Getting into St. Albans

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe this will get things back on track.

What sport did they make the applicants play this year during the student interview?

No one answered which sport the applicants played this year?

[Anonymous]

Fill us in. Is this some type of tradition?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe this will get things back on track.

What sport did they make the applicants play this year during the student interview?

This question has been asked at least 1,000 times over the last 2 years, seriously.

[Anonymous]

The sport changes with different years. So, it's a valid question.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The sport changes with different years. So, it's a valid question.

The Beauvoir boys during their second visit & STA test day get to play either crab football or some other ball game, correct?

[Anonymous]

That's what I've heard -- but I don't know for sure PP.

[Anonymous]

We have a son in 2G in a high quality suburban private school. We may apply for 4G for 2011-12. He took the WIPPSI test several years ago, and he scored reasonably well. We intend to have him take the WISC later this summer. Someone also recommended the ERB(?) test. The STA web site only refers to their own test. Does STA have a minimum on these tests? What is the general experience out there?

[Anonymous]

I think you can provide ERB scores if you want, but they are optional. They will be administered by your current school, and those results can be passed on at admissions time. If you go back about 2-3 pages on this thread, they give the name of the group IQ test that STA administers (or something close to it). I don't know if there is a minimum on the test, but your son's score will certainly not hurt him if his WISC is above a 120 (I'm sure some kids get below 120 and do get admitted however).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The sport changes with different years. So, it's a valid question.

They deliberately change it every year or so. STA admin. wants to guard against those helicopter parents who might be tempted to hire a basketball or crab football coach to help DS stick out from the herd.

[Anonymous]

That's hysterical pp. What do the kids do who aren't athletes?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So, I gather STA does its own testing. The 120 number, however, looks like a WISC number. I am not really interested in the STA number since our son has not taked that test and we have no ability to compare it with anything. But my son just took the WISC test, and we are thinking of possibly applying to STA. What does STA expect in terms of WISC? What range? How about the ERBs? My son scored 118 on WISC and mostly 7 to 8s one the ERBs. Otherwise, an above average kid in all areas, of course.

It's not a WISC score, it's from the Otis Lemon Intelligence Test. STA uses the OLIT as their admission test.

From Beauvoir apps they expect to see at least a 120, but will accept a lower score depending on other criteria.

Question for St. Albans parents out there with an average or above average child (strictly meaning less than 120 WISC) - does your child struggle with the work required by St. Albans? I know motivation factors into what kids (and people in general) are capable of accomplishing. But I'm wondering (if DS is fortunate to get accepted) if we're setting him up for failure or creating a situation where he may be stressed out or lacking in confidence. Any thoughts?

1) Smart

2) Athletic

3) Good looking

4) From money

5) Powerful/connected parent(s).

These are the ingredients for success at STA. If your DS only has one of the above, he will likely find it hard to succeed at STA. Two or more, and DS will be just fine.

You are so spot-on! The PP asking about the 118 WISC score, I wouldn't dwell too much on that. If your son's a combo 2 & 3, he's as good as in. Tutoring will help with any academic gaps.

Much as I hate to say it, I agree with the "ingredients for success at STA." I would add a sixth category - if your DS is exceptionally good at art or music, this is one of the few places I know of where that is recognized and applauded by the boys at large.

[Anonymous]

DC thinks he bombed the admissions test. DC says the test was hard and he couldn't answer some of the questions. How important is this test? Is it make or break for admission? FWIW DC has strong sports and arts in the plus column, but will these help if the score on the test was poor?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DC thinks he bombed the admissions test. DC says the test was hard and he couldn't answer some of the questions. How important is this test? Is it make or break for admission? FWIW DC has strong sports and arts in the plus column, but will these help if the score on the test was poor?

PP: From which school is your child coming? Wondering if he's a public school child, from Beauvoir, or some other private.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DC thinks he bombed the admissions test. DC says the test was hard and he couldn't answer some of the questions. How important is this test? Is it make or break for admission? FWIW DC has strong sports and arts in the plus column, but will these help if the score on the test was poor?

PP: From which school is your child coming? Wondering if he's a public school child, from Beauvoir, or some other private.

He's in public.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DC thinks he bombed the admissions test. DC says the test was hard and he couldn't answer some of the questions. How important is this test? Is it make or break for admission? FWIW DC has strong sports and arts in the plus column, but will these help if the score on the test was poor?

PP: From which school is your child coming? Wondering if he's a public school child, from Beauvoir, or some other private.

He's in public.

Don't worry. It is designed to be hard. I know last year a number of boys cried afterwards.

The test is designed to be hard for a number of reasons. One, they really are looking for the off the chart smart boys. Two, because they want to make it clear to applicants and parents that the STA experience is not just about looking snazzy in blazer and tie and traipsing through the Cathedral Close. It is high pressure and grueling and not for everyone.

As for make or break in admission - absolutely not. STA really does seem to look for those all-arounders, and for those almost ineffable leadership qualities.

Good luck.