Work samples for AAP

[Anonymous]

To answer OP’s question, let the school choose the work samples last year, and my kid got in. I filled out the questionnaire in detail, but I trusted the school to gather appropriate samples.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To answer OP’s question, let the school choose the work samples last year, and my kid got in. I filled out the questionnaire in detail, but I trusted the school to gather appropriate samples.

Depends on the AAP resource coordinator.

We had two children in AAP. Two different coordinators.

First one was great; she did everything. Then she was promoted to Asst. Principal.

Second coordinator was useless. Good thing we submitted our own samples.


Given FCPS recent direction, we are far less willing to simply “trust the system.” This is especially true, given who is running the system now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To answer OP’s question, let the school choose the work samples last year, and my kid got in. I filled out the questionnaire in detail, but I trusted the school to gather appropriate samples.

Depends on the AAP resource coordinator.

We had two children in AAP. Two different coordinators.

First one was great; she did everything. Then she was promoted to Asst. Principal.

Second coordinator was useless. Good thing we submitted our own samples.


Given FCPS recent direction, we are far less willing to simply “trust the system.” This is especially true, given who is running the system now.

Totally agree.

Plus as our (very good) AART told us, the more you fill out the more the committee gets a well-rounded picture of your child. If other parents fill out the detailed questionaire, give a well-thought out answer to the parent referral, and provide 2 solid work samples then they're giving the committee the fullest possible picture of their child and you aren't. Ideally you want to paint the full picture.

It is a tiny, teensy bit like applying to private school, which is in turn a preview of applying for college. So yes, it's a pain. But it's a kind of academic hoop your family will be jumping through at least once more, if not multiple times more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What in the world is Asian privilege ?

Asian privilege refers to the advantages that Asian American students gain from their parents' strong commitment to education.

Whether they are white-collar professionals working in Reston or scraping dishes at a restaurant in Falls Church or washing clothes at dry cleaners in Herndon, Asian parents invest significant time and energy to ensure their children succeed academically. This often involves working long hours, taking on extra jobs, and sacrificing their own leisure time. In many cases, one parent—usually the mother—may choose not to work or quit her job entirely to focus on supervising their FCPS student, allowing them to concentrate on their studies.

The values of hard work, self-improvement, and a love of learning are instilled in their student from a young age, reinforcing the belief that education is the path to a successful life. A parent might even forgo buying a new winter coat to save money for their children's Kumon fees. All of this is motivated by the hope that their children will achieve better grades, gain admission to good universities, and ultimately break the cycle of poverty, creating a better life than their parents had.

And? Parents of any hue can choose to value education and sacrifice for their kids' future. Embrace the "privilege" and stop putting down parents who care about education. You can choose to put your time and treasure elsewhere, but stop complaining about others getting an unfair edge.

DP, last I checked kids don't pick their parents. Being born into a family of means or that invests in supporting your education or any other thing is a privilege that you did nothing to earn. This isn't a "put-down of parents who care about education", this is an acknowledgement that a child born into such an environment has an academic advantage/privilege over a child who was not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What in the world is Asian privilege ?

Asian privilege refers to the advantages that Asian American students gain from their parents' strong commitment to education.

Whether they are white-collar professionals working in Reston or scraping dishes at a restaurant in Falls Church or washing clothes at dry cleaners in Herndon, Asian parents invest significant time and energy to ensure their children succeed academically. This often involves working long hours, taking on extra jobs, and sacrificing their own leisure time. In many cases, one parent—usually the mother—may choose not to work or quit her job entirely to focus on supervising their FCPS student, allowing them to concentrate on their studies.

The values of hard work, self-improvement, and a love of learning are instilled in their student from a young age, reinforcing the belief that education is the path to a successful life. A parent might even forgo buying a new winter coat to save money for their children's Kumon fees. All of this is motivated by the hope that their children will achieve better grades, gain admission to good universities, and ultimately break the cycle of poverty, creating a better life than their parents had.

And? Parents of any hue can choose to value education and sacrifice for their kids' future. Embrace the "privilege" and stop putting down parents who care about education. You can choose to put your time and treasure elsewhere, but stop complaining about others getting an unfair edge.

DP, last I checked kids don't pick their parents. Being born into a family of means or that invests in supporting your education or any other thing is a privilege that you did nothing to earn. This isn't a "put-down of parents who care about education", this is an acknowledgement that a child born into such an environment has an academic advantage/privilege over a child who was not.

How is this news to you? FCPS values and rewards students raised by committed parents, not those from irresponsible families. Students of irresponsible parents pay the price, and FCPS wants them to know that.

Responsible parents fulfill most of the expectations outlined in these FCPS resources:

https://www.fcps.edu/academics/advanced-academic-programs-aap/family-resources-advanced-academic-program-aap