Magnet application result High School

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Regarding the list, in previous years TP sometimes publish the final decision of the kids online. For example, this one:
https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/siteassets/schools/middle-schools/s-w/takomaparkms/uploadedfiles/promoprogram2021pdf.pdf

Why now it is considered a malicious behavior to collect such information on discord group among the students?

I think there’s a difference between sharing a list of the high schools the kids will attend and a list of the programs the kids were admitted to.

It’s not a list of where they were admitted. It’s a list of the kids who are going to Blair magnet. Kids who were admitted and are turning it down are not on it.

It's a list of kids who are going to Blair high school, not Blair magnet. Duh.

[Anonymous]

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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?

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.

My TPMS magnet 8th grader has heard of this group chat but has never been invited to participate. If the kids are so lovely, normal, and supportive, why not open it up to the entire class rather than make some kids feel like they’re not wanted?

Wait, so now it's some kind of a secret society?? God, what's going on there at TPMS!

A lot of kids,schools and groups have this especially on discord.

It’s a word of mouth discord chat with almost all of the kids in it. It’s not exclusive. Your kid can certainly be added. It’s really unfair to characterize these great kids chatting as something underhand.

It is a blessing not being part of the group, having seen one of the TPMS one

I looked at the varsity math team chat by logging into my kids account. There's no mention of this stuff.

I also logged into DC discord account and didn't see anything. They were admitted to blair and currently at TPMS so no clue what these people are talking about.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Regarding the list, in previous years TP sometimes publish the final decision of the kids online. For example, this one:
https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/siteassets/schools/middle-schools/s-w/takomaparkms/uploadedfiles/promoprogram2021pdf.pdf

Why now it is considered a malicious behavior to collect such information on discord group among the students?

I think there’s a difference between sharing a list of the high schools the kids will attend and a list of the programs the kids were admitted to.

It’s not a list of where they were admitted. It’s a list of the kids who are going to Blair magnet. Kids who were admitted and are turning it down are not on it.

It's a list of kids who are going to Blair high school, not Blair magnet. Duh.

Oh, no wonder. I guess this is very DCUM since it's a lot of hype about nothing...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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).

So did kids with lower scores that your child get in? Is that the cause of anger/frustration?

I don't know and they didn't say that. I think they are just frustrated that they are part of a "group" now that they now know they won't be part of anymore and that is kind of confusing to kids who feel like they are hanging just fine with their peers academically. My kid got into three other magnets so it's not a confidence issue or an "am I good enough" issue, and they will likely remain in the same school as their friends, but they are just kind of bummed about breaking up the band, you know? It's not the end of the world. Builds resilience.

It’s seems there are a number of kids in this position from the magnet middle schools. In my opinion (not an original opinion certainly) it’s a pretty broken process. The way selections are made is not transparent and there is absolutely an element of luck involved when it’s a poor process. It’s not kind to kids to invite them to a magnet middle school where they excel and then disinvite them from the programs all of their friends are going on to. I’m speaking from a social development perspective. I get that parents are going to come at me and say that’s just life, the kids need to learn to handle it, but my point is that the process could and should be much better designed. Even just look at the way notifications went out, so unkind to those kids who are now left with no invitations. And these kids would have had even stronger applications if they hadn’t gone to a magnet middle school. I’ve learned that magnet programs might be good for academics, but this process is absolutely not good for our children’s social development.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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).

So did kids with lower scores that your child get in? Is that the cause of anger/frustration?

I don't know and they didn't say that. I think they are just frustrated that they are part of a "group" now that they now know they won't be part of anymore and that is kind of confusing to kids who feel like they are hanging just fine with their peers academically. My kid got into three other magnets so it's not a confidence issue or an "am I good enough" issue, and they will likely remain in the same school as their friends, but they are just kind of bummed about breaking up the band, you know? It's not the end of the world. Builds resilience.

It’s seems there are a number of kids in this position from the magnet middle schools. In my opinion (not an original opinion certainly) it’s a pretty broken process. The way selections are made is not transparent and there is absolutely an element of luck involved when it’s a poor process. It’s not kind to kids to invite them to a magnet middle school where they excel and then disinvite them from the programs all of their friends are going on to. I’m speaking from a social development perspective. I get that parents are going to come at me and say that’s just life, the kids need to learn to handle it, but my point is that the process could and should be much better designed. Even just look at the way notifications went out, so unkind to those kids who are now left with no invitations. And these kids would have had even stronger applications if they hadn’t gone to a magnet middle school. I’ve learned that magnet programs might be good for academics, but this process is absolutely not good for our children’s social development.

I realize that this may just be selection bias, but the kids at Eastern's magnet program seem to have done very well this cycle. A lot of kids choosing between CAP and RMIB but also some who may pivot to STEM programs for HS.

I'm also not sure what you mean about the notifications being unkind. What would have improved the process in your mind? Weekend notifications?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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).

So did kids with lower scores that your child get in? Is that the cause of anger/frustration?

I don't know and they didn't say that. I think they are just frustrated that they are part of a "group" now that they now know they won't be part of anymore and that is kind of confusing to kids who feel like they are hanging just fine with their peers academically. My kid got into three other magnets so it's not a confidence issue or an "am I good enough" issue, and they will likely remain in the same school as their friends, but they are just kind of bummed about breaking up the band, you know? It's not the end of the world. Builds resilience.

It’s seems there are a number of kids in this position from the magnet middle schools. In my opinion (not an original opinion certainly) it’s a pretty broken process. The way selections are made is not transparent and there is absolutely an element of luck involved when it’s a poor process. It’s not kind to kids to invite them to a magnet middle school where they excel and then disinvite them from the programs all of their friends are going on to. I’m speaking from a social development perspective. I get that parents are going to come at me and say that’s just life, the kids need to learn to handle it, but my point is that the process could and should be much better designed. Even just look at the way notifications went out, so unkind to those kids who are now left with no invitations. And these kids would have had even stronger applications if they hadn’t gone to a magnet middle school. I’ve learned that magnet programs might be good for academics, but this process is absolutely not good for our children’s social development.

You make a lot of claims here but failed to back any of it up. I get that you're disgruntled and frustrated but just making a bunch of random statements isn't helpful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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).

So did kids with lower scores that your child get in? Is that the cause of anger/frustration?

I don't know and they didn't say that. I think they are just frustrated that they are part of a "group" now that they now know they won't be part of anymore and that is kind of confusing to kids who feel like they are hanging just fine with their peers academically. My kid got into three other magnets so it's not a confidence issue or an "am I good enough" issue, and they will likely remain in the same school as their friends, but they are just kind of bummed about breaking up the band, you know? It's not the end of the world. Builds resilience.

It’s seems there are a number of kids in this position from the magnet middle schools. In my opinion (not an original opinion certainly) it’s a pretty broken process. The way selections are made is not transparent and there is absolutely an element of luck involved when it’s a poor process. It’s not kind to kids to invite them to a magnet middle school where they excel and then disinvite them from the programs all of their friends are going on to. I’m speaking from a social development perspective. I get that parents are going to come at me and say that’s just life, the kids need to learn to handle it, but my point is that the process could and should be much better designed. Even just look at the way notifications went out, so unkind to those kids who are now left with no invitations. And these kids would have had even stronger applications if they hadn’t gone to a magnet middle school. I’ve learned that magnet programs might be good for academics, but this process is absolutely not good for our children’s social development.

It is certainly a bummer for TPMS kids when they don't get into the hs program of choice, but this has been the case for years and years. It is not related to the current system. I have kids who went through TPMS in the CogAT and magnet specific test days. About 1/2 the magnet TPMS kids got into Blair. 1/4 - 1/3 didn't get into any programs. The same could said for CES to MS. It's tough, but there should be opportunities for kids who didn't get into a CES, no? There was a nonmag kid at TPMS who really worked to develop math depth on her own. She got into Blair and is likely premed now. Super smart. Should the doors be closed to her? I know it's easy for me to say as my kids got into the programs they had hoped for. But, we know a few TPMS kids at regular Blair who are doing fine. I think it's a shame that there is chatter or lists, even if it is all friendly, for the kids who didn't get great news. But, things well settle down. There will be interesting electives and good APs at whatever hs kids attend. There's always DE too. You will just have to help them find the enrichment. Hang in there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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).

So did kids with lower scores that your child get in? Is that the cause of anger/frustration?

I don't know and they didn't say that. I think they are just frustrated that they are part of a "group" now that they now know they won't be part of anymore and that is kind of confusing to kids who feel like they are hanging just fine with their peers academically. My kid got into three other magnets so it's not a confidence issue or an "am I good enough" issue, and they will likely remain in the same school as their friends, but they are just kind of bummed about breaking up the band, you know? It's not the end of the world. Builds resilience.

It’s seems there are a number of kids in this position from the magnet middle schools. In my opinion (not an original opinion certainly) it’s a pretty broken process. The way selections are made is not transparent and there is absolutely an element of luck involved when it’s a poor process. It’s not kind to kids to invite them to a magnet middle school where they excel and then disinvite them from the programs all of their friends are going on to. I’m speaking from a social development perspective. I get that parents are going to come at me and say that’s just life, the kids need to learn to handle it, but my point is that the process could and should be much better designed. Even just look at the way notifications went out, so unkind to those kids who are now left with no invitations. And these kids would have had even stronger applications if they hadn’t gone to a magnet middle school. I’ve learned that magnet programs might be good for academics, but this process is absolutely not good for our children’s social development.

It is certainly a bummer for TPMS kids when they don't get into the hs program of choice, but this has been the case for years and years. It is not related to the current system. I have kids who went through TPMS in the CogAT and magnet specific test days. About 1/2 the magnet TPMS kids got into Blair. 1/4 - 1/3 didn't get into any programs. The same could said for CES to MS. It's tough, but there should be opportunities for kids who didn't get into a CES, no? There was a nonmag kid at TPMS who really worked to develop math depth on her own. She got into Blair and is likely premed now. Super smart. Should the doors be closed to her? I know it's easy for me to say as my kids got into the programs they had hoped for. But, we know a few TPMS kids at regular Blair who are doing fine. I think it's a shame that there is chatter or lists, even if it is all friendly, for the kids who didn't get great news. But, things well settle down. There will be interesting electives and good APs at whatever hs kids attend. There's always DE too. You will just have to help them find the enrichment. Hang in there.

Based on what I've read over the years I'd estimate that about 400 of the 800 applicants to Blair SMCS look about the same on paper (i.e. 4.0+99%). This means that beyond a point it may come down to whether the essay resonated with a reader or just a roll of the dice. I have a kid that will be applying in the not too distant future so I get how frustrating this is and I don't feel the other programs are a good fit for my student's interests. However, just taking AP classes at their base school gets them a comparable education. They can still take AP CS, Calc BC, AP Physics etc. and even have a little more time to be well rounded. However, this plays out for them I'm fine with it. They aren't interested in Wheaton or RM etc. In fact, Blair's their home school and they'll likely end up taking 8/16 magnet classes by the time they graduate anyway.

[Anonymous]

I get where you're coming from but please have some perspective. There were plenty of kids who got into magnet in 3-5 grade who then didn't get into Eastern or Tacoma. These kids went back to their home school for 6-8 grade. Many of them developed new friendships and thrived. I know many of them have now been accepted to magnets for HS. Some of them are indecisive about going or not. The kids who did not get into magnet will be ok. Life goes on, be resilience, and let them grow. As a parent, we should give our kids perspective.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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).

So did kids with lower scores that your child get in? Is that the cause of anger/frustration?

I don't know and they didn't say that. I think they are just frustrated that they are part of a "group" now that they now know they won't be part of anymore and that is kind of confusing to kids who feel like they are hanging just fine with their peers academically. My kid got into three other magnets so it's not a confidence issue or an "am I good enough" issue, and they will likely remain in the same school as their friends, but they are just kind of bummed about breaking up the band, you know? It's not the end of the world. Builds resilience.

It’s seems there are a number of kids in this position from the magnet middle schools. In my opinion (not an original opinion certainly) it’s a pretty broken process. The way selections are made is not transparent and there is absolutely an element of luck involved when it’s a poor process. It’s not kind to kids to invite them to a magnet middle school where they excel and then disinvite them from the programs all of their friends are going on to. I’m speaking from a social development perspective. I get that parents are going to come at me and say that’s just life, the kids need to learn to handle it, but my point is that the process could and should be much better designed. Even just look at the way notifications went out, so unkind to those kids who are now left with no invitations. And these kids would have had even stronger applications if they hadn’t gone to a magnet middle school. I’ve learned that magnet programs might be good for academics, but this process is absolutely not good for our children’s social development.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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).

So did kids with lower scores that your child get in? Is that the cause of anger/frustration?

I don't know and they didn't say that. I think they are just frustrated that they are part of a "group" now that they now know they won't be part of anymore and that is kind of confusing to kids who feel like they are hanging just fine with their peers academically. My kid got into three other magnets so it's not a confidence issue or an "am I good enough" issue, and they will likely remain in the same school as their friends, but they are just kind of bummed about breaking up the band, you know? It's not the end of the world. Builds resilience.

It’s seems there are a number of kids in this position from the magnet middle schools. In my opinion (not an original opinion certainly) it’s a pretty broken process. The way selections are made is not transparent and there is absolutely an element of luck involved when it’s a poor process. It’s not kind to kids to invite them to a magnet middle school where they excel and then disinvite them from the programs all of their friends are going on to. I’m speaking from a social development perspective. I get that parents are going to come at me and say that’s just life, the kids need to learn to handle it, but my point is that the process could and should be much better designed. Even just look at the way notifications went out, so unkind to those kids who are now left with no invitations. And these kids would have had even stronger applications if they hadn’t gone to a magnet middle school. I’ve learned that magnet programs might be good for academics, but this process is absolutely not good for our children’s social development.

So the kids at the MS Magnets are suppose to what always get their first choice or be first placement in the HS magnet program? What about all the equally qualified students not in a magnet? Many of them if accepted will be leaving their friend group. Exactly how is the process unfair based on what you’re stating? You and your child chose to go to the magnet MS knowing that for 9th great they have to go to their home HS or get accepted to a HS magnet/special program through the same process as all of HS bound students. If anything, you seem to be advocating for the process to give preference to the magnet MS kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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).

So did kids with lower scores that your child get in? Is that the cause of anger/frustration?

I don't know and they didn't say that. I think they are just frustrated that they are part of a "group" now that they now know they won't be part of anymore and that is kind of confusing to kids who feel like they are hanging just fine with their peers academically. My kid got into three other magnets so it's not a confidence issue or an "am I good enough" issue, and they will likely remain in the same school as their friends, but they are just kind of bummed about breaking up the band, you know? It's not the end of the world. Builds resilience.

It’s seems there are a number of kids in this position from the magnet middle schools. In my opinion (not an original opinion certainly) it’s a pretty broken process. The way selections are made is not transparent and there is absolutely an element of luck involved when it’s a poor process. It’s not kind to kids to invite them to a magnet middle school where they excel and then disinvite them from the programs all of their friends are going on to. I’m speaking from a social development perspective. I get that parents are going to come at me and say that’s just life, the kids need to learn to handle it, but my point is that the process could and should be much better designed. Even just look at the way notifications went out, so unkind to those kids who are now left with no invitations. And these kids would have had even stronger applications if they hadn’t gone to a magnet middle school. I’ve learned that magnet programs might be good for academics, but this process is absolutely not good for our children’s social development.

It is certainly a bummer for TPMS kids when they don't get into the hs program of choice, but this has been the case for years and years. It is not related to the current system. I have kids who went through TPMS in the CogAT and magnet specific test days. About 1/2 the magnet TPMS kids got into Blair. 1/4 - 1/3 didn't get into any programs. The same could said for CES to MS. It's tough, but there should be opportunities for kids who didn't get into a CES, no? There was a nonmag kid at TPMS who really worked to develop math depth on her own. She got into Blair and is likely premed now. Super smart. Should the doors be closed to her? I know it's easy for me to say as my kids got into the programs they had hoped for. But, we know a few TPMS kids at regular Blair who are doing fine. I think it's a shame that there is chatter or lists, even if it is all friendly, for the kids who didn't get great news. But, things well settle down. There will be interesting electives and good APs at whatever hs kids attend. There's always DE too. You will just have to help them find the enrichment. Hang in there.

Based on what I've read over the years I'd estimate that about 400 of the 800 applicants to Blair SMCS look about the same on paper (i.e. 4.0+99%). This means that beyond a point it may come down to whether the essay resonated with a reader or just a roll of the dice. I have a kid that will be applying in the not too distant future so I get how frustrating this is and I don't feel the other programs are a good fit for my student's interests. However, just taking AP classes at their base school gets them a comparable education. They can still take AP CS, Calc BC, AP Physics etc. and even have a little more time to be well rounded. However, this plays out for them I'm fine with it. They aren't interested in Wheaton or RM etc. In fact, Blair's their home school and they'll likely end up taking 8/16 magnet classes by the time they graduate anyway.

When we went through this, I made a spreadsheet of what DC's schedule might look like if they were in the magnet and another if they were at their homeschool. The homeschool option was a lot better than I expected. Sure, they might get a semester ahead in CS or maybe some extra research class in the magnet, but I don't think any of that will make a lot of difference in the long run.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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).

So did kids with lower scores that your child get in? Is that the cause of anger/frustration?

I don't know and they didn't say that. I think they are just frustrated that they are part of a "group" now that they now know they won't be part of anymore and that is kind of confusing to kids who feel like they are hanging just fine with their peers academically. My kid got into three other magnets so it's not a confidence issue or an "am I good enough" issue, and they will likely remain in the same school as their friends, but they are just kind of bummed about breaking up the band, you know? It's not the end of the world. Builds resilience.

It’s seems there are a number of kids in this position from the magnet middle schools. In my opinion (not an original opinion certainly) it’s a pretty broken process. The way selections are made is not transparent and there is absolutely an element of luck involved when it’s a poor process. It’s not kind to kids to invite them to a magnet middle school where they excel and then disinvite them from the programs all of their friends are going on to. I’m speaking from a social development perspective. I get that parents are going to come at me and say that’s just life, the kids need to learn to handle it, but my point is that the process could and should be much better designed. Even just look at the way notifications went out, so unkind to those kids who are now left with no invitations. And these kids would have had even stronger applications if they hadn’t gone to a magnet middle school. I’ve learned that magnet programs might be good for academics, but this process is absolutely not good for our children’s social development.

So the kids at the MS Magnets are suppose to what always get their first choice or be first placement in the HS magnet program? What about all the equally qualified students not in a magnet? Many of them if accepted will be leaving their friend group. Exactly how is the process unfair based on what you’re stating? You and your child chose to go to the magnet MS knowing that for 9th great they have to go to their home HS or get accepted to a HS magnet/special program through the same process as all of HS bound students. If anything, you seem to be advocating for the process to give preference to the magnet MS kids.

Well, then you'll be relieved to know there is no preference for MS magnet kids. In fact, MCPS is staunchly opposed to tracking and that' what this would be.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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).

So did kids with lower scores that your child get in? Is that the cause of anger/frustration?

I don't know and they didn't say that. I think they are just frustrated that they are part of a "group" now that they now know they won't be part of anymore and that is kind of confusing to kids who feel like they are hanging just fine with their peers academically. My kid got into three other magnets so it's not a confidence issue or an "am I good enough" issue, and they will likely remain in the same school as their friends, but they are just kind of bummed about breaking up the band, you know? It's not the end of the world. Builds resilience.

It’s seems there are a number of kids in this position from the magnet middle schools. In my opinion (not an original opinion certainly) it’s a pretty broken process. The way selections are made is not transparent and there is absolutely an element of luck involved when it’s a poor process. It’s not kind to kids to invite them to a magnet middle school where they excel and then disinvite them from the programs all of their friends are going on to. I’m speaking from a social development perspective. I get that parents are going to come at me and say that’s just life, the kids need to learn to handle it, but my point is that the process could and should be much better designed. Even just look at the way notifications went out, so unkind to those kids who are now left with no invitations. And these kids would have had even stronger applications if they hadn’t gone to a magnet middle school. I’ve learned that magnet programs might be good for academics, but this process is absolutely not good for our children’s social development.

You make a lot of claims here but failed to back any of it up. I get that you're disgruntled and frustrated but just making a bunch of random statements isn't helpful.

Your response is overly hostile and way out of proportion. She has some valid points and I'm sorry for what her child is experiencing. Middle school can be an emotional time and it's hard knowing you won't be part of the group you've been with for three years. I agree the notifications should have gone out late as in previous years. It may be more convenient for MCPS to send everything out during work hours but it created a lot of unnecessary stress for some children. Students were literally standing over other students pushing them to check the emails on their Chromebook.

PP, I don't think being in a magnet hurt your child's chances. She is richer for the experience. Not everyone gets a chance to have the accelerated curriculum at TPMS and get access to that kind of peer group. They will still continue to be friends and she will have those connections forever.

[Anonymous]

I think being at TPMS or another magnet middle school makes the process that much harder from a social perspective because there will be a core group going to Blair and practically everyone applied.

My child got in from their regular MS and when they were trying to figure out if any friends got in the response she got most often was what are you talking about. They were paying no attention to the application process. These are top students who are in the cohorted math and history classes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think being at TPMS or another magnet middle school makes the process that much harder from a social perspective because there will be a core group going to Blair and practically everyone applied.

My child got in from their regular MS and when they were trying to figure out if any friends got in the response she got most often was what are you talking about. They were paying no attention to the application process. These are top students who are in the cohorted math and history classes.

My child will not go to hs with any kids they know. With the consortium this is normal. Clearly they are not always the top students. More than likely at least 500 of those kids who applied deserved a spot.