Banneker-Key?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Should be? Seriously?

[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.

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.

I am curious. Why are you here?

[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.

This is pretty much my kid. Are you in a top MOCO school? GC told us only legacies and URM got in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

It does not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

It does not.

Let it go. Bitterness is nasty.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Sounds like sour grapes to me!

[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.

Did your DC go to a public or private HS? Curious , seems very odd no acceptance to Michigan.

I am sorry I know this is hard.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Should be? Seriously?

Yes his stats alone put him in the top 0.5% of students. He also seems to have a strong EC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Should be? Seriously?

Yes his stats alone put him in the top 0.5% of students. He also seems to have a strong EC.

At some point, stats don't mean much. No top-20 will come after your kid solely based on stats.

[Anonymous]

The top 0.5% of students is still 15,000. That's just over last year's entire Ivy league enrollment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The top 0.5% of students is still 15,000. That's just over last year's entire Ivy league enrollment.

Then you need to make room for URMs, football teams, legacy...etc

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Should be? Seriously?

Yes his stats alone put him in the top 0.5% of students. He also seems to have a strong EC.

At some point, stats don't mean much. No top-20 will come after your kid solely based on stats.

And a 'strong EC' doesn't mean much. What makes your kid special or unique? Not everyone has something, but that's what colleges are looking for once you get past the stats -- and there are thousands of kids applying to college with those stats, and a limit to how many students these colleges are going to take from the DMV.

[Anonymous]

For many families and kids, this might be their first "rejection" ever in life (but certainly not the last one). It can be very difficult to accept. It also means as kids grow up and start moving from a small pond to bigger ponds, they will find out there are a lot of smart people out there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The top 0.5% of students is still 15,000. That's just over last year's entire Ivy league enrollment.

Then you need to make room for URMs, football teams, legacy...etc

The number of students accepted into the T20 is far greater than 15000. I agree that stats are not the only determining factor but according to the parent this kid has demonstrated academic excellence on a consistent basis (straight As) and has strong ECs. If a kid kid like that is deferred by colleges that are in ranked in the 25-30 range.

[Anonymous]

This is the most helpful and sobering discussion on this college board ever. Thanks all!