Reply to blair magnet quesiton

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]DC was invited to join the Blair math/science magnet - we attended the open house, we are not from TPMS magnet program.  From doing research and talking to current families we have heard  something to the effect of " don't come here if you want perfect grades and/or elite college admissions". What does the 'average/not superstar' Blair math/science student trajectory look like - do they get mostly B/C grades?  Is it incredibly stressful to keep up with the pace of the classes? Are they able to do any extracurriculars or do they have to spend all their time studying? What kinds of colleges are they accepted to?  Is it a disadvantage to be in the program as an average student for college admissions because the cohort is so strong?  TIA ![/quote]
My DC graduated from Blair magnet recently. I think I can answer your questions. I wouldn't say it is incredibly stressful, but the level of stress may be a more than home school due to longer hours, more commute, and more rigorous classes. But if you choose your schedule in a balanced way it can be a very rewarding and enjoyable experience, because you can take very interesting electives in your area of interest from very interesting teachers. I have been especially pleased with most of the teachers who are passionate about their subject areas. In my view teachers and interesting electives were the biggest pros of Blair magnet. In terms of grades, I think B's are not uncommon, but saying that students get mostly B's and C's would probably be exaggeration. In terms of college acceptances, a big chunk of students matriculate to either top colleges or UMD STEM with generous awards. But in my opinion the biggest advantage is not in terms of college matriculation, but rather in terms of college preparedness. My DC is having a successful college experience mostly due to Blair magnet background.  I think being academically well-prepared when they are in college is especially important, because being away from home (even though that is something that may look attractive when they are in HS) is something they need to adjust initially. Struggling academically on top of that would make it more challenging. So Blair magnet is a big help in that aspect. Good luck.[/quote]

Yes, it can be hard. I've heard only 30% of the SMCS students have an UW 4.0 which is much lower than most home schools.[/quote]

That’s not accurate. The actual numbers for the class of 2024 are in this document: https://old.mbhs.edu/departments/magnet/ParentResources/MagnetProfile.pdf

About half have an UW 4.0 and 85% have 4.75 or higher weighted.[/quote]

I feel this letter is negatively impacting the chance of college admission. Anyone who has below or around 4.75 gpa would actually appear to be the bottom of the class. Even if they get 4.8-4.9, colleges would think it’s not hard to achieve.[/quote]

But they kind of are at the bottom of their class. It's just a matter of grade inflation. A 4.5 there today is like a 3.3 back in my day.[/quote]

Does that mean a couple Bs would make the students the bottom of their class? [/quote]

No. College don't split hairs like that.

Aside from perhaps a couple of students per year who are getting multiple Cs, every single student in the program is an EXCEPTIONAL student and getting some Bs is not going to make a difference in college admissions over someone with all As. Colleges know one might have had a harsher grading teacher or that three Bs in very challenging math will not make a difference. We know multiple students with Bs who have gotten into better colleges than kids with As. If you're going to stress out about that it's going to be a terrible experience for your child and for you so stop it.

[/quote]

Agree with this. Mine is one of them! 2 semester Bs. At T10. (Also got 1/2 tuition plus NM award plus department money at UMD).[/quote]

What's department money at UMD? 
Which departments do this? How much is available? [/quote]

Departments can offer scholarship money as well as university.  This comes a little later. Mine received money from music department.  Then, as it got closer to decision date, they offered her more. Would have tried to double in music and math. Just wasn't sure she wanted to make the commitment to all the music ensembles. Chose an Ivy for more flexibility. [/quote]

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