Big 3 (or thereabouts) College Results - Class of 2021

[Anonymous]

I have a child excelling in a top private (As etc but also sports) who tests beautifully and even I hope SATs never come back. It’s a racket. Either we come up with a better standardized test and/or truly start valuing a fully rounded child or both, but we should not go back to the system of essay counselor factories and SAT prep cram schools deciding the admissions. It’s just all misaligned the way it was. There are countries with those systems and their societies are structured in line with that so plenty to choose for cram school type parents.

[Anonymous]

I think the truth is more nuanced than this board suggests. Parents happy with the admissions are probably keeping quiet b/c would get torn apart or think it’s uncouth, but there are many.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why do people want to move to an area with better public schools, even though they have to pay more for a similar house? The reason is that the education, on average, is much better in the better school: peers, on average, are better; teachers, on average, are better; facilities, on average, are better; course offerings, on average, are better. The expected education outcome is better. Otherwise, why would invest in schools at all?

Exactly! You also have some families who value different grades. I have two kids at top elementary school in DC, I plan to go private for middle/High. You have some people that do private for elementary and middle, public for High.

Good luck. Do you know this is easier said than done? At our top (JKLM) DCPS elementary last year, at least 12 kids applied to the top privates at 6th and one got in. ONE. It's not like you can just "go private for middle school" unless you go several tiers down for private.

I just love this. First, it's so barfworthy to say "JKLM." Plus it's so ridiculous to claim to be in the know about what every kid in your school is doing. "At least 12 applied and only one got in?" What are you doing, stalking your neighbors?

You're all so damned competitive.

I knew where kids applied because I was friendly with many parents in the class and we all talked. I know where kids ended up attending 6th grade because it was common knowledge and printed in the graduation program.
You're apparently the weirdo without friends among parents at your child's school.

Just stop it. The so-called JKLM schools are not small. Did you talk to every single parent? I guarantee that you didn't, because there are enough "weirdos" there like me -- you know, the type who have better things to do than obsess over their kids and gossip over who is going where for 6th grade -- to prevent you from getting all the information that you appear to crave.

It is absolutely NOT "common knowledge" that 12 of your silly kid's classmates applied to private schools and one got in. It just isn't.

Weirdo.

It's wei

Good Lord.
If anything the odds were longer---I'm sure I didn't know everyone who applied. I did know where they ended up attending--it was broadcast to the entire grade in the program in June. There was ONE kid who ended up getting in and going to a Big3 private.

Why are you so set on arguing this point? I don't get it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a child excelling in a top private (As etc but also sports) who tests beautifully and even I hope SATs never come back. It’s a racket. Either we come up with a better standardized test and/or truly start valuing a fully rounded child or both, but we should not go back to the system of essay counselor factories and SAT prep cram schools deciding the admissions. It’s just all misaligned the way it was. There are countries with those systems and their societies are structured in line with that so plenty to choose for cram school type parents.

Most countries have exams as the primary if not the sole means of entrance to university. The US is too diverse in its education systems to rely on GPA alone. They need something that works as a potential equalizer. The SATs and ACTs are what they are. They help some and hurt others and for most they are simply a verification of the rest of the file.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why do people want to move to an area with better public schools, even though they have to pay more for a similar house? The reason is that the education, on average, is much better in the better school: peers, on average, are better; teachers, on average, are better; facilities, on average, are better; course offerings, on average, are better. The expected education outcome is better. Otherwise, why would invest in schools at all?

Exactly! You also have some families who value different grades. I have two kids at top elementary school in DC, I plan to go private for middle/High. You have some people that do private for elementary and middle, public for High.

Good luck. Do you know this is easier said than done? At our top (JKLM) DCPS elementary last year, at least 12 kids applied to the top privates at 6th and one got in. ONE. It's not like you can just "go private for middle school" unless you go several tiers down for private.

I just love this. First, it's so barfworthy to say "JKLM." Plus it's so ridiculous to claim to be in the know about what every kid in your school is doing. "At least 12 applied and only one got in?" What are you doing, stalking your neighbors?

You're all so damned competitive.

I knew where kids applied because I was friendly with many parents in the class and we all talked. I know where kids ended up attending 6th grade because it was common knowledge and printed in the graduation program.
You're apparently the weirdo without friends among parents at your child's school.

Just stop it. The so-called JKLM schools are not small. Did you talk to every single parent? I guarantee that you didn't, because there are enough "weirdos" there like me -- you know, the type who have better things to do than obsess over their kids and gossip over who is going where for 6th grade -- to prevent you from getting all the information that you appear to crave.

It is absolutely NOT "common knowledge" that 12 of your silly kid's classmates applied to private schools and one got in. It just isn't.

Weirdo.

It's wei

Good Lord.
If anything the odds were longer---I'm sure I didn't know everyone who applied. I did know where they ended up attending--it was broadcast to the entire grade in the program in June. There was ONE kid who ended up getting in and going to a Big3 private.

Why are you so set on arguing this point? I don't get it.

Because you're so demonstrably weird and wrong and it's annoying AF. Even if it's true that only one went, it doesn't mean that only one got in! You just admitted that you're sure you "didn't know everyone who applied" so how do you know everyone who got in?? Also, did you consider the possibility that there are other very strong students at these schools who could have gotten in but didn't apply because their parents are interested? Bottom line: your inaccurate and incomplete data obtained from gossiping and obsessing doesn't prove a thing. Other than that you need to get a life, that is.

[Anonymous]

Exactly, but the exams in most countries are not privatized with a whole bunch of cross-sell products that leave the very children they are meant to open the doors behind.

Sports, poetry, other pursuits are what tells us who the child is
since many parents don’t let them write their own essays any longer either.

[Anonymous]

*aren't interested

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why do people want to move to an area with better public schools, even though they have to pay more for a similar house? The reason is that the education, on average, is much better in the better school: peers, on average, are better; teachers, on average, are better; facilities, on average, are better; course offerings, on average, are better. The expected education outcome is better. Otherwise, why would invest in schools at all?

Exactly! You also have some families who value different grades. I have two kids at top elementary school in DC, I plan to go private for middle/High. You have some people that do private for elementary and middle, public for High.

Good luck. Do you know this is easier said than done? At our top (JKLM) DCPS elementary last year, at least 12 kids applied to the top privates at 6th and one got in. ONE. It's not like you can just "go private for middle school" unless you go several tiers down for private.

I just love this. First, it's so barfworthy to say "JKLM." Plus it's so ridiculous to claim to be in the know about what every kid in your school is doing. "At least 12 applied and only one got in?" What are you doing, stalking your neighbors?

You're all so damned competitive.

I knew where kids applied because I was friendly with many parents in the class and we all talked. I know where kids ended up attending 6th grade because it was common knowledge and printed in the graduation program.
You're apparently the weirdo without friends among parents at your child's school.

Just stop it. The so-called JKLM schools are not small. Did you talk to every single parent? I guarantee that you didn't, because there are enough "weirdos" there like me -- you know, the type who have better things to do than obsess over their kids and gossip over who is going where for 6th grade -- to prevent you from getting all the information that you appear to crave.

It is absolutely NOT "common knowledge" that 12 of your silly kid's classmates applied to private schools and one got in. It just isn't.

Weirdo.

It's wei

Good Lord.
If anything the odds were longer---I'm sure I didn't know everyone who applied. I did know where they ended up attending--it was broadcast to the entire grade in the program in June. There was ONE kid who ended up getting in and going to a Big3 private.

Why are you so set on arguing this point? I don't get it.

Because you're so demonstrably weird and wrong and it's annoying AF. Even if it's true that only one went, it doesn't mean that only one got in! You just admitted that you're sure you "didn't know everyone who applied" so how do you know everyone who got in?? Also, did you consider the possibility that there are other very strong students at these schools who could have gotten in but didn't apply because their parents are interested? Bottom line: your inaccurate and incomplete data obtained from gossiping and obsessing doesn't prove a thing. Other than that you need to get a life, that is.

You’re not wrong. These are fantastic schools and there’s been a concerted effort to stand up some of the DCPS. If we could have gone to Key for middle and high school we would have done! Instead we are headed to Big 3 (so more than 1 family since I don’t know you PP). But we were extremely interested in public options because they should be better. Hardy has better facilities than many $40k plus schools. But you have to pay your property taxes and support your schools and teachers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Exactly, but the exams in most countries are not privatized with a whole bunch of cross-sell products that leave the very children they are meant to open the doors behind.

Sports, poetry, other pursuits are what tells us who the child is
since many parents don’t let them write their own essays any longer either.

So you want the federal government to come up with one exam that works for every school district in all 50 states? Guess what they'd do? Hire the College Board to create it and it would end up looking like the SAT or, God forbid, the PAARC exam.

And spare us with the "the other pursuits" argument -- as if sports and writing and all the other ECs are any less privatized in the pursuit of college application superiority.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:College in the U.S. went from crapshoot to total crapshoot.

Now with no tests, merit, or recommendations plus new quotas for URMs and first time college it’s just like spinning a wheel who picks you for the x colored, x gendered, x race, x geography’s, etc.

Kids are even applying for math or stats (or engineering) just to get IN to the school, then quickly switch to liberal arts or sociology. Total game. So ridiculous.

Meanwhile everyone’s pissed there aren’t enough XYZ folks in finance, stem, med yet no one earns a relevant major or can demonstrate actual interest! Much easier to just do “journalism” blogging about it.

Careful your racism is showing

Not the PP. but you’re annoying. No racism. But I’d says tests don’t equal merit.

I agree 100%. That kid is a leader and this is a great example of who should be on a yes pile at HYSP etc. Intelligence, values, courage of one’s convictions.

How does one show merit nowadays, outside of competitive sports?

Well rounded child who writes their own original essays. We can tell. (Well rounded is a huge problem for many snarky moms freaking out about DL in our top private). How about this: I bet you that Senior who wrote an open letter to the school to stand up
for the teachers’ right to choose DL or HL got into the top choice? It was mocked by a certain toxic group on DCUM, but I cheered that kid on the whole way and sure hope the full experience is on the essay. Heck, that letter should have been the essay.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:College in the U.S. went from crapshoot to total crapshoot.

Now with no tests, merit, or recommendations plus new quotas for URMs and first time college it’s just like spinning a wheel who picks you for the x colored, x gendered, x race, x geography’s, etc.

Kids are even applying for math or stats (or engineering) just to get IN to the school, then quickly switch to liberal arts or sociology. Total game. So ridiculous.

Meanwhile everyone’s pissed there aren’t enough XYZ folks in finance, stem, med yet no one earns a relevant major or can demonstrate actual interest! Much easier to just do “journalism” blogging about it.

Careful your racism is showing

Not the PP. but you’re annoying. No racism. But I’d says tests don’t equal merit.

I agree 100%. That kid is a leader and this is a great example of who should be on a yes pile at HYSP etc. Intelligence, values, courage of one’s convictions.

How does one show merit nowadays, outside of competitive sports?

Well rounded child who writes their own original essays. We can tell. (Well rounded is a huge problem for many snarky moms freaking out about DL in our top private). How about this: I bet you that Senior who wrote an open letter to the school to stand up
for the teachers’ right to choose DL or HL got into the top choice? It was mocked by a certain toxic group on DCUM, but I cheered that kid on the whole way and sure hope the full experience is on the essay. Heck, that letter should have been the essay.

I agree 100%. That kid is a leader and this is a great example of who should be on a yes pile at HYSP etc. Intelligence, values, courage of one’s convictions.

One word on sports — not only are they great for admissions but they are great for college friendships, jobs, even marriages.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why do people want to move to an area with better public schools, even though they have to pay more for a similar house? The reason is that the education, on average, is much better in the better school: peers, on average, are better; teachers, on average, are better; facilities, on average, are better; course offerings, on average, are better. The expected education outcome is better. Otherwise, why would invest in schools at all?

Exactly! You also have some families who value different grades. I have two kids at top elementary school in DC, I plan to go private for middle/High. You have some people that do private for elementary and middle, public for High.

Good luck. Do you know this is easier said than done? At our top (JKLM) DCPS elementary last year, at least 12 kids applied to the top privates at 6th and one got in. ONE. It's not like you can just "go private for middle school" unless you go several tiers down for private.

I just love this. First, it's so barfworthy to say "JKLM." Plus it's so ridiculous to claim to be in the know about what every kid in your school is doing. "At least 12 applied and only one got in?" What are you doing, stalking your neighbors?

You're all so damned competitive.

I knew where kids applied because I was friendly with many parents in the class and we all talked. I know where kids ended up attending 6th grade because it was common knowledge and printed in the graduation program.
You're apparently the weirdo without friends among parents at your child's school.

Just stop it. The so-called JKLM schools are not small. Did you talk to every single parent? I guarantee that you didn't, because there are enough "weirdos" there like me -- you know, the type who have better things to do than obsess over their kids and gossip over who is going where for 6th grade -- to prevent you from getting all the information that you appear to crave.

It is absolutely NOT "common knowledge" that 12 of your silly kid's classmates applied to private schools and one got in. It just isn't.

Weirdo.

It's wei

Good Lord.
If anything the odds were longer---I'm sure I didn't know everyone who applied. I did know where they ended up attending--it was broadcast to the entire grade in the program in June. There was ONE kid who ended up getting in and going to a Big3 private.

Why are you so set on arguing this point? I don't get it.

Because you're so demonstrably weird and wrong and it's annoying AF. Even if it's true that only one went, it doesn't mean that only one got in! You just admitted that you're sure you "didn't know everyone who applied" so how do you know everyone who got in?? Also, did you consider the possibility that there are other very strong students at these schools who could have gotten in but didn't apply because their parents are interested? Bottom line: your inaccurate and incomplete data obtained from gossiping and obsessing doesn't prove a thing. Other than that you need to get a life, that is.

You’re not wrong. These are fantastic schools and there’s been a concerted effort to stand up some of the DCPS. If we could have gone to Key for middle and high school we would have done! Instead we are headed to Big 3 (so more than 1 family since I don’t know you PP). But we were extremely interested in public options because they should be better. Hardy has better facilities than many $40k plus schools. But you have to pay your property taxes and support your schools and teachers.

How do you know you are "headed to a big3?" Decisions aren't out until March 5th.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Exactly, but the exams in most countries are not privatized with a whole bunch of cross-sell products that leave the very children they are meant to open the doors behind.

Sports, poetry, other pursuits are what tells us who the child is
since many parents don’t let them write their own essays any longer either.

The colleges can usually tell an essay that wasn't written by the kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Exactly, but the exams in most countries are not privatized with a whole bunch of cross-sell products that leave the very children they are meant to open the doors behind.

Sports, poetry, other pursuits are what tells us who the child is
since many parents don’t let them write their own essays any longer either.

The colleges can usually tell an essay that wasn't written by the kid.

Exactly and then there’s a surprise when a whole bunch of parents pay top $ for the same services. No wonder top schools jumped at the chance to interrupt the system this year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Exactly, but the exams in most countries are not privatized with a whole bunch of cross-sell products that leave the very children they are meant to open the doors behind.

Sports, poetry, other pursuits are what tells us who the child is
since many parents don’t let them write their own essays any longer either.

So you want the federal government to come up with one exam that works for every school district in all 50 states? Guess what they'd do? Hire the College Board to create it and it would end up looking like the SAT or, God forbid, the PAARC exam.

And spare us with the "the other pursuits" argument -- as if sports and writing and all the other ECs are any less privatized in the pursuit of college application superiority.

I’m sort of shocked by that assumption. Our DCs are completely independent, but I can assure no one’s throwing the ball or holding the pen for them. Maybe that’s why they’ve gotten into every top school and grade everywhere?