Banneker-Key?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Whatever the heck that is. And no, I'm not going to Google it.

It's a UMD thing, equivalent to UVA's Jefferson Scholars.

Sorry, dear, it's not equivalent to the Jefferson. There are far more B-K awards than the Jefferson, they're not all full tution, and it's not nearly as prestigious.

What a dumbs$$ thing to say. UVa folks never disappoint...

Except that it's true. The Jefferson is far more selective.

"more selective" just means UVa is not as generous with merit scholarships. i am not sure why that's a good thing.

+1,000,000

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MOCO
1600/36
Toughest course load, perfect GPA
Great mix of ECs including sports, service and leadership.
EA into HYSP
In at Honors

No BK in portal. Maybe they all aren't out yet? Not that my kid "deserves" one, but it would be surprising that they are not in the running

Unfortunately not in the running. My kid has similar stats. Nothing in portal.

Do parents have advanced degrees? That knocks the kids out.

Why would that matter?

What?

My understanding is that the BK is geared toward certain groups and goals, and that children of highly educated parents are not thought to benefit from the BK, or utilize it, as much as others

This is wrong. Banneker was a black only scholarship program that got struck down by the Supreme Court in mid 90s which then combined with Key scholarship was given to all races based on merits. While they can't use race as determining factor, UMD still tries to maintain the spirit of Banneker scholarship. This is why sometimes, CC and other places, you will hear URM kids with lower stats offered B/K scholarships.

Your statement seems to support, not discredit the original statement.

I'm not on either side of this particular argument. However, it is misguided to think that the BK goes to MD's top scholars, that is not the case, there are specific things that the BK committee is looking for to fill the 150 spots. Not getting into the BK running should in no way concern parents about their child's other prospects.

I don't believe anyone said that or even implied that. We both have masters, our kids got it and our kids, just like many kids who get rejected, had top stats/accomplishments. UMD gets more top stat kids than seats they have for B/K. Many kids with perfect stats get rejected.

The implication throughout this thread is that it goes to the top students (stats, accomplishments, etc) that apply to UMD. This is resoundingly untrue. There are very specific categories that the BK fills. I'm sure your kids are great, but there were more accomplished seniors that were not included in the BK field.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MOCO
1600/36
Toughest course load, perfect GPA
Great mix of ECs including sports, service and leadership.
EA into HYSP
In at Honors

No BK in portal. Maybe they all aren't out yet? Not that my kid "deserves" one, but it would be surprising that they are not in the running

Unfortunately not in the running. My kid has similar stats. Nothing in portal.

Do parents have advanced degrees? That knocks the kids out.

Why would that matter?

What?

My understanding is that the BK is geared toward certain groups and goals, and that children of highly educated parents are not thought to benefit from the BK, or utilize it, as much as others

This is wrong. Banneker was a black only scholarship program that got struck down by the Supreme Court in mid 90s which then combined with Key scholarship was given to all races based on merits. While they can't use race as determining factor, UMD still tries to maintain the spirit of Banneker scholarship. This is why sometimes, CC and other places, you will hear URM kids with lower stats offered B/K scholarships.

Your statement seems to support, not discredit the original statement.

I'm not on either side of this particular argument. However, it is misguided to think that the BK goes to MD's top scholars, that is not the case, there are specific things that the BK committee is looking for to fill the 150 spots. Not getting into the BK running should in no way concern parents about their child's other prospects.

I don't believe anyone said that or even implied that. We both have masters, our kids got it and our kids, just like many kids who get rejected, had top stats/accomplishments. UMD gets more top stat kids than seats they have for B/K. Many kids with perfect stats get rejected.

The implication throughout this thread is that it goes to the top students (stats, accomplishments, etc) that apply to UMD. This is resoundingly untrue. There are very specific categories that the BK fills. I'm sure your kids are great, but there were more accomplished seniors that were not included in the BK field.

Says who? UMD BK website says they are.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MOCO
1600/36
Toughest course load, perfect GPA
Great mix of ECs including sports, service and leadership.
EA into HYSP
In at Honors

No BK in portal. Maybe they all aren't out yet? Not that my kid "deserves" one, but it would be surprising that they are not in the running

Unfortunately not in the running. My kid has similar stats. Nothing in portal.

Do parents have advanced degrees? That knocks the kids out.

Why would that matter?

What?

My understanding is that the BK is geared toward certain groups and goals, and that children of highly educated parents are not thought to benefit from the BK, or utilize it, as much as others

This is wrong. Banneker was a black only scholarship program that got struck down by the Supreme Court in mid 90s which then combined with Key scholarship was given to all races based on merits. While they can't use race as determining factor, UMD still tries to maintain the spirit of Banneker scholarship. This is why sometimes, CC and other places, you will hear URM kids with lower stats offered B/K scholarships.

Your statement seems to support, not discredit the original statement.

I'm not on either side of this particular argument. However, it is misguided to think that the BK goes to MD's top scholars, that is not the case, there are specific things that the BK committee is looking for to fill the 150 spots. Not getting into the BK running should in no way concern parents about their child's other prospects.

I don't believe anyone said that or even implied that. We both have masters, our kids got it and our kids, just like many kids who get rejected, had top stats/accomplishments. UMD gets more top stat kids than seats they have for B/K. Many kids with perfect stats get rejected.

The implication throughout this thread is that it goes to the top students (stats, accomplishments, etc) that apply to UMD. This is resoundingly untrue. There are very specific categories that the BK fills. I'm sure your kids are great, but there were more accomplished seniors that were not included in the BK field.

You sound really bitter. Don't be like that.

[Anonymous]

My hunch is that the B/K program tries to represent the best of Maryland (and out-of-state) in many categories. The directors of the programs simply do not want for it to be full of only white and Asian kids from W schools and Howard County equivalents. There also is a matter of yield. B/K gives out 400 scholarships a year, but only about 150 of those kids enroll at UMD. The others take advantage of other options.

[Anonymous]

It also would be really boring if all of the B/K scholars were computer science majors.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It also would be really boring if all of the B/K scholars were computer science majors.

They are not. Mine was History major.

[Anonymous]

NP here. I'm disappointed for my child who has perfect grades, perfect scores (ACT-presidential scholar candidate, 5s in 5 APs, 800 in 3 subject tests), strong ECs with leadership, and completed a prestigious summer program at Yale. Admitted to UMD Honors, but no B-K. Yes, I was expecting it for no reason other than me foolishly thinking how can it look any better?

Deferred from Yale EA, Michigan, Virginia. Ivy day and the rest of March looks very bleak. I can't help but to think the recommendations were weak or that college counselor approved weak essays. It's a crapshoot, it's random---until it's your child then it feels very personal and very lonely.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NP here. I'm disappointed for my child who has perfect grades, perfect scores (ACT-presidential scholar candidate, 5s in 5 APs, 800 in 3 subject tests), strong ECs with leadership, and completed a prestigious summer program at Yale. Admitted to UMD Honors, but no B-K. Yes, I was expecting it for no reason other than me foolishly thinking how can it look any better?

Deferred from Yale EA, Michigan, Virginia. Ivy day and the rest of March looks very bleak. I can't help but to think the recommendations were weak or that college counselor approved weak essays. It's a crapshoot, it's random---until it's your child then it feels very personal and very lonely.

My magnet kid had the same stats - perfect SATs, all As, 10 APs (all 5s), 3 800s in subject tests. DC got into the Honors College but no consideration for the B/K. DC didn't apply to elite schools because we cannot pay for them - but is a happy sophomore doing well at a non-elite institution (not UMD - to my disappointment - as they wanted a smaller school).

I'm astonished that you think that the rest of March "looks very bleak." Seriously? You have a high-performing kid who got into the Honors College and has a very bright future ahead of him wherever he goes. Count your blessings and move on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP here. I'm disappointed for my child who has perfect grades, perfect scores (ACT-presidential scholar candidate, 5s in 5 APs, 800 in 3 subject tests), strong ECs with leadership, and completed a prestigious summer program at Yale. Admitted to UMD Honors, but no B-K. Yes, I was expecting it for no reason other than me foolishly thinking how can it look any better?

Deferred from Yale EA, Michigan, Virginia. Ivy day and the rest of March looks very bleak. I can't help but to think the recommendations were weak or that college counselor approved weak essays. It's a crapshoot, it's random---until it's your child then it feels very personal and very lonely.

My magnet kid had the same stats - perfect SATs, all As, 10 APs (all 5s), 3 800s in subject tests. DC got into the Honors College but no consideration for the B/K. DC didn't apply to elite schools because we cannot pay for them - but is a happy sophomore doing well at a non-elite institution (not UMD - to my disappointment - as they wanted a smaller school).

I'm astonished that you think that the rest of March "looks very bleak." Seriously? You have a high-performing kid who got into the Honors College and has a very bright future ahead of him wherever he goes. Count your blessings and move on.

Although I generally agree with the PP I think we have to have some sympathy for kids who are bright, curious, motivated and have consistently demonstrated excellence in multiple areas (academics and ECs). These kids should be snapped up by T20 colleges and it must be disappointing when that does not happen especially when they spend so much time on applications and have to write multiple essays etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NP here. I'm disappointed for my child who has perfect grades, perfect scores (ACT-presidential scholar candidate, 5s in 5 APs, 800 in 3 subject tests), strong ECs with leadership, and completed a prestigious summer program at Yale. Admitted to UMD Honors, but no B-K. Yes, I was expecting it for no reason other than me foolishly thinking how can it look any better?

Deferred from Yale EA, Michigan, Virginia. Ivy day and the rest of March looks very bleak. I can't help but to think the recommendations were weak or that college counselor approved weak essays. It's a crapshoot, it's random---until it's your child then it feels very personal and very lonely.

To the posters who complain that UVA is less generous than UMD with merit aid, here's your explanation. They get better applications, so they don't have to buy students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It also would be really boring if all of the B/K scholars were computer science majors.

They are not. Mine was History major.

Exactly! Many of the 1600 kids are in Engineering or Computer Science, however. I’m very glad that B/K recognizes aspiring history majors, some of whom are also high scorers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NP here. I'm disappointed for my child who has perfect grades, perfect scores (ACT-presidential scholar candidate, 5s in 5 APs, 800 in 3 subject tests), strong ECs with leadership, and completed a prestigious summer program at Yale. Admitted to UMD Honors, but no B-K. Yes, I was expecting it for no reason other than me foolishly thinking how can it look any better?

Deferred from Yale EA, Michigan, Virginia. Ivy day and the rest of March looks very bleak. I can't help but to think the recommendations were weak or that college counselor approved weak essays. It's a crapshoot, it's random---until it's your child then it feels very personal and very lonely.

My kid is in exactly the same boat -- same stats, Honors at UMD but no B-K. Trying to keep expectations low through end of March; she'll be happy to attend UMD if that's all there is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MOCO
1600/36
Toughest course load, perfect GPA
Great mix of ECs including sports, service and leadership.
EA into HYSP
In at Honors

No BK in portal. Maybe they all aren't out yet? Not that my kid "deserves" one, but it would be surprising that they are not in the running

Unfortunately not in the running. My kid has similar stats. Nothing in portal.

Do parents have advanced degrees? That knocks the kids out.

Why would that matter?

What?

My understanding is that the BK is geared toward certain groups and goals, and that children of highly educated parents are not thought to benefit from the BK, or utilize it, as much as others

This is wrong. Banneker was a black only scholarship program that got struck down by the Supreme Court in mid 90s which then combined with Key scholarship was given to all races based on merits. While they can't use race as determining factor, UMD still tries to maintain the spirit of Banneker scholarship. This is why sometimes, CC and other places, you will hear URM kids with lower stats offered B/K scholarships.

Your statement seems to support, not discredit the original statement.

I'm not on either side of this particular argument. However, it is misguided to think that the BK goes to MD's top scholars, that is not the case, there are specific things that the BK committee is looking for to fill the 150 spots. Not getting into the BK running should in no way concern parents about their child's other prospects.

I don't believe anyone said that or even implied that. We both have masters, our kids got it and our kids, just like many kids who get rejected, had top stats/accomplishments. UMD gets more top stat kids than seats they have for B/K. Many kids with perfect stats get rejected.

The implication throughout this thread is that it goes to the top students (stats, accomplishments, etc) that apply to UMD. This is resoundingly untrue. There are very specific categories that the BK fills. I'm sure your kids are great, but there were more accomplished seniors that were not included in the BK field.

^^^^^

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NP here. I'm disappointed for my child who has perfect grades, perfect scores (ACT-presidential scholar candidate, 5s in 5 APs, 800 in 3 subject tests), strong ECs with leadership, and completed a prestigious summer program at Yale. Admitted to UMD Honors, but no B-K. Yes, I was expecting it for no reason other than me foolishly thinking how can it look any better?

Deferred from Yale EA, Michigan, Virginia. Ivy day and the rest of March looks very bleak. I can't help but to think the recommendations were weak or that college counselor approved weak essays. It's a crapshoot, it's random---until it's your child then it feels very personal and very lonely.

My kid is in exactly the same boat -- same stats, Honors at UMD but no B-K. Trying to keep expectations low through end of March; she'll be happy to attend UMD if that's all there is.