Getting into St. Albans

Anonymous
Well in that case, they're also looking for boys who can sing and dance.
Anonymous
I am not trying to be a jerk here, but 2 hours a night of homework is not a crushing load, even for a 10 year old -- the perception that it is is why the US is getting passed in many academic areas by China, India, etc. I also question whether it is 2 hours of homework, or two hours with time-out to play with the iPod, the gameboy, check Facebook, IM, etc.
Anonymous
You are so right, 19:02. The homework requirements in these schools are not excessive by world standards. If a child does not learn to apply himself or herself and work hard, few of the initial advantages these schools offer will translate into long run success.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:PP 16:35 here. I was not trying to trivialize the admissions process to STA, or suggest that simply being a great singer or actor for the school play will land you a spot in 9th grade. What I am saying, based on my conversation with the AD a couple of years ago, is that having a substantial ability or talent that truly sets you apart from others (in combination with strong academics) tends to carry more weight later on. In the beginning (ie: 4th grade) they put more weight on scores and report cards, but later when they have a sense of the individual make up of a class (and the kinds of interests and talents in the class) they might find that to come up with a more well-rounded or diverse group any particular year, they need to bring in someone who is strong musically or artistically etc. and can add that dimension to the class. Not sure why my comments have hit a nerve with some posters-- it was certainly not intended to.


I think this is true at most schools by 9th grade and that's because by 9th grade kids have developed some interests and talents. When they are in 2nd or 3rd grade these are less obvious or distinctive (e.g., it's all rec soccer rather than travel, learning an instrument rather than accomplished at one, etc,).
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:New poster here. Believe it or not, they need a few kids who can sing.


Choristers are there in the lower school.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:PP 16:35 here. I was not trying to trivialize the admissions process to STA, or suggest that simply being a great singer or actor for the school play will land you a spot in 9th grade. What I am saying, based on my conversation with the AD a couple of years ago, is that having a substantial ability or talent that truly sets you apart from others (in combination with strong academics) tends to carry more weight later on. In the beginning (ie: 4th grade) they put more weight on scores and report cards, but later when they have a sense of the individual make up of a class (and the kinds of interests and talents in the class) they might find that to come up with a more well-rounded or diverse group any particular year, they need to bring in someone who is strong musically or artistically etc. and can add that dimension to the class. Not sure why my comments have hit a nerve with some posters-- it was certainly not intended to.


Makes sense to me. Now move on. You are still anonymous.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:New poster here. Believe it or not, they need a few kids who can sing.


Choristers are there in the lower school.


And, there are boys already at STA who sing in the other choirs. Not any significant demand for additional singers for upper school. Athletic talent with a strong gpa & test scores will really give your son's app extra consideration.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:You are so right, 19:02. The homework requirements in these schools are not excessive by world standards. If a child does not learn to apply himself or herself and work hard, few of the initial advantages these schools offer will translate into long run success.


I so agree. There is tons of statistical data regarding the the fact that schools are not up to par across the board. Yes, lets make them work hard early. The next generation is likely to be lacking in math science. Not a pretty sight. Nearly 80% of jobs will be in math and science field. Math and science teachers get paid more money. Now that really speaks volumes.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:You are so right, 19:02. The homework requirements in these schools are not excessive by world standards. If a child does not learn to apply himself or herself and work hard, few of the initial advantages these schools offer will translate into long run success.


I so agree. There is tons of statistical data regarding the the fact that schools are not up to par across the board. Yes, lets make them work hard early. The next generation is likely to be lacking in math science. Not a pretty sight. Nearly 80% of jobs will be in math and science field. Math and science teachers get paid more money. Now that really speaks volumes.



Absolutely agree! From what I understand, in one classroom there were parents who complained to admin about their 5th grade darlings receiving 2 hours of homework each night. The teacher was bullied into reducing the amount he was giving.
Anonymous
We used to complain about the homework. Now, my child is at an Ivy and says the only ones who are prepared for the very tough workload are the ones from the elite boarding schools/private schools. Others may have had the grades/test scores to get in, but once there find they can't keep up.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:We used to complain about the homework. Now, my child is at an Ivy and says the only ones who are prepared for the very tough workload are the ones from the elite boarding schools/private schools. Others may have had the grades/test scores to get in, but once there find they can't keep up.


My brother went to STA and then to Harvard, and actually said that STA was more difficult than Harvard. There is some food for thought.
Anonymous
Agree pp. I was the poster before yours. My kid says the same thing (they're at the other top-ranked Ivy) tied with Harvard.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:We used to complain about the homework. Now, my child is at an Ivy and says the only ones who are prepared for the very tough workload are the ones from the elite boarding schools/private schools. Others may have had the grades/test scores to get in, but once there find they can't keep up.


My brother went to STA and then to Harvard, and actually said that STA was more difficult than Harvard. There is some food for thought.


Now this may be a bit off the subject but how in the heck does one get into Harvard? With it being the number 1 school I was thinking not even comming from St. Albans can help you, but obviously it can. I am a strong beleiver in the feeder school, matriculation stuff. I beleive it is a very real concept and it goes from beginning to end. Every now and then I waiver on the idea but stating that your son has gotten into Harvard brings me back.
Anonymous
If you want your child to go to Harvard, move to Massachusetts and put him/her in Boston Latin.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:If you want your child to go to Harvard, move to Massachusetts and put him/her in Boston Latin.


Wow! If that is nearly all it takes it is worth it. Its amazing how the "feeder principle works".
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