testing for HS magnets

[Anonymous]

Were we supposed to get an email telling us where our testing location is, and the date/time confirmation of the test, etc? My son submitted the form, but we haven't gotten an email about the test... Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Were we supposed to get an email telling us where our testing location is, and the date/time confirmation of the test, etc? My son submitted the form, but we haven't gotten an email about the test... Thanks.

My DC's school sent an email that MCPS received twice as many applications for the HS Magnets as compared to prior years and as a result, was having to increase the number of locations and times for testing. The email said we should receive an email with more details by 12/1.

[Anonymous]

I just received the email. YOu should be getting it any time now.

[Anonymous]

I just got it and I am frustrated that the testing site is at a far away high school.

[Anonymous]

Why would twice as many kids apply? I am surprised by that. My DD knows very few kids who applied.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why would twice as many kids apply? I am surprised by that. My DD knows very few kids who applied.

Because more people know about the programs compared to previous years. Plus MCPS has added some IB programs probably increased the numbers.

[Anonymous]

What's up with the buses? Why do some high schools have bus service to the testing site?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why would twice as many kids apply? I am surprised by that. My DD knows very few kids who applied.

And probably because there was only one application for all the magnet programs - that made it easier to check off interest in multiple magnets.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why would twice as many kids apply? I am surprised by that. My DD knows very few kids who applied.

And probably because there was only one application for all the magnet programs - that made it easier to check off interest in multiple magnets.

That wouldn’t increase the number of actual students though

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why would twice as many kids apply? I am surprised by that. My DD knows very few kids who applied.

More importantly - isn't it wonderful that more kids have applied? That finally more kids have been informed and excited about the participation in the programs? More kids from lower income brackets responded? That more parents who can not afford private schools can enjoy the benefits?

You should celebrate not dwell on searching for some negatives. Everyone should apply as many kids have so much potential and never try for programs that they would thrive in. Lots of economically disadvantaged kids have brilliant minds and were lost in the process and now they are not. Do you have problem with that?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why would twice as many kids apply? I am surprised by that. My DD knows very few kids who applied.

And probably because there was only one application for all the magnet programs - that made it easier to check off interest in multiple magnets.

That wouldn’t increase the number of actual students though

No it wouldn't. But it is about the actual number of students, not number of applications to different programs as each kid could apply to many.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just got it and I am frustrated that the testing site is at a far away high school.

See if the Sunday testing center is closer to you and apply for that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why would twice as many kids apply? I am surprised by that. My DD knows very few kids who applied.

Four things here are possible:

1. You are living in a wealthy area with great public schools so kids have no incentives to apply being average at those schools as opposed not to qualify for magnet having to compete for the spots and loosing the battle anyway.
2. Those kids are going to attend privates so they don't care.
3. Not all kids advertise every academic move. You may see them at the testing center later.
4. You are trying to thin the herd, discouraging people from applying to magnet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why would twice as many kids apply? I am surprised by that. My DD knows very few kids who applied.

Four things here are possible:

1. You are living in a wealthy area with great public schools so kids have no incentives to apply being average at those schools as opposed not to qualify for magnet having to compete for the spots and loosing the battle anyway.
2. Those kids are going to attend privates so they don't care.
3. Not all kids advertise every academic move. You may see them at the testing center later.
4. You are trying to thin the herd, discouraging people from applying to magnet.

My DD is at a Silver Spring middle school. Also, applications have already been submitted

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why would twice as many kids apply? I am surprised by that. My DD knows very few kids who applied.

More importantly - isn't it wonderful that more kids have applied? That finally more kids have been informed and excited about the participation in the programs? More kids from lower income brackets responded? That more parents who can not afford private schools can enjoy the benefits?

You should celebrate not dwell on searching for some negatives. Everyone should apply as many kids have so much potential and never try for programs that they would thrive in. Lots of economically disadvantaged kids have brilliant minds and were lost in the process and now they are not. Do you have problem with that?

I think all kids should get a chance. And even though there are relatively higher %age of the population of Asian-American kids who get into good programs, a vast majority of brilliant Asian-American kids from poorer homes do not try or even know about these programs. I am happy that all of these kids will also be in the applicant pool.