Magnet application result High School

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:High Academic performance in COGAT or MAP = Prepped by Dr Li

Good Essays = They probably used an essay consultant

All around performance = Their parents had the luxury of time and money to ferry them to sports or music.

Hence all advanced programs should only have student ID put into a lottery and numbers pulled out like Powerball.

Could the kids have worked hard or just be smart??? Are you kidding!!! That could never happen.

But this is true of white kids as well, right?

High Academic performance in COGAT or MAP = Prepped at home

Good Essays = Proof-read and edited by a highly educated native English speaking parent

All around performance = Parents with time and energy to drive to travel soccer, volunteer opportunities, etc.

Hush. Get with the program. All Magnet acceptance posts on DCUM are for Asian bashing. You should not be saying "But others could have this advantage too"

LOL. I'm the PP and I'm writing as a white parent whose child was admitted to their preferred program(s). I fully acknowledge the ways in which my child's privilege is part of the equation here. In my case, it's not income (we're genuinely middle class, not just DCUM middle class), and it's not paid test prep, but it's pretty clear that my child's extracurriculars were a big part of their successful package. Those extracurriculars are extremely time consuming, and require one parent to either have a flexible work schedule or to be a SAHP.

There's nothing wrong with admitting that privilege is in the mix here. I can't undo the years that I spend driving my kid to their activity, and they have worked incredibly hard to get to the level that they have. It demonstrates something about them, for sure. But it would not have been possible without some specific circumstances at home.

Correct. And the choices you made (or had the ability to make) and priorities you had for your kid coupled with their interests. That is why I get particularly peeved when DCUM always characterizes Asians as not-intelligent robots coming through the Dr Li factory.

signed - An immigrant whose kid did not go to prep classes and got admitted to 7 Magnet programs.

DP I agree that characterization is unfair and racist. But I also think it appears in reaction to claims that Asian students are discriminated against by the selection committees, when there is absolutely no evidence to support this and overwhelming evidence that they are in fact over represented.

PP- My problem is there should be no concept of representation or over representation for these admissions. May the best kids get selected, whatever the criteria is. There should not be a "Your race is 13% of the population, so the 14th student who gets admitted in a 100 seat program means you are over-represented"

Look, I absolutely understand your frustration. And this is for anyone thinking kids like mine shouldn't have been chosen:
My kid is one of those "surprises" for Blair and I'm going to tell you how we approached application and perhaps it might help you see it in a different view. Why the committee chose them.
My kid knew they did not have the top map scores. They love math but science is their passion and that includes computer science too.
I don't want to identify myself or my child but because of my job, I approached the application as a job application. If a candidate doesn't have the top education or experience I listed on the job post, what do I want to see on the resume that could make me think yes, this is the IT guy I want.
So, in the award section, they listed awards or achievements strictly outside of school that showed discipline and hard work.
In the hobbies, they put one instrument (not a common one) one sports that takes discipline. One artistic hobby, two leasure ones and 2 that shows an interest in math science and computer science at home.
In the volunteer section, two that have nothing to do with SSL hours.
Their essay was written in their own voice, not very polished and rather short. They demonstrated a lifelong passion for science and computer science and strong work ethic as well as loving to collaborate with peers that they can learn from. Basically selling their soft skills as a way to offset a lower map score than others.
They were accepted into all of their choices so it means that different committees found their application compelling.
Remember that the map scores are only ONE criteria, the first one mentioned is a strong demonstrated interest in math science and computer science. They did not focus on math on the application but on all 3 subjects.
Again, I'm sorry. It feels unfair when the kid obviously worked very hard but that doesn't mean my kid deserves it less. My kid wants to be a scientist and they are doing stellar in science. Cogat was 99 percentile in 5th grade. They're a good fit for the magnet. Again I'm sorry.

What was the MAP score?

It was below 300!

Oh come on..0-300?

Not giving the exact number because there is a list the kids made that some parents have seen and I don't want to identify my child online.

I'm sorry but I have seen a number of comments here that TPMS magnet kids are making shareable lists of scores and admits and that is....toxic. Feeling compelled to collect and share that information is just not cool. That's a really bad behavior and cultural practice to feed (I mean culture of the way of thinking...not ethnicity). At a certain point it's not pride anymore: it's exclusivity and intellectual narcissism and it's not even a good luck for super gifted kids.

My kid is in the magnet and doesn't participate in this. They have a regular 98/99 MAP, but feel inferior to the kids who boast about 320s.

Do you not see all the parents here bragging? The toxic culture of the race to nowhere is alive and well at MCPS magnet programs. Of course the students feed into it all and many go on to have a lot mental health issues down the line. My oldest was in RMIB and was miserable. The students turn their noses up to non IB students. They popped adderall to focus all night study sessions to stay ahead. They ridiculed and dropped anyone that left the IB for a more balanced life. “They couldn’t do it” I definitely believe they are making lists and there is probably a mom who helped start it talking to another mom on the phone. Then let the kids take over. There are some genuinely nice kids, but the majority think and act like they are better than everyone else.

Unfortunately, I agree. And it begins with some of the parents. Essentially having just one metric here - MAP M has made it way worse for the kids too. They are focused less on the joy of learning and more on one test where you have to study ahead for success.

So your answer here is to demonize hard work and ability?

It’s not one metric. It’s very clear that the essay is very important too, arguably more so if you don’t have 300 plus map scores

I'm not privy to this list or even aware that it actually exists, but I do have one of those rare kids with over 300 at TPMS. I asked DC if they'd heard of this, they said then even they checked two groups and couldn't find anything... I guess that doesn't prove anything but I honestly have to wonder if this is just some another DCUM fabrication.

My kid didn’t know about it either. But she also said she “wouldn’t be friends with kids who did that kind of thing,” so maybe it’s one particular friend group?

Well, my 300+ kid who is also on the math team says they don't know anything about this list also. They said the other math team kids are nice and funny and mostly tell silly jokes about Among Us.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:High Academic performance in COGAT or MAP = Prepped by Dr Li

Good Essays = They probably used an essay consultant

All around performance = Their parents had the luxury of time and money to ferry them to sports or music.

Hence all advanced programs should only have student ID put into a lottery and numbers pulled out like Powerball.

Could the kids have worked hard or just be smart??? Are you kidding!!! That could never happen.

But this is true of white kids as well, right?

High Academic performance in COGAT or MAP = Prepped at home

Good Essays = Proof-read and edited by a highly educated native English speaking parent

All around performance = Parents with time and energy to drive to travel soccer, volunteer opportunities, etc.

Hush. Get with the program. All Magnet acceptance posts on DCUM are for Asian bashing. You should not be saying "But others could have this advantage too"

LOL. I'm the PP and I'm writing as a white parent whose child was admitted to their preferred program(s). I fully acknowledge the ways in which my child's privilege is part of the equation here. In my case, it's not income (we're genuinely middle class, not just DCUM middle class), and it's not paid test prep, but it's pretty clear that my child's extracurriculars were a big part of their successful package. Those extracurriculars are extremely time consuming, and require one parent to either have a flexible work schedule or to be a SAHP.

There's nothing wrong with admitting that privilege is in the mix here. I can't undo the years that I spend driving my kid to their activity, and they have worked incredibly hard to get to the level that they have. It demonstrates something about them, for sure. But it would not have been possible without some specific circumstances at home.

Correct. And the choices you made (or had the ability to make) and priorities you had for your kid coupled with their interests. That is why I get particularly peeved when DCUM always characterizes Asians as not-intelligent robots coming through the Dr Li factory.

signed - An immigrant whose kid did not go to prep classes and got admitted to 7 Magnet programs.

DP I agree that characterization is unfair and racist. But I also think it appears in reaction to claims that Asian students are discriminated against by the selection committees, when there is absolutely no evidence to support this and overwhelming evidence that they are in fact over represented.

PP- My problem is there should be no concept of representation or over representation for these admissions. May the best kids get selected, whatever the criteria is. There should not be a "Your race is 13% of the population, so the 14th student who gets admitted in a 100 seat program means you are over-represented"

Look, I absolutely understand your frustration. And this is for anyone thinking kids like mine shouldn't have been chosen:
My kid is one of those "surprises" for Blair and I'm going to tell you how we approached application and perhaps it might help you see it in a different view. Why the committee chose them.
My kid knew they did not have the top map scores. They love math but science is their passion and that includes computer science too.
I don't want to identify myself or my child but because of my job, I approached the application as a job application. If a candidate doesn't have the top education or experience I listed on the job post, what do I want to see on the resume that could make me think yes, this is the IT guy I want.
So, in the award section, they listed awards or achievements strictly outside of school that showed discipline and hard work.
In the hobbies, they put one instrument (not a common one) one sports that takes discipline. One artistic hobby, two leasure ones and 2 that shows an interest in math science and computer science at home.
In the volunteer section, two that have nothing to do with SSL hours.
Their essay was written in their own voice, not very polished and rather short. They demonstrated a lifelong passion for science and computer science and strong work ethic as well as loving to collaborate with peers that they can learn from. Basically selling their soft skills as a way to offset a lower map score than others.
They were accepted into all of their choices so it means that different committees found their application compelling.
Remember that the map scores are only ONE criteria, the first one mentioned is a strong demonstrated interest in math science and computer science. They did not focus on math on the application but on all 3 subjects.
Again, I'm sorry. It feels unfair when the kid obviously worked very hard but that doesn't mean my kid deserves it less. My kid wants to be a scientist and they are doing stellar in science. Cogat was 99 percentile in 5th grade. They're a good fit for the magnet. Again I'm sorry.

What was the MAP score?

It was below 300!

Oh come on..0-300?

Not giving the exact number because there is a list the kids made that some parents have seen and I don't want to identify my child online.

I'm sorry but I have seen a number of comments here that TPMS magnet kids are making shareable lists of scores and admits and that is....toxic. Feeling compelled to collect and share that information is just not cool. That's a really bad behavior and cultural practice to feed (I mean culture of the way of thinking...not ethnicity). At a certain point it's not pride anymore: it's exclusivity and intellectual narcissism and it's not even a good luck for super gifted kids.

My kid is in the magnet and doesn't participate in this. They have a regular 98/99 MAP, but feel inferior to the kids who boast about 320s.

Do you not see all the parents here bragging? The toxic culture of the race to nowhere is alive and well at MCPS magnet programs. Of course the students feed into it all and many go on to have a lot mental health issues down the line. My oldest was in RMIB and was miserable. The students turn their noses up to non IB students. They popped adderall to focus all night study sessions to stay ahead. They ridiculed and dropped anyone that left the IB for a more balanced life. “They couldn’t do it” I definitely believe they are making lists and there is probably a mom who helped start it talking to another mom on the phone. Then let the kids take over. There are some genuinely nice kids, but the majority think and act like they are better than everyone else.

Unfortunately, I agree. And it begins with some of the parents. Essentially having just one metric here - MAP M has made it way worse for the kids too. They are focused less on the joy of learning and more on one test where you have to study ahead for success.

So your answer here is to demonize hard work and ability?

It’s not one metric. It’s very clear that the essay is very important too, arguably more so if you don’t have 300 plus map scores

I'm not privy to this list or even aware that it actually exists, but I do have one of those rare kids with over 300 at TPMS. I asked DC if they'd heard of this, they said then even they checked two groups and couldn't find anything... I guess that doesn't prove anything but I honestly have to wonder if this is just some another DCUM fabrication.

My kid didn’t know about it either. But she also said she “wouldn’t be friends with kids who did that kind of thing,” so maybe it’s one particular friend group?

Such goodness

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This 300+ thing, it clearly went beyond fabrication at least in this thread.

For one, since MCPS eliminates CoGAT and emphasizes MAP-M as the only quantifiable metric for STEM magnet, kids have to chase higher scores to assure a better chance for an education that fits their needs.

For two, among the 300+ kids (yes, one of them is my DC), they set this as a little game with NEWA to seek the scoring mechanisms behind the test. They are proud to get a higher score, but nothing beyond that at least to my knowledge. The highest scorer doesn't get any reward. And kids in Roberto Clement and other local MSs also have these scores. Why set TPMS as a target? It's the fault of the evaluation system that uses a test that's not supposed to be used as a differentiation tool for the tail distribution.

My guess is that kids (and parents) put more weight on this than the committee does because it’s the only quantitative metric we have (beyond GPA, which probably has less variation.)

PP here. Just to give one data point, my DC also does two competitive sports since lower elementary, winning writing and public speaking contests, volunteering 200+ SSL hours (including hundred of hours teaching kids math), and dedicating all spare time to reading scientific blogs, learning coding, learning a 3rd foreign language (he/she is dual-lingual and learning one foreign language at school), and self-teaching to play a music instrument. DC writes these in his essay to demonstrate a wide range of interest beyond math.

For me, I know at boarderline, things are depending on luck. So what I told DC is trying your best to write your essay to demonstrate you are the perfect fit. It's their pity if not admitting you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:High Academic performance in COGAT or MAP = Prepped by Dr Li

Good Essays = They probably used an essay consultant

All around performance = Their parents had the luxury of time and money to ferry them to sports or music.

Hence all advanced programs should only have student ID put into a lottery and numbers pulled out like Powerball.

Could the kids have worked hard or just be smart??? Are you kidding!!! That could never happen.

But this is true of white kids as well, right?

High Academic performance in COGAT or MAP = Prepped at home

Good Essays = Proof-read and edited by a highly educated native English speaking parent

All around performance = Parents with time and energy to drive to travel soccer, volunteer opportunities, etc.

Hush. Get with the program. All Magnet acceptance posts on DCUM are for Asian bashing. You should not be saying "But others could have this advantage too"

LOL. I'm the PP and I'm writing as a white parent whose child was admitted to their preferred program(s). I fully acknowledge the ways in which my child's privilege is part of the equation here. In my case, it's not income (we're genuinely middle class, not just DCUM middle class), and it's not paid test prep, but it's pretty clear that my child's extracurriculars were a big part of their successful package. Those extracurriculars are extremely time consuming, and require one parent to either have a flexible work schedule or to be a SAHP.

There's nothing wrong with admitting that privilege is in the mix here. I can't undo the years that I spend driving my kid to their activity, and they have worked incredibly hard to get to the level that they have. It demonstrates something about them, for sure. But it would not have been possible without some specific circumstances at home.

Correct. And the choices you made (or had the ability to make) and priorities you had for your kid coupled with their interests. That is why I get particularly peeved when DCUM always characterizes Asians as not-intelligent robots coming through the Dr Li factory.

signed - An immigrant whose kid did not go to prep classes and got admitted to 7 Magnet programs.

DP I agree that characterization is unfair and racist. But I also think it appears in reaction to claims that Asian students are discriminated against by the selection committees, when there is absolutely no evidence to support this and overwhelming evidence that they are in fact over represented.

PP- My problem is there should be no concept of representation or over representation for these admissions. May the best kids get selected, whatever the criteria is. There should not be a "Your race is 13% of the population, so the 14th student who gets admitted in a 100 seat program means you are over-represented"

Look, I absolutely understand your frustration. And this is for anyone thinking kids like mine shouldn't have been chosen:
My kid is one of those "surprises" for Blair and I'm going to tell you how we approached application and perhaps it might help you see it in a different view. Why the committee chose them.
My kid knew they did not have the top map scores. They love math but science is their passion and that includes computer science too.
I don't want to identify myself or my child but because of my job, I approached the application as a job application. If a candidate doesn't have the top education or experience I listed on the job post, what do I want to see on the resume that could make me think yes, this is the IT guy I want.
So, in the award section, they listed awards or achievements strictly outside of school that showed discipline and hard work.
In the hobbies, they put one instrument (not a common one) one sports that takes discipline. One artistic hobby, two leasure ones and 2 that shows an interest in math science and computer science at home.
In the volunteer section, two that have nothing to do with SSL hours.
Their essay was written in their own voice, not very polished and rather short. They demonstrated a lifelong passion for science and computer science and strong work ethic as well as loving to collaborate with peers that they can learn from. Basically selling their soft skills as a way to offset a lower map score than others.
They were accepted into all of their choices so it means that different committees found their application compelling.
Remember that the map scores are only ONE criteria, the first one mentioned is a strong demonstrated interest in math science and computer science. They did not focus on math on the application but on all 3 subjects.
Again, I'm sorry. It feels unfair when the kid obviously worked very hard but that doesn't mean my kid deserves it less. My kid wants to be a scientist and they are doing stellar in science. Cogat was 99 percentile in 5th grade. They're a good fit for the magnet. Again I'm sorry.

What was the MAP score?

It was below 300!

Oh come on..0-300?

Not giving the exact number because there is a list the kids made that some parents have seen and I don't want to identify my child online.

I'm sorry but I have seen a number of comments here that TPMS magnet kids are making shareable lists of scores and admits and that is....toxic. Feeling compelled to collect and share that information is just not cool. That's a really bad behavior and cultural practice to feed (I mean culture of the way of thinking...not ethnicity). At a certain point it's not pride anymore: it's exclusivity and intellectual narcissism and it's not even a good luck for super gifted kids.

My kid is in the magnet and doesn't participate in this. They have a regular 98/99 MAP, but feel inferior to the kids who boast about 320s.

Do you not see all the parents here bragging? The toxic culture of the race to nowhere is alive and well at MCPS magnet programs. Of course the students feed into it all and many go on to have a lot mental health issues down the line. My oldest was in RMIB and was miserable. The students turn their noses up to non IB students. They popped adderall to focus all night study sessions to stay ahead. They ridiculed and dropped anyone that left the IB for a more balanced life. “They couldn’t do it” I definitely believe they are making lists and there is probably a mom who helped start it talking to another mom on the phone. Then let the kids take over. There are some genuinely nice kids, but the majority think and act like they are better than everyone else.

Unfortunately, I agree. And it begins with some of the parents. Essentially having just one metric here - MAP M has made it way worse for the kids too. They are focused less on the joy of learning and more on one test where you have to study ahead for success.

So your answer here is to demonize hard work and ability?

It’s not one metric. It’s very clear that the essay is very important too, arguably more so if you don’t have 300 plus map scores

I'm not privy to this list or even aware that it actually exists, but I do have one of those rare kids with over 300 at TPMS. I asked DC if they'd heard of this, they said then even they checked two groups and couldn't find anything... I guess that doesn't prove anything but I honestly have to wonder if this is just some another DCUM fabrication.

My kid didn’t know about it either. But she also said she “wouldn’t be friends with kids who did that kind of thing,” so maybe it’s one particular friend group?

Well, my 300+ kid who is also on the math team says they don't know anything about this list also. They said the other math team kids are nice and funny and mostly tell silly jokes about Among Us.

The existence of an innocent list among kids trying to figure out who is going to a particular school (list does exist) is no indication of malice. This whole making a list of MAP scores is also not malice but just reflects the poor evaluation system. It is also true that almost all of the 300+ kids got in. Is it generally fair - I think yes. Does it lead to behavior focused on incentives - yes. can there be a better system - yes. it did exist before it got scrapped because of covid and other issues.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:High Academic performance in COGAT or MAP = Prepped by Dr Li

Good Essays = They probably used an essay consultant

All around performance = Their parents had the luxury of time and money to ferry them to sports or music.

Hence all advanced programs should only have student ID put into a lottery and numbers pulled out like Powerball.

Could the kids have worked hard or just be smart??? Are you kidding!!! That could never happen.

But this is true of white kids as well, right?

High Academic performance in COGAT or MAP = Prepped at home

Good Essays = Proof-read and edited by a highly educated native English speaking parent

All around performance = Parents with time and energy to drive to travel soccer, volunteer opportunities, etc.

Hush. Get with the program. All Magnet acceptance posts on DCUM are for Asian bashing. You should not be saying "But others could have this advantage too"

LOL. I'm the PP and I'm writing as a white parent whose child was admitted to their preferred program(s). I fully acknowledge the ways in which my child's privilege is part of the equation here. In my case, it's not income (we're genuinely middle class, not just DCUM middle class), and it's not paid test prep, but it's pretty clear that my child's extracurriculars were a big part of their successful package. Those extracurriculars are extremely time consuming, and require one parent to either have a flexible work schedule or to be a SAHP.

There's nothing wrong with admitting that privilege is in the mix here. I can't undo the years that I spend driving my kid to their activity, and they have worked incredibly hard to get to the level that they have. It demonstrates something about them, for sure. But it would not have been possible without some specific circumstances at home.

Correct. And the choices you made (or had the ability to make) and priorities you had for your kid coupled with their interests. That is why I get particularly peeved when DCUM always characterizes Asians as not-intelligent robots coming through the Dr Li factory.

signed - An immigrant whose kid did not go to prep classes and got admitted to 7 Magnet programs.

DP I agree that characterization is unfair and racist. But I also think it appears in reaction to claims that Asian students are discriminated against by the selection committees, when there is absolutely no evidence to support this and overwhelming evidence that they are in fact over represented.

PP- My problem is there should be no concept of representation or over representation for these admissions. May the best kids get selected, whatever the criteria is. There should not be a "Your race is 13% of the population, so the 14th student who gets admitted in a 100 seat program means you are over-represented"

Look, I absolutely understand your frustration. And this is for anyone thinking kids like mine shouldn't have been chosen:
My kid is one of those "surprises" for Blair and I'm going to tell you how we approached application and perhaps it might help you see it in a different view. Why the committee chose them.
My kid knew they did not have the top map scores. They love math but science is their passion and that includes computer science too.
I don't want to identify myself or my child but because of my job, I approached the application as a job application. If a candidate doesn't have the top education or experience I listed on the job post, what do I want to see on the resume that could make me think yes, this is the IT guy I want.
So, in the award section, they listed awards or achievements strictly outside of school that showed discipline and hard work.
In the hobbies, they put one instrument (not a common one) one sports that takes discipline. One artistic hobby, two leasure ones and 2 that shows an interest in math science and computer science at home.
In the volunteer section, two that have nothing to do with SSL hours.
Their essay was written in their own voice, not very polished and rather short. They demonstrated a lifelong passion for science and computer science and strong work ethic as well as loving to collaborate with peers that they can learn from. Basically selling their soft skills as a way to offset a lower map score than others.
They were accepted into all of their choices so it means that different committees found their application compelling.
Remember that the map scores are only ONE criteria, the first one mentioned is a strong demonstrated interest in math science and computer science. They did not focus on math on the application but on all 3 subjects.
Again, I'm sorry. It feels unfair when the kid obviously worked very hard but that doesn't mean my kid deserves it less. My kid wants to be a scientist and they are doing stellar in science. Cogat was 99 percentile in 5th grade. They're a good fit for the magnet. Again I'm sorry.

What was the MAP score?

It was below 300!

Oh come on..0-300?

Not giving the exact number because there is a list the kids made that some parents have seen and I don't want to identify my child online.

I'm sorry but I have seen a number of comments here that TPMS magnet kids are making shareable lists of scores and admits and that is....toxic. Feeling compelled to collect and share that information is just not cool. That's a really bad behavior and cultural practice to feed (I mean culture of the way of thinking...not ethnicity). At a certain point it's not pride anymore: it's exclusivity and intellectual narcissism and it's not even a good luck for super gifted kids.

My kid is in the magnet and doesn't participate in this. They have a regular 98/99 MAP, but feel inferior to the kids who boast about 320s.

Do you not see all the parents here bragging? The toxic culture of the race to nowhere is alive and well at MCPS magnet programs. Of course the students feed into it all and many go on to have a lot mental health issues down the line. My oldest was in RMIB and was miserable. The students turn their noses up to non IB students. They popped adderall to focus all night study sessions to stay ahead. They ridiculed and dropped anyone that left the IB for a more balanced life. “They couldn’t do it” I definitely believe they are making lists and there is probably a mom who helped start it talking to another mom on the phone. Then let the kids take over. There are some genuinely nice kids, but the majority think and act like they are better than everyone else.

Unfortunately, I agree. And it begins with some of the parents. Essentially having just one metric here - MAP M has made it way worse for the kids too. They are focused less on the joy of learning and more on one test where you have to study ahead for success.

So your answer here is to demonize hard work and ability?

It’s not one metric. It’s very clear that the essay is very important too, arguably more so if you don’t have 300 plus map scores

I'm not privy to this list or even aware that it actually exists, but I do have one of those rare kids with over 300 at TPMS. I asked DC if they'd heard of this, they said then even they checked two groups and couldn't find anything... I guess that doesn't prove anything but I honestly have to wonder if this is just some another DCUM fabrication.

My kid didn’t know about it either. But she also said she “wouldn’t be friends with kids who did that kind of thing,” so maybe it’s one particular friend group?

Well, my 300+ kid who is also on the math team says they don't know anything about this list also. They said the other math team kids are nice and funny and mostly tell silly jokes about Among Us.

The existence of an innocent list among kids trying to figure out who is going to a particular school (list does exist) is no indication of malice. This whole making a list of MAP scores is also not malice but just reflects the poor evaluation system. It is also true that almost all of the 300+ kids got in. Is it generally fair - I think yes. Does it lead to behavior focused on incentives - yes. can there be a better system - yes. it did exist before it got scrapped because of covid and other issues.

Sure, I agree but I asked DC who has 300+ and got in about this because I'd like to see it. Unfortunately, they don't know anything about it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:High Academic performance in COGAT or MAP = Prepped by Dr Li

Good Essays = They probably used an essay consultant

All around performance = Their parents had the luxury of time and money to ferry them to sports or music.

Hence all advanced programs should only have student ID put into a lottery and numbers pulled out like Powerball.

Could the kids have worked hard or just be smart??? Are you kidding!!! That could never happen.

But this is true of white kids as well, right?

High Academic performance in COGAT or MAP = Prepped at home

Good Essays = Proof-read and edited by a highly educated native English speaking parent

All around performance = Parents with time and energy to drive to travel soccer, volunteer opportunities, etc.

Hush. Get with the program. All Magnet acceptance posts on DCUM are for Asian bashing. You should not be saying "But others could have this advantage too"

LOL. I'm the PP and I'm writing as a white parent whose child was admitted to their preferred program(s). I fully acknowledge the ways in which my child's privilege is part of the equation here. In my case, it's not income (we're genuinely middle class, not just DCUM middle class), and it's not paid test prep, but it's pretty clear that my child's extracurriculars were a big part of their successful package. Those extracurriculars are extremely time consuming, and require one parent to either have a flexible work schedule or to be a SAHP.

There's nothing wrong with admitting that privilege is in the mix here. I can't undo the years that I spend driving my kid to their activity, and they have worked incredibly hard to get to the level that they have. It demonstrates something about them, for sure. But it would not have been possible without some specific circumstances at home.

Correct. And the choices you made (or had the ability to make) and priorities you had for your kid coupled with their interests. That is why I get particularly peeved when DCUM always characterizes Asians as not-intelligent robots coming through the Dr Li factory.

signed - An immigrant whose kid did not go to prep classes and got admitted to 7 Magnet programs.

DP I agree that characterization is unfair and racist. But I also think it appears in reaction to claims that Asian students are discriminated against by the selection committees, when there is absolutely no evidence to support this and overwhelming evidence that they are in fact over represented.

PP- My problem is there should be no concept of representation or over representation for these admissions. May the best kids get selected, whatever the criteria is. There should not be a "Your race is 13% of the population, so the 14th student who gets admitted in a 100 seat program means you are over-represented"

Look, I absolutely understand your frustration. And this is for anyone thinking kids like mine shouldn't have been chosen:
My kid is one of those "surprises" for Blair and I'm going to tell you how we approached application and perhaps it might help you see it in a different view. Why the committee chose them.
My kid knew they did not have the top map scores. They love math but science is their passion and that includes computer science too.
I don't want to identify myself or my child but because of my job, I approached the application as a job application. If a candidate doesn't have the top education or experience I listed on the job post, what do I want to see on the resume that could make me think yes, this is the IT guy I want.
So, in the award section, they listed awards or achievements strictly outside of school that showed discipline and hard work.
In the hobbies, they put one instrument (not a common one) one sports that takes discipline. One artistic hobby, two leasure ones and 2 that shows an interest in math science and computer science at home.
In the volunteer section, two that have nothing to do with SSL hours.
Their essay was written in their own voice, not very polished and rather short. They demonstrated a lifelong passion for science and computer science and strong work ethic as well as loving to collaborate with peers that they can learn from. Basically selling their soft skills as a way to offset a lower map score than others.
They were accepted into all of their choices so it means that different committees found their application compelling.
Remember that the map scores are only ONE criteria, the first one mentioned is a strong demonstrated interest in math science and computer science. They did not focus on math on the application but on all 3 subjects.
Again, I'm sorry. It feels unfair when the kid obviously worked very hard but that doesn't mean my kid deserves it less. My kid wants to be a scientist and they are doing stellar in science. Cogat was 99 percentile in 5th grade. They're a good fit for the magnet. Again I'm sorry.

What was the MAP score?

It was below 300!

Oh come on..0-300?

Not giving the exact number because there is a list the kids made that some parents have seen and I don't want to identify my child online.

I'm sorry but I have seen a number of comments here that TPMS magnet kids are making shareable lists of scores and admits and that is....toxic. Feeling compelled to collect and share that information is just not cool. That's a really bad behavior and cultural practice to feed (I mean culture of the way of thinking...not ethnicity). At a certain point it's not pride anymore: it's exclusivity and intellectual narcissism and it's not even a good luck for super gifted kids.

My kid is in the magnet and doesn't participate in this. They have a regular 98/99 MAP, but feel inferior to the kids who boast about 320s.

Do you not see all the parents here bragging? The toxic culture of the race to nowhere is alive and well at MCPS magnet programs. Of course the students feed into it all and many go on to have a lot mental health issues down the line. My oldest was in RMIB and was miserable. The students turn their noses up to non IB students. They popped adderall to focus all night study sessions to stay ahead. They ridiculed and dropped anyone that left the IB for a more balanced life. “They couldn’t do it” I definitely believe they are making lists and there is probably a mom who helped start it talking to another mom on the phone. Then let the kids take over. There are some genuinely nice kids, but the majority think and act like they are better than everyone else.

Unfortunately, I agree. And it begins with some of the parents. Essentially having just one metric here - MAP M has made it way worse for the kids too. They are focused less on the joy of learning and more on one test where you have to study ahead for success.

So your answer here is to demonize hard work and ability?

It’s not one metric. It’s very clear that the essay is very important too, arguably more so if you don’t have 300 plus map scores

I'm not privy to this list or even aware that it actually exists, but I do have one of those rare kids with over 300 at TPMS. I asked DC if they'd heard of this, they said then even they checked two groups and couldn't find anything... I guess that doesn't prove anything but I honestly have to wonder if this is just some another DCUM fabrication.

My kid didn’t know about it either. But she also said she “wouldn’t be friends with kids who did that kind of thing,” so maybe it’s one particular friend group?

Well, my 300+ kid who is also on the math team says they don't know anything about this list also. They said the other math team kids are nice and funny and mostly tell silly jokes about Among Us.

The existence of an innocent list among kids trying to figure out who is going to a particular school (list does exist) is no indication of malice. This whole making a list of MAP scores is also not malice but just reflects the poor evaluation system. It is also true that almost all of the 300+ kids got in. Is it generally fair - I think yes. Does it lead to behavior focused on incentives - yes. can there be a better system - yes. it did exist before it got scrapped because of covid and other issues.

Sure, I agree but I asked DC who has 300+ and got in about this because I'd like to see it. Unfortunately, they don't know anything about it.

I saw it. So there’s that data point.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:High Academic performance in COGAT or MAP = Prepped by Dr Li

Good Essays = They probably used an essay consultant

All around performance = Their parents had the luxury of time and money to ferry them to sports or music.

Hence all advanced programs should only have student ID put into a lottery and numbers pulled out like Powerball.

Could the kids have worked hard or just be smart??? Are you kidding!!! That could never happen.

But this is true of white kids as well, right?

High Academic performance in COGAT or MAP = Prepped at home

Good Essays = Proof-read and edited by a highly educated native English speaking parent

All around performance = Parents with time and energy to drive to travel soccer, volunteer opportunities, etc.

Hush. Get with the program. All Magnet acceptance posts on DCUM are for Asian bashing. You should not be saying "But others could have this advantage too"

LOL. I'm the PP and I'm writing as a white parent whose child was admitted to their preferred program(s). I fully acknowledge the ways in which my child's privilege is part of the equation here. In my case, it's not income (we're genuinely middle class, not just DCUM middle class), and it's not paid test prep, but it's pretty clear that my child's extracurriculars were a big part of their successful package. Those extracurriculars are extremely time consuming, and require one parent to either have a flexible work schedule or to be a SAHP.

There's nothing wrong with admitting that privilege is in the mix here. I can't undo the years that I spend driving my kid to their activity, and they have worked incredibly hard to get to the level that they have. It demonstrates something about them, for sure. But it would not have been possible without some specific circumstances at home.

Correct. And the choices you made (or had the ability to make) and priorities you had for your kid coupled with their interests. That is why I get particularly peeved when DCUM always characterizes Asians as not-intelligent robots coming through the Dr Li factory.

signed - An immigrant whose kid did not go to prep classes and got admitted to 7 Magnet programs.

DP I agree that characterization is unfair and racist. But I also think it appears in reaction to claims that Asian students are discriminated against by the selection committees, when there is absolutely no evidence to support this and overwhelming evidence that they are in fact over represented.

PP- My problem is there should be no concept of representation or over representation for these admissions. May the best kids get selected, whatever the criteria is. There should not be a "Your race is 13% of the population, so the 14th student who gets admitted in a 100 seat program means you are over-represented"

Look, I absolutely understand your frustration. And this is for anyone thinking kids like mine shouldn't have been chosen:
My kid is one of those "surprises" for Blair and I'm going to tell you how we approached application and perhaps it might help you see it in a different view. Why the committee chose them.
My kid knew they did not have the top map scores. They love math but science is their passion and that includes computer science too.
I don't want to identify myself or my child but because of my job, I approached the application as a job application. If a candidate doesn't have the top education or experience I listed on the job post, what do I want to see on the resume that could make me think yes, this is the IT guy I want.
So, in the award section, they listed awards or achievements strictly outside of school that showed discipline and hard work.
In the hobbies, they put one instrument (not a common one) one sports that takes discipline. One artistic hobby, two leasure ones and 2 that shows an interest in math science and computer science at home.
In the volunteer section, two that have nothing to do with SSL hours.
Their essay was written in their own voice, not very polished and rather short. They demonstrated a lifelong passion for science and computer science and strong work ethic as well as loving to collaborate with peers that they can learn from. Basically selling their soft skills as a way to offset a lower map score than others.
They were accepted into all of their choices so it means that different committees found their application compelling.
Remember that the map scores are only ONE criteria, the first one mentioned is a strong demonstrated interest in math science and computer science. They did not focus on math on the application but on all 3 subjects.
Again, I'm sorry. It feels unfair when the kid obviously worked very hard but that doesn't mean my kid deserves it less. My kid wants to be a scientist and they are doing stellar in science. Cogat was 99 percentile in 5th grade. They're a good fit for the magnet. Again I'm sorry.

What was the MAP score?

It was below 300!

Oh come on..0-300?

Not giving the exact number because there is a list the kids made that some parents have seen and I don't want to identify my child online.

I'm sorry but I have seen a number of comments here that TPMS magnet kids are making shareable lists of scores and admits and that is....toxic. Feeling compelled to collect and share that information is just not cool. That's a really bad behavior and cultural practice to feed (I mean culture of the way of thinking...not ethnicity). At a certain point it's not pride anymore: it's exclusivity and intellectual narcissism and it's not even a good luck for super gifted kids.

My kid is in the magnet and doesn't participate in this. They have a regular 98/99 MAP, but feel inferior to the kids who boast about 320s.

Do you not see all the parents here bragging? The toxic culture of the race to nowhere is alive and well at MCPS magnet programs. Of course the students feed into it all and many go on to have a lot mental health issues down the line. My oldest was in RMIB and was miserable. The students turn their noses up to non IB students. They popped adderall to focus all night study sessions to stay ahead. They ridiculed and dropped anyone that left the IB for a more balanced life. “They couldn’t do it” I definitely believe they are making lists and there is probably a mom who helped start it talking to another mom on the phone. Then let the kids take over. There are some genuinely nice kids, but the majority think and act like they are better than everyone else.

Unfortunately, I agree. And it begins with some of the parents. Essentially having just one metric here - MAP M has made it way worse for the kids too. They are focused less on the joy of learning and more on one test where you have to study ahead for success.

So your answer here is to demonize hard work and ability?

It’s not one metric. It’s very clear that the essay is very important too, arguably more so if you don’t have 300 plus map scores

I'm not privy to this list or even aware that it actually exists, but I do have one of those rare kids with over 300 at TPMS. I asked DC if they'd heard of this, they said then even they checked two groups and couldn't find anything... I guess that doesn't prove anything but I honestly have to wonder if this is just some another DCUM fabrication.

My kid didn’t know about it either. But she also said she “wouldn’t be friends with kids who did that kind of thing,” so maybe it’s one particular friend group?

Such goodness

There are at least 60 kids on the chat. Which is typical teenage chatter, congratulations, commiserations, anxieties, discussion of courses/electives/options and support. I asked my kid to show me because I was concerned but they all seem to be lovely, normal kids. (Caveat, I skimmed a little there are hundreds of messages). I expect your daughter would be happy to participate except that you made it out to be something it isn’t.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:High Academic performance in COGAT or MAP = Prepped by Dr Li

Good Essays = They probably used an essay consultant

All around performance = Their parents had the luxury of time and money to ferry them to sports or music.

Hence all advanced programs should only have student ID put into a lottery and numbers pulled out like Powerball.

Could the kids have worked hard or just be smart??? Are you kidding!!! That could never happen.

But this is true of white kids as well, right?

High Academic performance in COGAT or MAP = Prepped at home

Good Essays = Proof-read and edited by a highly educated native English speaking parent

All around performance = Parents with time and energy to drive to travel soccer, volunteer opportunities, etc.

Hush. Get with the program. All Magnet acceptance posts on DCUM are for Asian bashing. You should not be saying "But others could have this advantage too"

LOL. I'm the PP and I'm writing as a white parent whose child was admitted to their preferred program(s). I fully acknowledge the ways in which my child's privilege is part of the equation here. In my case, it's not income (we're genuinely middle class, not just DCUM middle class), and it's not paid test prep, but it's pretty clear that my child's extracurriculars were a big part of their successful package. Those extracurriculars are extremely time consuming, and require one parent to either have a flexible work schedule or to be a SAHP.

There's nothing wrong with admitting that privilege is in the mix here. I can't undo the years that I spend driving my kid to their activity, and they have worked incredibly hard to get to the level that they have. It demonstrates something about them, for sure. But it would not have been possible without some specific circumstances at home.

Correct. And the choices you made (or had the ability to make) and priorities you had for your kid coupled with their interests. That is why I get particularly peeved when DCUM always characterizes Asians as not-intelligent robots coming through the Dr Li factory.

signed - An immigrant whose kid did not go to prep classes and got admitted to 7 Magnet programs.

DP I agree that characterization is unfair and racist. But I also think it appears in reaction to claims that Asian students are discriminated against by the selection committees, when there is absolutely no evidence to support this and overwhelming evidence that they are in fact over represented.

PP- My problem is there should be no concept of representation or over representation for these admissions. May the best kids get selected, whatever the criteria is. There should not be a "Your race is 13% of the population, so the 14th student who gets admitted in a 100 seat program means you are over-represented"

Look, I absolutely understand your frustration. And this is for anyone thinking kids like mine shouldn't have been chosen:
My kid is one of those "surprises" for Blair and I'm going to tell you how we approached application and perhaps it might help you see it in a different view. Why the committee chose them.
My kid knew they did not have the top map scores. They love math but science is their passion and that includes computer science too.
I don't want to identify myself or my child but because of my job, I approached the application as a job application. If a candidate doesn't have the top education or experience I listed on the job post, what do I want to see on the resume that could make me think yes, this is the IT guy I want.
So, in the award section, they listed awards or achievements strictly outside of school that showed discipline and hard work.
In the hobbies, they put one instrument (not a common one) one sports that takes discipline. One artistic hobby, two leasure ones and 2 that shows an interest in math science and computer science at home.
In the volunteer section, two that have nothing to do with SSL hours.
Their essay was written in their own voice, not very polished and rather short. They demonstrated a lifelong passion for science and computer science and strong work ethic as well as loving to collaborate with peers that they can learn from. Basically selling their soft skills as a way to offset a lower map score than others.
They were accepted into all of their choices so it means that different committees found their application compelling.
Remember that the map scores are only ONE criteria, the first one mentioned is a strong demonstrated interest in math science and computer science. They did not focus on math on the application but on all 3 subjects.
Again, I'm sorry. It feels unfair when the kid obviously worked very hard but that doesn't mean my kid deserves it less. My kid wants to be a scientist and they are doing stellar in science. Cogat was 99 percentile in 5th grade. They're a good fit for the magnet. Again I'm sorry.

What was the MAP score?

It was below 300!

Oh come on..0-300?

Not giving the exact number because there is a list the kids made that some parents have seen and I don't want to identify my child online.

I'm sorry but I have seen a number of comments here that TPMS magnet kids are making shareable lists of scores and admits and that is....toxic. Feeling compelled to collect and share that information is just not cool. That's a really bad behavior and cultural practice to feed (I mean culture of the way of thinking...not ethnicity). At a certain point it's not pride anymore: it's exclusivity and intellectual narcissism and it's not even a good luck for super gifted kids.

My kid is in the magnet and doesn't participate in this. They have a regular 98/99 MAP, but feel inferior to the kids who boast about 320s.

Do you not see all the parents here bragging? The toxic culture of the race to nowhere is alive and well at MCPS magnet programs. Of course the students feed into it all and many go on to have a lot mental health issues down the line. My oldest was in RMIB and was miserable. The students turn their noses up to non IB students. They popped adderall to focus all night study sessions to stay ahead. They ridiculed and dropped anyone that left the IB for a more balanced life. “They couldn’t do it” I definitely believe they are making lists and there is probably a mom who helped start it talking to another mom on the phone. Then let the kids take over. There are some genuinely nice kids, but the majority think and act like they are better than everyone else.

Unfortunately, I agree. And it begins with some of the parents. Essentially having just one metric here - MAP M has made it way worse for the kids too. They are focused less on the joy of learning and more on one test where you have to study ahead for success.

So your answer here is to demonize hard work and ability?

It’s not one metric. It’s very clear that the essay is very important too, arguably more so if you don’t have 300 plus map scores

I'm not privy to this list or even aware that it actually exists, but I do have one of those rare kids with over 300 at TPMS. I asked DC if they'd heard of this, they said then even they checked two groups and couldn't find anything... I guess that doesn't prove anything but I honestly have to wonder if this is just some another DCUM fabrication.

My kid didn’t know about it either. But she also said she “wouldn’t be friends with kids who did that kind of thing,” so maybe it’s one particular friend group?

Well, my 300+ kid who is also on the math team says they don't know anything about this list also. They said the other math team kids are nice and funny and mostly tell silly jokes about Among Us.

The existence of an innocent list among kids trying to figure out who is going to a particular school (list does exist) is no indication of malice. This whole making a list of MAP scores is also not malice but just reflects the poor evaluation system. It is also true that almost all of the 300+ kids got in. Is it generally fair - I think yes. Does it lead to behavior focused on incentives - yes. can there be a better system - yes. it did exist before it got scrapped because of covid and other issues.

There is no list with MAP scores. That’s a DCUM invention.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This 300+ thing, it clearly went beyond fabrication at least in this thread.

For one, since MCPS eliminates CoGAT and emphasizes MAP-M as the only quantifiable metric for STEM magnet, kids have to chase higher scores to assure a better chance for an education that fits their needs.

For two, among the 300+ kids (yes, one of them is my DC), they set this as a little game with NEWA to seek the scoring mechanisms behind the test. They are proud to get a higher score, but nothing beyond that at least to my knowledge. The highest scorer doesn't get any reward. And kids in Roberto Clement and other local MSs also have these scores. Why set TPMS as a target? It's the fault of the evaluation system that uses a test that's not supposed to be used as a differentiation tool for the tail distribution.

My guess is that kids (and parents) put more weight on this than the committee does because it’s the only quantitative metric we have (beyond GPA, which probably has less variation.)

PP here. Just to give one data point, my DC also does two competitive sports since lower elementary, winning writing and public speaking contests, volunteering 200+ SSL hours (including hundred of hours teaching kids math), and dedicating all spare time to reading scientific blogs, learning coding, learning a 3rd foreign language (he/she is dual-lingual and learning one foreign language at school), and self-teaching to play a music instrument. DC writes these in his essay to demonstrate a wide range of interest beyond math.

For me, I know at boarderline, things are depending on luck. So what I told DC is trying your best to write your essay to demonstrate you are the perfect fit. It's their pity if not admitting you.

Impressive. I can’t imagine how he/she even has spare time to read blogs or learn a language after allowing for magnet commute and two sports. Wow.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:High Academic performance in COGAT or MAP = Prepped by Dr Li

Good Essays = They probably used an essay consultant

All around performance = Their parents had the luxury of time and money to ferry them to sports or music.

Hence all advanced programs should only have student ID put into a lottery and numbers pulled out like Powerball.

Could the kids have worked hard or just be smart??? Are you kidding!!! That could never happen.

But this is true of white kids as well, right?

High Academic performance in COGAT or MAP = Prepped at home

Good Essays = Proof-read and edited by a highly educated native English speaking parent

All around performance = Parents with time and energy to drive to travel soccer, volunteer opportunities, etc.

Hush. Get with the program. All Magnet acceptance posts on DCUM are for Asian bashing. You should not be saying "But others could have this advantage too"

LOL. I'm the PP and I'm writing as a white parent whose child was admitted to their preferred program(s). I fully acknowledge the ways in which my child's privilege is part of the equation here. In my case, it's not income (we're genuinely middle class, not just DCUM middle class), and it's not paid test prep, but it's pretty clear that my child's extracurriculars were a big part of their successful package. Those extracurriculars are extremely time consuming, and require one parent to either have a flexible work schedule or to be a SAHP.

There's nothing wrong with admitting that privilege is in the mix here. I can't undo the years that I spend driving my kid to their activity, and they have worked incredibly hard to get to the level that they have. It demonstrates something about them, for sure. But it would not have been possible without some specific circumstances at home.

Correct. And the choices you made (or had the ability to make) and priorities you had for your kid coupled with their interests. That is why I get particularly peeved when DCUM always characterizes Asians as not-intelligent robots coming through the Dr Li factory.

signed - An immigrant whose kid did not go to prep classes and got admitted to 7 Magnet programs.

DP I agree that characterization is unfair and racist. But I also think it appears in reaction to claims that Asian students are discriminated against by the selection committees, when there is absolutely no evidence to support this and overwhelming evidence that they are in fact over represented.

PP- My problem is there should be no concept of representation or over representation for these admissions. May the best kids get selected, whatever the criteria is. There should not be a "Your race is 13% of the population, so the 14th student who gets admitted in a 100 seat program means you are over-represented"

Look, I absolutely understand your frustration. And this is for anyone thinking kids like mine shouldn't have been chosen:
My kid is one of those "surprises" for Blair and I'm going to tell you how we approached application and perhaps it might help you see it in a different view. Why the committee chose them.
My kid knew they did not have the top map scores. They love math but science is their passion and that includes computer science too.
I don't want to identify myself or my child but because of my job, I approached the application as a job application. If a candidate doesn't have the top education or experience I listed on the job post, what do I want to see on the resume that could make me think yes, this is the IT guy I want.
So, in the award section, they listed awards or achievements strictly outside of school that showed discipline and hard work.
In the hobbies, they put one instrument (not a common one) one sports that takes discipline. One artistic hobby, two leasure ones and 2 that shows an interest in math science and computer science at home.
In the volunteer section, two that have nothing to do with SSL hours.
Their essay was written in their own voice, not very polished and rather short. They demonstrated a lifelong passion for science and computer science and strong work ethic as well as loving to collaborate with peers that they can learn from. Basically selling their soft skills as a way to offset a lower map score than others.
They were accepted into all of their choices so it means that different committees found their application compelling.
Remember that the map scores are only ONE criteria, the first one mentioned is a strong demonstrated interest in math science and computer science. They did not focus on math on the application but on all 3 subjects.
Again, I'm sorry. It feels unfair when the kid obviously worked very hard but that doesn't mean my kid deserves it less. My kid wants to be a scientist and they are doing stellar in science. Cogat was 99 percentile in 5th grade. They're a good fit for the magnet. Again I'm sorry.

What was the MAP score?

It was below 300!

Oh come on..0-300?

Not giving the exact number because there is a list the kids made that some parents have seen and I don't want to identify my child online.

I'm sorry but I have seen a number of comments here that TPMS magnet kids are making shareable lists of scores and admits and that is....toxic. Feeling compelled to collect and share that information is just not cool. That's a really bad behavior and cultural practice to feed (I mean culture of the way of thinking...not ethnicity). At a certain point it's not pride anymore: it's exclusivity and intellectual narcissism and it's not even a good luck for super gifted kids.

My kid is in the magnet and doesn't participate in this. They have a regular 98/99 MAP, but feel inferior to the kids who boast about 320s.

Do you not see all the parents here bragging? The toxic culture of the race to nowhere is alive and well at MCPS magnet programs. Of course the students feed into it all and many go on to have a lot mental health issues down the line. My oldest was in RMIB and was miserable. The students turn their noses up to non IB students. They popped adderall to focus all night study sessions to stay ahead. They ridiculed and dropped anyone that left the IB for a more balanced life. “They couldn’t do it” I definitely believe they are making lists and there is probably a mom who helped start it talking to another mom on the phone. Then let the kids take over. There are some genuinely nice kids, but the majority think and act like they are better than everyone else.

Unfortunately, I agree. And it begins with some of the parents. Essentially having just one metric here - MAP M has made it way worse for the kids too. They are focused less on the joy of learning and more on one test where you have to study ahead for success.

So your answer here is to demonize hard work and ability?

It’s not one metric. It’s very clear that the essay is very important too, arguably more so if you don’t have 300 plus map scores

I'm not privy to this list or even aware that it actually exists, but I do have one of those rare kids with over 300 at TPMS. I asked DC if they'd heard of this, they said then even they checked two groups and couldn't find anything... I guess that doesn't prove anything but I honestly have to wonder if this is just some another DCUM fabrication.

My kid didn’t know about it either. But she also said she “wouldn’t be friends with kids who did that kind of thing,” so maybe it’s one particular friend group?

Well, my 300+ kid who is also on the math team says they don't know anything about this list also. They said the other math team kids are nice and funny and mostly tell silly jokes about Among Us.

The existence of an innocent list among kids trying to figure out who is going to a particular school (list does exist) is no indication of malice. This whole making a list of MAP scores is also not malice but just reflects the poor evaluation system. It is also true that almost all of the 300+ kids got in. Is it generally fair - I think yes. Does it lead to behavior focused on incentives - yes. can there be a better system - yes. it did exist before it got scrapped because of covid and other issues.

Sure, I agree but I asked DC who has 300+ and got in about this because I'd like to see it. Unfortunately, they don't know anything about it.

I saw it. So there’s that data point.

Then share it because you could just be the same pushing another fake DCUM story.

[Anonymous]

I don't think the list is malicious. But I do think that it makes kids feel bad if they didn't get in and are watching many of their friends get in. It's kind of overwhelming. My kid wasn't even waitlisted and they are a straight A 99%ile TPMS magnet kid. They are not sad/lacking confidence, but they are definitely in their feelings about it (mostly anger and frustration).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:High Academic performance in COGAT or MAP = Prepped by Dr Li

Good Essays = They probably used an essay consultant

All around performance = Their parents had the luxury of time and money to ferry them to sports or music.

Hence all advanced programs should only have student ID put into a lottery and numbers pulled out like Powerball.

Could the kids have worked hard or just be smart??? Are you kidding!!! That could never happen.

But this is true of white kids as well, right?

High Academic performance in COGAT or MAP = Prepped at home

Good Essays = Proof-read and edited by a highly educated native English speaking parent

All around performance = Parents with time and energy to drive to travel soccer, volunteer opportunities, etc.

Hush. Get with the program. All Magnet acceptance posts on DCUM are for Asian bashing. You should not be saying "But others could have this advantage too"

LOL. I'm the PP and I'm writing as a white parent whose child was admitted to their preferred program(s). I fully acknowledge the ways in which my child's privilege is part of the equation here. In my case, it's not income (we're genuinely middle class, not just DCUM middle class), and it's not paid test prep, but it's pretty clear that my child's extracurriculars were a big part of their successful package. Those extracurriculars are extremely time consuming, and require one parent to either have a flexible work schedule or to be a SAHP.

There's nothing wrong with admitting that privilege is in the mix here. I can't undo the years that I spend driving my kid to their activity, and they have worked incredibly hard to get to the level that they have. It demonstrates something about them, for sure. But it would not have been possible without some specific circumstances at home.

Correct. And the choices you made (or had the ability to make) and priorities you had for your kid coupled with their interests. That is why I get particularly peeved when DCUM always characterizes Asians as not-intelligent robots coming through the Dr Li factory.

signed - An immigrant whose kid did not go to prep classes and got admitted to 7 Magnet programs.

DP I agree that characterization is unfair and racist. But I also think it appears in reaction to claims that Asian students are discriminated against by the selection committees, when there is absolutely no evidence to support this and overwhelming evidence that they are in fact over represented.

PP- My problem is there should be no concept of representation or over representation for these admissions. May the best kids get selected, whatever the criteria is. There should not be a "Your race is 13% of the population, so the 14th student who gets admitted in a 100 seat program means you are over-represented"

Look, I absolutely understand your frustration. And this is for anyone thinking kids like mine shouldn't have been chosen:
My kid is one of those "surprises" for Blair and I'm going to tell you how we approached application and perhaps it might help you see it in a different view. Why the committee chose them.
My kid knew they did not have the top map scores. They love math but science is their passion and that includes computer science too.
I don't want to identify myself or my child but because of my job, I approached the application as a job application. If a candidate doesn't have the top education or experience I listed on the job post, what do I want to see on the resume that could make me think yes, this is the IT guy I want.
So, in the award section, they listed awards or achievements strictly outside of school that showed discipline and hard work.
In the hobbies, they put one instrument (not a common one) one sports that takes discipline. One artistic hobby, two leasure ones and 2 that shows an interest in math science and computer science at home.
In the volunteer section, two that have nothing to do with SSL hours.
Their essay was written in their own voice, not very polished and rather short. They demonstrated a lifelong passion for science and computer science and strong work ethic as well as loving to collaborate with peers that they can learn from. Basically selling their soft skills as a way to offset a lower map score than others.
They were accepted into all of their choices so it means that different committees found their application compelling.
Remember that the map scores are only ONE criteria, the first one mentioned is a strong demonstrated interest in math science and computer science. They did not focus on math on the application but on all 3 subjects.
Again, I'm sorry. It feels unfair when the kid obviously worked very hard but that doesn't mean my kid deserves it less. My kid wants to be a scientist and they are doing stellar in science. Cogat was 99 percentile in 5th grade. They're a good fit for the magnet. Again I'm sorry.

What was the MAP score?

It was below 300!

Oh come on..0-300?

Not giving the exact number because there is a list the kids made that some parents have seen and I don't want to identify my child online.

I'm sorry but I have seen a number of comments here that TPMS magnet kids are making shareable lists of scores and admits and that is....toxic. Feeling compelled to collect and share that information is just not cool. That's a really bad behavior and cultural practice to feed (I mean culture of the way of thinking...not ethnicity). At a certain point it's not pride anymore: it's exclusivity and intellectual narcissism and it's not even a good luck for super gifted kids.

My kid is in the magnet and doesn't participate in this. They have a regular 98/99 MAP, but feel inferior to the kids who boast about 320s.

Do you not see all the parents here bragging? The toxic culture of the race to nowhere is alive and well at MCPS magnet programs. Of course the students feed into it all and many go on to have a lot mental health issues down the line. My oldest was in RMIB and was miserable. The students turn their noses up to non IB students. They popped adderall to focus all night study sessions to stay ahead. They ridiculed and dropped anyone that left the IB for a more balanced life. “They couldn’t do it” I definitely believe they are making lists and there is probably a mom who helped start it talking to another mom on the phone. Then let the kids take over. There are some genuinely nice kids, but the majority think and act like they are better than everyone else.

Unfortunately, I agree. And it begins with some of the parents. Essentially having just one metric here - MAP M has made it way worse for the kids too. They are focused less on the joy of learning and more on one test where you have to study ahead for success.

So your answer here is to demonize hard work and ability?

It’s not one metric. It’s very clear that the essay is very important too, arguably more so if you don’t have 300 plus map scores

I'm not privy to this list or even aware that it actually exists, but I do have one of those rare kids with over 300 at TPMS. I asked DC if they'd heard of this, they said then even they checked two groups and couldn't find anything... I guess that doesn't prove anything but I honestly have to wonder if this is just some another DCUM fabrication.

My kid didn’t know about it either. But she also said she “wouldn’t be friends with kids who did that kind of thing,” so maybe it’s one particular friend group?

Well, my 300+ kid who is also on the math team says they don't know anything about this list also. They said the other math team kids are nice and funny and mostly tell silly jokes about Among Us.

The existence of an innocent list among kids trying to figure out who is going to a particular school (list does exist) is no indication of malice. This whole making a list of MAP scores is also not malice but just reflects the poor evaluation system. It is also true that almost all of the 300+ kids got in. Is it generally fair - I think yes. Does it lead to behavior focused on incentives - yes. can there be a better system - yes. it did exist before it got scrapped because of covid and other issues.

There is no list with MAP scores. That’s a DCUM invention.

Agree, my kid happens to be one of those rare kids with that kind of score at TPMS and they don't know anything about this list.

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Anonymous wrote:High Academic performance in COGAT or MAP = Prepped by Dr Li

Good Essays = They probably used an essay consultant

All around performance = Their parents had the luxury of time and money to ferry them to sports or music.

Hence all advanced programs should only have student ID put into a lottery and numbers pulled out like Powerball.

Could the kids have worked hard or just be smart??? Are you kidding!!! That could never happen.

But this is true of white kids as well, right?

High Academic performance in COGAT or MAP = Prepped at home

Good Essays = Proof-read and edited by a highly educated native English speaking parent

All around performance = Parents with time and energy to drive to travel soccer, volunteer opportunities, etc.

Hush. Get with the program. All Magnet acceptance posts on DCUM are for Asian bashing. You should not be saying "But others could have this advantage too"

LOL. I'm the PP and I'm writing as a white parent whose child was admitted to their preferred program(s). I fully acknowledge the ways in which my child's privilege is part of the equation here. In my case, it's not income (we're genuinely middle class, not just DCUM middle class), and it's not paid test prep, but it's pretty clear that my child's extracurriculars were a big part of their successful package. Those extracurriculars are extremely time consuming, and require one parent to either have a flexible work schedule or to be a SAHP.

There's nothing wrong with admitting that privilege is in the mix here. I can't undo the years that I spend driving my kid to their activity, and they have worked incredibly hard to get to the level that they have. It demonstrates something about them, for sure. But it would not have been possible without some specific circumstances at home.

Correct. And the choices you made (or had the ability to make) and priorities you had for your kid coupled with their interests. That is why I get particularly peeved when DCUM always characterizes Asians as not-intelligent robots coming through the Dr Li factory.

signed - An immigrant whose kid did not go to prep classes and got admitted to 7 Magnet programs.

DP I agree that characterization is unfair and racist. But I also think it appears in reaction to claims that Asian students are discriminated against by the selection committees, when there is absolutely no evidence to support this and overwhelming evidence that they are in fact over represented.

PP- My problem is there should be no concept of representation or over representation for these admissions. May the best kids get selected, whatever the criteria is. There should not be a "Your race is 13% of the population, so the 14th student who gets admitted in a 100 seat program means you are over-represented"

Look, I absolutely understand your frustration. And this is for anyone thinking kids like mine shouldn't have been chosen:
My kid is one of those "surprises" for Blair and I'm going to tell you how we approached application and perhaps it might help you see it in a different view. Why the committee chose them.
My kid knew they did not have the top map scores. They love math but science is their passion and that includes computer science too.
I don't want to identify myself or my child but because of my job, I approached the application as a job application. If a candidate doesn't have the top education or experience I listed on the job post, what do I want to see on the resume that could make me think yes, this is the IT guy I want.
So, in the award section, they listed awards or achievements strictly outside of school that showed discipline and hard work.
In the hobbies, they put one instrument (not a common one) one sports that takes discipline. One artistic hobby, two leasure ones and 2 that shows an interest in math science and computer science at home.
In the volunteer section, two that have nothing to do with SSL hours.
Their essay was written in their own voice, not very polished and rather short. They demonstrated a lifelong passion for science and computer science and strong work ethic as well as loving to collaborate with peers that they can learn from. Basically selling their soft skills as a way to offset a lower map score than others.
They were accepted into all of their choices so it means that different committees found their application compelling.
Remember that the map scores are only ONE criteria, the first one mentioned is a strong demonstrated interest in math science and computer science. They did not focus on math on the application but on all 3 subjects.
Again, I'm sorry. It feels unfair when the kid obviously worked very hard but that doesn't mean my kid deserves it less. My kid wants to be a scientist and they are doing stellar in science. Cogat was 99 percentile in 5th grade. They're a good fit for the magnet. Again I'm sorry.

What was the MAP score?

It was below 300!

Oh come on..0-300?

Not giving the exact number because there is a list the kids made that some parents have seen and I don't want to identify my child online.

I'm sorry but I have seen a number of comments here that TPMS magnet kids are making shareable lists of scores and admits and that is....toxic. Feeling compelled to collect and share that information is just not cool. That's a really bad behavior and cultural practice to feed (I mean culture of the way of thinking...not ethnicity). At a certain point it's not pride anymore: it's exclusivity and intellectual narcissism and it's not even a good luck for super gifted kids.

My kid is in the magnet and doesn't participate in this. They have a regular 98/99 MAP, but feel inferior to the kids who boast about 320s.

Do you not see all the parents here bragging? The toxic culture of the race to nowhere is alive and well at MCPS magnet programs. Of course the students feed into it all and many go on to have a lot mental health issues down the line. My oldest was in RMIB and was miserable. The students turn their noses up to non IB students. They popped adderall to focus all night study sessions to stay ahead. They ridiculed and dropped anyone that left the IB for a more balanced life. “They couldn’t do it” I definitely believe they are making lists and there is probably a mom who helped start it talking to another mom on the phone. Then let the kids take over. There are some genuinely nice kids, but the majority think and act like they are better than everyone else.

Unfortunately, I agree. And it begins with some of the parents. Essentially having just one metric here - MAP M has made it way worse for the kids too. They are focused less on the joy of learning and more on one test where you have to study ahead for success.

So your answer here is to demonize hard work and ability?

It’s not one metric. It’s very clear that the essay is very important too, arguably more so if you don’t have 300 plus map scores

I'm not privy to this list or even aware that it actually exists, but I do have one of those rare kids with over 300 at TPMS. I asked DC if they'd heard of this, they said then even they checked two groups and couldn't find anything... I guess that doesn't prove anything but I honestly have to wonder if this is just some another DCUM fabrication.

My kid didn’t know about it either. But she also said she “wouldn’t be friends with kids who did that kind of thing,” so maybe it’s one particular friend group?

Well, my 300+ kid who is also on the math team says they don't know anything about this list also. They said the other math team kids are nice and funny and mostly tell silly jokes about Among Us.

The existence of an innocent list among kids trying to figure out who is going to a particular school (list does exist) is no indication of malice. This whole making a list of MAP scores is also not malice but just reflects the poor evaluation system. It is also true that almost all of the 300+ kids got in. Is it generally fair - I think yes. Does it lead to behavior focused on incentives - yes. can there be a better system - yes. it did exist before it got scrapped because of covid and other issues.

There is no list with MAP scores. That’s a DCUM invention.

Agree, my kid happens to be one of those rare kids with that kind of score at TPMS and they don't know anything about this list.

To be clear, there is a list. There is not a list with MAP scores. There is no ill intent behind the list just tracking who is going there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't think the list is malicious. But I do think that it makes kids feel bad if they didn't get in and are watching many of their friends get in. It's kind of overwhelming. My kid wasn't even waitlisted and they are a straight A 99%ile TPMS magnet kid. They are not sad/lacking confidence, but they are definitely in their feelings about it (mostly anger and frustration).

They have to seek it out to feel bad about themselves.

[Anonymous]

In four years time one of these same kids will make an informal list to track where they are all going to college or who is going to UMD. Will DCUM be angry about that too?

It looks like more than 40 kid got in.