Magnet not "cool" enough?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Perhaps this is not the real reason? The magnet high schools are incredibly selective, and your daughter might not want to apply if she's afraid of rejection. What MAP scores does she have?

The math person at her MS told me highest in the school. Math was 279 I think?

That's what my 7th grader scored this fall. Her good friend scored 289, and they are not the most advanced or talented at math in their grade. I don't know that either one could get in anyway due to the "peer cohort" rationale. STEM is crazy competitive around here. If your DD doesn't want that path, don't force it. She'll be just fine taking AP classes at her home HS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Perhaps this is not the real reason? The magnet high schools are incredibly selective, and your daughter might not want to apply if she's afraid of rejection. What MAP scores does she have?

The math person at her MS told me highest in the school. Math was 279 I think?

That's what my 7th grader scored this fall. Her good friend scored 289, and they are not the most advanced or talented at math in their grade. I don't know that either one could get in anyway due to the "peer cohort" rationale. STEM is crazy competitive around here. If your DD doesn't want that path, don't force it. She'll be just fine taking AP classes at her home HS.

Which MS?

[Anonymous]

It is pretty nerdy at TPMS and I imagine it’ll be the same at Blair.

I would have your daughter apply- just to see - but then be ok if she opts not to go when she gets in. She’ll be challenging at least a few of her math courses in HS (AP, IB etc) and she will find her people in college. I think some kids are ready for their academic cohort at age 9, others at age 12, some at 15, and still others just aren’t ready to go all in until college, or even grad school.

So- hard as it is, let her choose, and know she’ll be ok either way.

[Anonymous]

being labelled as troll for saying plenty of MAP-M 300. Let me further to tell you guys MAP-M is not a good indicator for ability of solving math problems.

1. the test is an interactive computer generated test, the question is more basic knowledge of math
2. there is no time limit on the test.

To do the test well, you need to expose yourself more on above grade level math, and also to take time to do the test. The longer you spend time on the test, likely the high score you will get.

280s/290s are not uncommon at ES/MS

[Anonymous]

So actually my biggest question would be about after-school activities and social life, given the extra demands of the program, both in terms of schedule and transport time. I imagine that those could tip the scales for a socially-active student with major xc commitments, no?

[Anonymous]

My DD is in the SMACS magnet at Blair. It is an amazing opportunity for any child that gets in. Make it through and your ticket in life is pretty much punched. If your daughter gets accepted but refuses to go because it isn't "cool" then she will just be another girl who thinks she needs to act dumb to attract a boy. You might want to nip that in the bud.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So actually my biggest question would be about after-school activities and social life, given the extra demands of the program, both in terms of schedule and transport time. I imagine that those could tip the scales for a socially-active student with major xc commitments, no?

As other PP said, let your DS apply and worry about the other stuff later if she gets in.

[Anonymous]

Lots of nerdy kids date, socialize, gossip, and shop just like the "cool" kids do. They just have other interests as well.

Trust me—I was super-nerdy in high school, and I did all of the above. Some of the biggest partiers I knew were also some of the best students. They just had the ability to throw themselves into both with equal intensity.

Keep encouraging her to apply, assuring her that the decision will be 100% hers if she gets in (and stick to that). If she does, she can go to the open house and get the lay of the land before she makes up her mind. She might change her mind once she's met some of the other kids.

[Anonymous]

279 would be below average for 8th grade TPMS, not easy for her to get in Blair

[Anonymous]

Even if there are lots of kids who share her interests at Blair, she doesn’t know them, and she already knows her MS friends who will be going to the home HS. Having a social group she feels good about is different than making new friends. I’m sure there are some kids at SMACS who share her interests. Switching schools may still be something she just doesn’t want to do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So actually my biggest question would be about after-school activities and social life, given the extra demands of the program, both in terms of schedule and transport time. I imagine that those could tip the scales for a socially-active student with major xc commitments, no?

My child does a sport everyday after school and still manages to date and see friends on weekends..not much during the week.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lots of nerdy kids date, socialize, gossip, and shop just like the "cool" kids do. They just have other interests as well.

Trust me—I was super-nerdy in high school, and I did all of the above. Some of the biggest partiers I knew were also some of the best students. They just had the ability to throw themselves into both with equal intensity.

I think the question is wasn't whether nerdy kids date and socialize, but whether or not magnet kids are all "nerdy."

Sounds to me like she's trying to be "normal" or "cool" and is resisting being labelled "nerdy" in the first place, no?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
If she were in a magnet now, she would realize that there are cool kids there, who hang out all weekend and have sleepovers every Friday and Saturday nights, and somehow still manage to do well in their enriched classes. I don't entirely approve of it, but this is what certain 8th graders do at the Takoma Park STEM magnet.

Perhaps this is not the real reason? The magnet high schools are incredibly selective, and your daughter might not want to apply if she's afraid of rejection. What MAP scores does she have?

OP, this is why your child doesn't want a magnet. It is the parents and how they raise the kids and how they are demeaning of any other kids besides their own. They disapprove of any fun and socialization instead opting for weekend homework or other college resume builders. Trust your child. They don't want to go. They want to stay with their friends. They will have plenty of opportunity to thrive in their home school and still have high school years they can look back on fondly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:279 would be below average for 8th grade TPMS, not easy for her to get in Blair

STFU you pain-in-the-ass mom. You are loathed by all. Even your own kids and husband.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:279 would be below average for 8th grade TPMS, not easy for her to get in Blair

STFU you pain-in-the-ass mom. You are loathed by all. Even your own kids and husband.

Lol.... sounds like someone needs an adult coloring book and an emotional support donkey.