Getting into St. Albans

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I kind of love this thread. Starts with the happy post praising the substance (impressive faculty and current students) but the real interest turns out to be in criticizing the catering. Take solace, STA, if you are reading this -- it could be the converse: delicious food, unlimited cups, stupendous wines . . . but unimpressive teachers and students.

Settle down, Francis. Nobody is saying STA is terrible. Obviously we're talking about people who applied and got in to STA, so nobody is taking shots at the school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I kind of love this thread. Starts with the happy post praising the substance (impressive faculty and current students) but the real interest turns out to be in criticizing the catering. Take solace, STA, if you are reading this -- it could be the converse: delicious food, unlimited cups, stupendous wines . . . but unimpressive teachers and students.

Settle down, Francis. Nobody is saying STA is terrible. Obviously we're talking about people who applied and got in to STA, so nobody is taking shots at the school.

I believe the quotation is "lighten up, Francis." And I'd agree with Francis (Frances?) -- the post on the substance of the reception got no play; only the complaints about cups etc.

[Anonymous]

tough economy

no one spared

even dear old saint albans

[Anonymous]

Wow, a St. Albans haiku! Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto.

[Anonymous]

Did anybody here enter STA in 9th from a Virginia public school? If so, how was the academic transition for you son? My son is in the G/T program and is a very good student. But I know STA is a really rigorous program, and he plans to play three sports, so I know time mgt. is huge.

Any insight you can share would be great. Just concerned he will have a tough transition in terms of study, classroom participation and getting good grades that 1st semester.

[Anonymous]

Son entered STA from public school in Montgomery County. Academics were no problem, and he also did very time-intensive sport. However, make sure that you look into the math placement. They are basically tracking the boys, and unless you have been at STA, they won't put you in the advanced math track. Son was in highest math sequence (magnet in MS). STA gave him a placement test, which had some geometry that he hadn't had yet and some unusual notation, so he didn't do that well. However, it would have taken 15 minutes to learn the notation. As a result, he basically did the same math for two years, which meant that as a science major in college, he was behind (just regular AP Calculus AB). Ask to see a practice placement test from STA if accelerated math is an issue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Son entered STA from public school in Montgomery County. Academics were no problem, and he also did very time-intensive sport. However, make sure that you look into the math placement. They are basically tracking the boys, and unless you have been at STA, they won't put you in the advanced math track. Son was in highest math sequence (magnet in MS). STA gave him a placement test, which had some geometry that he hadn't had yet and some unusual notation, so he didn't do that well. However, it would have taken 15 minutes to learn the notation. As a result, he basically did the same math for two years, which meant that as a science major in college, he was behind (just regular AP Calculus AB). Ask to see a practice placement test from STA if accelerated math is an issue.

Thanks. How did he do in terms of grades that first semester/year? I'm worried about the adjustment in terms of grades, as well. Did he have a lower GPA than he would have had in public school?

[Anonymous]

He'll do very well coming from a GT public school. Don't worry.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:He'll do very well coming from a GT public school. Don't worry.

I generally agree. But speaking from experience, expect that your DS may actually get a B, or even a C every once in a while. No grade inflation at STA.

[Anonymous]

If your child has no "hooks" at an Ivy, is he sunk at STA if he has a few Bs? Are Ivies only looking at near straight-A kids from STA if they aren't legacies, athletes, etc?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If your child has no "hooks" at an Ivy, is he sunk at STA if he has a few Bs? Are Ivies only looking at near straight-A kids from STA if they aren't legacies, athletes, etc?

Something to ponder, it must be difficult for students to stand out in the college admissions process, given that there are so many bright and talented students in any given STA graduating class. I guess parents need to look past prospects for Ivy admissions to the intrinsic value of the education.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If your child has no "hooks" at an Ivy, is he sunk at STA if he has a few Bs? Are Ivies only looking at near straight-A kids from STA if they aren't legacies, athletes, etc?

I think your child will still stand out if he can score perfect (or near perfect) on the SAT and taking the most challenging classes available.

[Anonymous]

Well, we just sent in the form for 9th. Son is very excited.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If your child has no "hooks" at an Ivy, is he sunk at STA if he has a few Bs? Are Ivies only looking at near straight-A kids from STA if they aren't legacies, athletes, etc?

I think your child will still stand out if he can score perfect (or near perfect) on the SAT and taking the most challenging classes available.

This is our strategy.

And by the way, being an AA applicant coming out of STA isn't a hook. Near perfect grades, test scores, recs, ecs are just as crucial. The only students with true hooks are: legacies, and athletes (National and/or All-Met recognition).

[Anonymous]

Does STA have the best college placement among the privates?