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[quote=Anonymous][quote]When comparing the NMSF numbers for TJ or Blair to the top independent schools, also worth remembering that TJ and Blair use testing as the single biggest factor to determine admission from 8th grade, every kid in those schools was specifically selected for doing well on multiple choice tests just two years before they then take the PSATs. Sidwell, GDS, Cathedral schools admit kids as early as PK for Sidwell/GDS, 4rth grade for Cathedral schools, and while SSAT and IQ testing is used, not as the only factor, and early performance on these tests may not predict later performance on PSATs or SATs. Also huge sibling preference at these schools, not to mention all the other preferences people worry about. For the kids that enter Sidwell/GDS/Cathedral schools for high school where they have been tested more recently and those test results matter a lot for getting in, suspect the percentage of NMSF much higher than the overall school population that includes "lifers." Taking multiple choice tests really well is a great skill to have, but really doesn't reflect all the skills one needs to succeed in college or life. Writing, speaking, interacting with peers constructively may not be measured as well by PSATs (no writing at all) or SATs (writing component just silly, kids who are the best writers sometimes don't do as well, being at all creative or interesting is NOT rewarded, need to be completely formulaic).

My recent college admissions experiences with my kids at two of the "big 4" independent schools would indicate that a large percentage of students are NMSFs or commended, SAT scores in general don't differentiate much in terms of who gets in where, especially when kids that didn't do great on the PSATs so were not NMSFs do tutoring or test prep course and many improve scores a lot by the time of the SATs, the vast majority of kids are admitted to schools that are highly selective and sought after, the majority to their first choice, and they seem well-prepared and well-matched for the schools when they get there.

Comparing results between these schools for one given year is very misleading, the classes are small, so about a 5 or even 10 year time period would likely be required to see any real "trends". But no matter what, college admissions to the HYPS group is WAY WAY more competitive than in the 1970s-1990s, but there are far more great schools that have motivated and highly skilled students than there were in the 1970s, schools that used to be for skiing druggies now have mean SATs of 2200 or above and great graduate school and professional school admissions records. [/quote]

You have interesting views.  What about comparing performance on AP exams (number of APs taken and number with scores of 4 and 5)?  The response on AP exams here require more exposition, critical thinking and proofs than multiple choice and fill in the blanks.  You'd be surprised at the results.  These kids may do more than color in bubbles.[/quote]

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