Getting into St. Albans

[Anonymous]

So that PPP can feel superior, obviously. What are other people for, but to make sport of?

[Anonymous]

They don't mail 5-10 letters before Christmas-that's complete bunk. The Beauvoir boys receive feedback which gives the parents a sense of what may happen.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They don't mail 5-10 letters before Christmas-that's complete bunk. The Beauvoir boys receive feedback which gives the parents a sense of what may happen.

I thought it was bs when I read it. Our Beauvoir STA admissions feedback experience is just as you stated. I don't know why some people feel compelled to make up crap.

[Anonymous]

Is there anyone reading this thread whose boy started in 9th grade? How difficult is it to "break in" to the group and feel comfortable? Do the newer kids ever become the leaders in the classroom, on the field, or in the arts, or do they forever play second fiddle to the lifers who are more comfortable with the culture of the place?

[Anonymous]

Have observed this first-hand, PP. It is a small enough school that those coming to the school in 9th grade quickly become integrated into the community and often excel immediately in all three categories: classroom, athletics, and the arts. The STA lower school (grades 4-8) is pretty separate in a lot of ways from the upper school, so most upper school teachers don't even know off-hand if a student is new to the school or came from the lower school. (And 9th grade admission is so competitive that new 9th graders are often very strong in the classroom from the start.) Sports teams are particularly good for the boys to make friends quickly, whether they are a star performer or part of a close-knit JV team. And any boy who can sing or act will soon make a major mark in the arts. Talk to other parents of "new" 9th graders (Form III, in STA Brit-speak) and I think they'll tell you the same thing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Looking ahead to next year's admissions (9th grade) -- any advantage to touching base with the office before the fall? Should an open house be our first contact with the school? TIA

good questions. I think you and I are in the same boat with attempting to get in next fall. I am thinking of sending my son to summer camp there to take an enrichment class. Does anyone think that will be a good idea? Is it likely to help at all?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The obvious question is, PP, why read them?

because it is like a 'train/car wreck'...you know you shouldn't look but some inner urge forces you to stare directly into the mess.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The obvious question is, PP, why read them?

Developing a new sitcom called, "Getting into St. Albans."

[Anonymous]

More like a reality TV show illuminating the depths people will go to get an accept.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone know whether the sibling policy at STA also works for older sibs of a younger sib who was admitted? So lets say your 2nd child was admitted in 4th, and you also have an older son who you decide to apply a year or two later? Does that priority still hold, or is it really intended as a priority for younger sibs after oldest is admitted? Also, does the first situation with 2nd sib starting first and older following ever occur?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:More like a reality TV show illuminating the depths people will go to get an accept.

That's it!

And, instead of the school's admissions committee making acceptance decisions in March, viewers will decide who to vote off each week.

On the final episode of the season, the remaining applicants will stand before a live audience at the National Cathedral. Then, Binky the bulldog will run down the aisle with the big envelope in his mouth, after a brief commercial break the director of admissions enthusiastically will read the names of the Chosen as fanfare is played.

[Anonymous]

1. I'd watch that reality show (but heck, I still watch Survivor in season 35 or whatever it is).
2. To the PP who thought about sending the child to the summer enrichment program: There's nothing wrong with giving your child a chance to check out the physical space, and maybe meet a few teachers (if they are teaching the summer program in question), but I doubt very much it would have impact in the admissions context. Maybe your son might be more relaxed if he has a tour visit because he is familiar with the surroundings?
3. To the question about the sibling policy: That's a good one, and I think there's nothing wrong with just calling the Admissions office and asking. My sense is that with different entry points, this can't be the first time an older brother has followed a younger, and there's no real reason the sibling policy shouldn't apply there.

[Anonymous]

Hey here, son was accepted at ST Albans for 9th. I really feel like communicating personally with others accepted to this grade. I want to talk to those who were also accepted about our options. My son is probably turning down STA for georgetown prep.

[Anonymous]

I would think through whether turning down STA for GP really makes sense in your context. GP is no doubt better for some boys. But STA has stronger academics and is considerabily more diverse. It has a good sports program though GP may be better overall in sports. Moreover, to the extent relevant, STA has better college placements.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hey here, son was accepted at ST Albans for 9th. I really feel like communicating personally with others accepted to this grade. I want to talk to those who were also accepted about our options. My son is probably turning down STA for georgetown prep.

Yea! We are on the waitlist so the more turn downs the better. We visited both but did not apply to GP - i was surprised how different it felt. So I think if that appeals to you/your son then go for it. I was impressed with GPs academics - the classical curriculum including required Latin seemed to be very rigorous. The facilities and sports are obviously top tier.