How competitive is entry to top Baltimore privates?

[Anonymous]

We are currently applying for our daughter to enter 6th grade next year. She’s applied to various top Baltimore privates: Bryn Mawr, Mcdonogh, RPCS. I was wondering how competitive is it to enter the 6th grade at these schools? We are currently in public and want out asap!

[Anonymous]

Are you full pay? That makes it easier. I would have some back-up plans too like Catholic schools. I switched my son to Catholic in MS and it was a great choice. We are not practicing Catholics and I was worried about it being too much religion but it was fine. Religion class a few days a week and mass once a week.

[Anonymous]

Yes we’re full pay. I don’t want my kids exposed to religion at school so any religious school is out. I know they are easier to get into though...

[Anonymous]

I'd say she has a reasonable chance at getting into one, assuming she's a good student who tests well, or has some other plusses (for example athletic, art, academic accomplishments). Good luck to her!

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your replies. Do you know if the admission rates for these schools are published anywhere?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for your replies. Do you know if the admission rates for these schools are published anywhere?

I've never seen them but full-pay definitely helps. Make sure she preps for the admissions test.

[Anonymous]

Do you recommend having a tutor for the ISEE or is it ok to just complete a workbook? Her grades are generally more impressive than her standardized test scores.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you recommend having a tutor for the ISEE or is it ok to just complete a workbook? Her grades are generally more impressive than her standardized test scores.

The ISEE is very tricky. It's not easy at all to get an excellent score (>95%).

That said, many schools are looking for scores anywhere above 50%. You should find out what the schools you're applying to want.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do you recommend having a tutor for the ISEE or is it ok to just complete a workbook? Her grades are generally more impressive than her standardized test scores.

The ISEE is very tricky. It's not easy at all to get an excellent score (>95%).

That said, many schools are looking for scores anywhere above 50%. You should find out what the schools you're applying to want.

You daughter should be able to get into any of these schools if she gets pretty good scores and doesn't have any learning issues especially if she gets 75% or higher on her test. Park & Garrison Forest might be another opton. RPCS will be the least selective. There is a lot of debate if there will be higher applications.

[Anonymous]

Our first choice is Bryn Mawr. The others are safeties.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our first choice is Bryn Mawr. The others are safeties.

Bryn Mawr is the hardest to get into but she should be fine with an ISEE stanine of at least 6 and good grades. 4 and above is good enough for the other schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our first choice is Bryn Mawr. The others are safeties.

Bryn Mawr is the hardest to get into but she should be fine with an ISEE stanine of at least 6 and good grades. 4 and above is good enough for the other schools.

Eye roll. Maybe 30 years ago....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our first choice is Bryn Mawr. The others are safeties.

Bryn Mawr is the hardest to get into but she should be fine with an ISEE stanine of at least 6 and good grades. 4 and above is good enough for the other schools.

Eye roll. Maybe 30 years ago....

And since they got a new headmistress three years ago.

[Anonymous]

So it’s easier now?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do you recommend having a tutor for the ISEE or is it ok to just complete a workbook? Her grades are generally more impressive than her standardized test scores.

The ISEE is very tricky. It's not easy at all to get an excellent score (>95%).

That said, many schools are looking for scores anywhere above 50%. You should find out what the schools you're applying to want.

I remember being disappointed in my son's ISEE scores but they are compared against other students taking the test so a very bright, motivated bunch of kids. He got into Gilman in 6th grade with scores in the 60s-80s.