How can we get in to Eleanor Roosevelt Science & Tech?

[Anonymous]

Any advice for a rising middle-schooler interested in science and technology? What sorts of things can we do now to prepare him for the test? Thanks

[Anonymous]

It's not a tricky test. There are two parts: reading and math, so if your child is well-read and in advanced math at school, he should be prepared. Also, grades count for 1/2 of the total score, so really focusing on keeping his grades up is really the best thing you can do to prepare.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's not a tricky test. There are two parts: reading and math, so if your child is well-read and in advanced math at school, he should be prepared. Also, grades count for 1/2 of the total score, so really focusing on keeping his grades up is really the best thing you can do to prepare.

Agreed about the grades. And make sure this is really a thing your middle schooler wants to do.

[Anonymous]

I do think it is a tricky test and the OP asks a good question. I've only been paying attention to this test for a little over 2 years - maybe others with longer experiences can share.

One of my kids took the test two years ago. I don't remember what the cut off number was but her results put her in the middle of the pack of kids who were admitted. She did years of kumon math, had a high GPA, was in the advanced math class in 7th and 8th grade at her public school, with a very good math teacher, and we sent her to a test prep course which I think really helped a lot. Only 8 kids at her school got in. Some others were wait listed - I don't know how many or if they ever got off the wait list.

The next year only 1 kid at her middle school tested in. A bunch were wait listed. The thing that changed was the very good math teacher retired and was replaced by a first-year teacher who was in way over her head.

I have another child who will take the test this coming year. She also has done years of kumon math, has a high GPA, and will take the test prep course. But she had the poor-performing math teacher last year for her 7th grade advanced math class and probably will again this year. I'm not feeling confident that she'll get in.

[Anonymous]

It seemed fairly straightforward to me. My child had straight As (which already gives 200 out of 400 points in the rubric. She was in geometry in 8th grade although there was no geometry on the test. It really focuses on Algebra (and even pre-algebra) skills. She had done well in Algebra. She didn't do any test prep and didn't seem to be at a disadvantage vis a vis her peers who did. The other quarter of the test is reading and she is a strong reader. I suppose a test prep could offer basic test taking skills (which really are good for taking standardized tests) but overall if your child is a good student and a "math" person, s/he will probably do well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It seemed fairly straightforward to me. My child had straight As (which already gives 200 out of 400 points in the rubric. She was in geometry in 8th grade although there was no geometry on the test. It really focuses on Algebra (and even pre-algebra) skills. She had done well in Algebra. She didn't do any test prep and didn't seem to be at a disadvantage vis a vis her peers who did. The other quarter of the test is reading and she is a strong reader. I suppose a test prep could offer basic test taking skills (which really are good for taking standardized tests) but overall if your child is a good student and a "math" person, s/he will probably do well.

How many kids at her middle school got in?

[Anonymous]

Is it common for 8th graders to take geometry? I don't think my kids' school offers that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is it common for 8th graders to take geometry? I don't think my kids' school offers that.

It's offered at some specialty and magnet programs (CMIT, College Park Academy, TAG Magnet and was offered at Dora Kennedy French Immersion although I've heard they're discontinuing it).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It seemed fairly straightforward to me. My child had straight As (which already gives 200 out of 400 points in the rubric. She was in geometry in 8th grade although there was no geometry on the test. It really focuses on Algebra (and even pre-algebra) skills. She had done well in Algebra. She didn't do any test prep and didn't seem to be at a disadvantage vis a vis her peers who did. The other quarter of the test is reading and she is a strong reader. I suppose a test prep could offer basic test taking skills (which really are good for taking standardized tests) but overall if your child is a good student and a "math" person, s/he will probably do well.

How many kids at her middle school got in?

She went to a magnet program so a lot of the kids were zoned for Flowers rather than ERHS. In her class of about 25, at least 15 got into one of the sci-tech programs (although the cut offs for flowers are lower than ERHS)

[Anonymous]

I think the accurate description of how to get in to ERHS S/T is:

1. Find a way to get your kid a strong math education in elem and middle school (magnet program, tutoring, online programs, whatever)
2. Find a way to make sure your kid has good reading skills (weekly library visits, newspapers and magazines in the home, writing letters, etc, etc.)
3. Set a high bar to get good grades

Cover those 3 things, plus a dose of solid test-taking skills, and you're in.

[Anonymous]

The grades that count all all four quarters of 7th grade, and the first quarter of 8th grade.

Math, English, Science and Social Studies.

(I think they got an extra "quality point" added to the grade if it was an advanced math class.

So if you child takes algebra in 7th grade and earns an A that is 5 points, not 4

Taking Geometry in 8th grade also adds a point.)

When I did the math, it looked to me like grades for 5 semesters= 1/3 of the points
Math test = 1/3 of the points
Reading test = 1/3 of the points.

PPs said that grades were 1/2 of the points, but I'm not so sure -- will look it up.


Looks like the PSAT is going to be added as part of the testing process. I wonder if this will actually replace the old test that they were using? That would please me, as we had no idea what that test was or if it was valid at all! (Not sure the PSAT is either -- but at least I know what it is, there are study guides, etc.)

http://www1.pgcps.org/testing/index.aspx?id=54930

New for 2016-2017 School Year:
The Preliminary SAT (PSAT 8/9) will be used as part of the entrance criteria for Speciality Programs: Science and Technology, Academy of Health Sciences, and Aerospace Engineering and Aviation Technology.
Testing will occur for grade 8 students the week of December 5, 2016 at their boundary school. Grade 8 students must still apply for the program(s) of their choice if they wish to be considered for admission.

[Anonymous]

Here's the official rubric:

http://www1.pgcps.org/eleanorroosevelt/index.aspx?id=200289

it says grades are 1/2, math test 1/4 and verbal test 1/4 so I was wrong

It also says no weighted scores... I'm still not so sure.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Here's the official rubric:

http://www1.pgcps.org/eleanorroosevelt/index.aspx?id=200289

it says grades are 1/2, math test 1/4 and verbal test 1/4 so I was wrong

It also says no weighted scores... I'm still not so sure.

Indeed, no weighted scores so an A for 7th grade math or pre-algebra is the same as an A in Algebra...

[Anonymous]

I'm surprised my child even made it in to Roosevelt in that case with all those Bs in math and advanced science!

I was told that you generally need at a minimum a 3.5 average to get into ERHS. That's with good test scores as well.

[Anonymous]

How many seats are available for the 9th graders who will be. Going to 10th grade in science and tech eleanor roosevelt