Getting into St. Albans

[Anonymous]

To 9:43, I find what you say to be absolutely typical of these chosen few families who actually get their child into one of these schools. You immediately question why someone else would want this for their child. Yet you say you sent your own child to St. Albans. Did you want to be questioned about it? Could this other mom or dad not simply want what you clearly wanted? This is the arrogance of the people inside the club. They always say, "For my child, it was fine...but why do you want this school? Is it for the name?"

Of course it's for the name. And it was for you too.

[Anonymous]

This is a very informative post OP.
To the PP who said they know of many who were at Beauvoir that did not get accepted at St Albans, this seems to contradict what we are told at Beauvoir. Only 2 weeks ago we were told by the principal that only 1 person who applied to St Albans and 2 to NCS from Beauvoir did not get in. We have also been told that 98% of the graduating class from Beauboir get into their 1st choice school.

[Anonymous]

No it's not. I never "always" wanted my children to go anywhere in particular. I sent them to a good public school, and when I thought their needs were no longer being met there, I checked out a wide variety of schools to see which one was the best fit. I had no preconceived ideas about which one was best. I know people who have "always" wanted their kids to attend a certain school, and these people's kids are toddlers! When I ask them why, it's inevitably because of the social standing and contact they think their kid (and maybe they) will make. Not because it would be a great fit for their child. And I think it's really sad to see a child unhappy at a school that's a poor fit because their parents wanted them to go there so they could brag about it. That's what admissions officers try and prevent.

[Anonymous]

To 9:43 and 10:06.

I find you incredibly arrogant to say, "This is a problem I see so often -- parents who want their kid to go to a particular school because it's what the PARENT wants, not necessarily because it's the best fit for the kid," and to suggest that somehow YOUR process of finding a school for your children was more genuinely motivated than someone else's. Everyone looks for the best fit for their kid, and hopes the best fit is also a super school that has a wonderful reputation academically. I'll bet these "best fit" schools you researched for your own kids included GDS, St. Albans, and Sidwell. Hmmm...what are the chances?

[Anonymous]

I must say that I agree with the previous post that after someone's child has gotten into a school of their parents' choice, suddenly parents begin to advise others to find a school that "fits your child". I'm not sure that any of us really know which school will be the best fit for our child -- since the little exposure that we get from the tours of the schools is not very revealing. Basically, we see if the school meets our expectations or not and then we apply.

Moreover, I would be surprised if any child had more than 3 outright acceptances -- that child would be very very lucky to have such a wide choice.

I'm sure St. Albans is a great school -- a great fit for some and not for others. But in order to figure that out, you would need to assess things such as your kid's love of sports, how much HW he can put up with, how much reading he can do easily, etc. But this is all theoretical until you get him in and then you can begin calling parents at the school and asking them these questions.

[Anonymous]

I agree. Parents whose children are at Sidwell or St. Albans who then question other parents motives for the same schools are elitist. When these kids go on to apply for Harvard, I wonder how many of them will be talking about "fit".

[Anonymous]

Wow. Resentful much?

[Anonymous]

To PP, not at all. I have a child at one of those same institutions. I'm not criticizing the people who send their children there (obviously). I'm criticizing the people who send their children there, and then start berating other parents for wanting the same thing.

[Anonymous]

Thank you OP for the information. Of course the thread goes off track with class wars. But on the original topic, there is also the application which has a section for parents to describe their child, and for the parent to list any extra-curricular activities. To have a stronger application, your child needs to have shown success outside of the classroom (no, not writing a book or creating his own company). Either achievements or consistency in sports, or music, or something that demonstrates your son can commit to an activity.

[Anonymous]

all this information should be posted in september, when someone can actulally use it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP again.

Secondly, he took the WPSII and did well. You can't prepare for it, but I understand they are being evaluated for how they express themselves and how they learn. As for expressing himself, my son has a good vocabulary, which I'm sure was aided by me speaking to him in adult language (not crazy adult language, like, "My! How serendipitous that it is raining!"...adult language, like, "Grab that cup before it topples.").

OP -

Would you mind saying how "well" he did on the WPSII? Thanks. Also, do you recommend using any of the consultants?

[Anonymous]

OP here. I don't remember his WPPSI score but I feel like it was good (90 something percentile for at least a few sections?)

On the educational consultant, I didn't use one and I don't know if they're useful or not (and in DC, you'd be hard pressed to find someone who would admit to using one). But I do feel like a well organized parent can easily tackle the school admission process (even one who works full time!)

[Anonymous]

Very useful. Thanks.

Are there any differences between the process for getting into St. Albans versus another school? I'm not asking if they have essays or tests (that stuff you can check online). But is there something unique to getting into St. Albans versus say GDS, in terms of preparation or what they want to see?

[Anonymous]

.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
The second step in the process was preparing for the tests and interviews. For my son, St. Albans considered his WISC IV score, his ERB results, as well as the testing St. Albans administered (math and reading, plus an essay). That, plus his two interviews (this may be Beauvoir-specific...I believe other children only have one interview).

What is a parent to do? Well, I could act as if you shouldn't worry at all, let your child be himself, it will all work out. But sincerely, this is not helpful for anyone who really strives to get their child "in" to one of these top schools. If you think it is unfair or somehow unethical to support your child through this process, you should know that the other children with whom your child is competing have parents who HAVE studied the process and have prepared their children (though not always effectively). I don't know many parents from Beauvoir whose children walked into this process blind. In a nutshell:

Your child will need to do well on the tests (ERB and St. Albans testing). Many hired tutors, many self-taught. To prepare for the 3rd grade ERBs or the St. Albans admissions test, a good rule of thumb is to simply go through standardized test books for 1-2 grades up. Have your child practice the math and reading from a standardized test book and he will improve. It does NOT need to be intense. In fact, it is better if you just sit with your child 10 minutes a night and do a few of the test questions with him. You're not trying to give homework, you're trying to solidify the skills he needs for these tests. Simple as that. Make it painless, fun, just a little something you do when there is time. But do it, because it improves scores and it improves your chances.

Are non-Beauvoir children required to take the ERB for 4th grade admission to St. Albans? From the website, I was under the impression that only the St. Albans administered test is required for admission.

Also, someone on another thread mentioned that all but about a dozen 4th grade spaces at St. Albans are filled with Beauvoir graduates. For those dozen spaces, are these kids from all over or are there (in general) certain public schools and private schools that seem to fair better with admissions.