.

https://old.mbhs.edu/departments/magnet/ParentResources/MagnetProfile.pdf

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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

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

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

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

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

Im the PP you’re responding too. My kid is happy and no sign at all that he feels inferior, in fact he’s happy for friends that do well. But maybe that’s his personality? He’s not particularly competitive and tends to avoid those who are. For an extremely competitive kid who is used to spears being the best, maybe it would be more difficult? TBH, I don’t think there’s a lot of difference between most of the kids with the exception of some who do a lot more outside of school than others.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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

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

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

46% of kids have an UW 4.0. The rest have 3.57-3.99.

https://old.mbhs.edu/departments/magnet/ParentResources/MagnetProfile.pdf

Already shared.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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

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

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

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

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

I feel this letter is negatively impacting the chance of college admission. Anyone who has below or around 4.75 gpa would actually appear to be the bottom of the class. Even if they get 4.8-4.9, colleges would think it’s not hard to achieve.

But they kind of are at the bottom of their class. It's just a matter of grade inflation. A 4.5 there today is like a 3.3 back in my day.

Does that mean a couple Bs would make the students the bottom of their class?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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

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

I agree with this. Our goal was never a top college (we couldn't afford an elite school so DC didn't even apply); it was the Blair magnet experience itself. If your DC loves math and/or science and having a strong cohort, it's a wonderful high school experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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

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

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

NP. Don't be a jerk. It's a tough program and it's easy for kids to get find it really difficult sometimes even if they have the brain capacity to do well. Hang in there PP. It sometimes takes a year or two for a child to get used to it but they will be better in the end.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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

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

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

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

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

I feel this letter is negatively impacting the chance of college admission. Anyone who has below or around 4.75 gpa would actually appear to be the bottom of the class. Even if they get 4.8-4.9, colleges would think it’s not hard to achieve.

But they kind of are at the bottom of their class. It's just a matter of grade inflation. A 4.5 there today is like a 3.3 back in my day.

Does that mean a couple Bs would make the students the bottom of their class?

No. College don't split hairs like that.

Aside from perhaps a couple of students per year who are getting multiple Cs, every single student in the program is an EXCEPTIONAL student and getting some Bs is not going to make a difference in college admissions over someone with all As. Colleges know one might have had a harsher grading teacher or that three Bs in very challenging math will not make a difference. We know multiple students with Bs who have gotten into better colleges than kids with As. If you're going to stress out about that it's going to be a terrible experience for your child and for you so stop it.

[Anonymous]

Is it incredibly stressful to keep up with the pace of the classes?
> Yes for some kids, but it probably depends on your background in the fields and also organization.

Are they able to do any extracurriculars or do they have to spend all their time studying?
> Most kids do some extracurriculars but many if not most have STEM oriented extracurriculars.

[Anonymous]

DC is currently at Blair SMCS and a nationally ranked athlete, with US travels to tournaments every other weekend. It can be done, but requires good time management.

[Anonymous]

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

My Blair SMCS kid did not come from Takoma and is doing fine. They will be stressed at first (just like starting anything new, kindergarten, sleep away camp, college, etc.). But, they will soon get used to it. As parents, all we can do is be positive and encouraging. I can assure you that virtually every kid in the program has felt challenged and disheartened at some point. If there's one thing I know for sure that Blair SMCS has taught my kid, it is grit. Most kids don't get challenged like this until college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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

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

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

46% of kids have an UW 4.0. The rest have 3.57-3.99.

https://old.mbhs.edu/departments/magnet/ParentResources/MagnetProfile.pdf

The percentage has increased over the last few years--probably because of pandemic grading policies. For example, the class of 2023 was 43%. Historically, the number of UW 4.0s was between 35 and 40%. I suspect the class of 2025 will be closer to 40% because they didn't attend school online during high school and had no pass/fail grades.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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

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

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

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

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

I feel this letter is negatively impacting the chance of college admission. Anyone who has below or around 4.75 gpa would actually appear to be the bottom of the class. Even if they get 4.8-4.9, colleges would think it’s not hard to achieve.

But they kind of are at the bottom of their class. It's just a matter of grade inflation. A 4.5 there today is like a 3.3 back in my day.

Does that mean a couple Bs would make the students the bottom of their class?

The stats on the program show 85% of the students have a 4.75> so probably 5+ B's would mean bottom of their class.