Op here. I did call the school to get more info. And I am talking specifically about rm ib here. They said about 100 are in the wait pool. And at the end of March there will be a new eval of all students remaining in the wait pool for whatever open slots they have at that time. So no one is ranked and no lottery. They must do this again later in the summer as well, although i didn't ask that. I know they require us to send updated grades as they come. They also said historically about 20 from the wait pool will get in. So odds are not super.

[quote=Anonymous]I believe it's a pool - that they evaluate each spot as it opens up for which student in the pool would be a best fit.
vbbb
How many in the pool - I'd love to know that too!
[/quote]

My kid got into several programs. The moment DC made a decision, 3 seats opened up.

Oh, and squeaky wheel gets the grease in MCPS, so if you are in the wait pool ....

I understand CAP has 40 in its pool.

I think the letter putting us in the waiting pool for a MS magnet had some of this info. IIRC, it said no ranking, something like 50-75 kids in the pool and they usually end up taking 5-10 kids from the pool.

Anonymous wrote:The programs also first 'over accept' meaning that they know some kids, who got into multiple schools will turn them down. So, first they have to get down to 100.

Yes, I think I remember them saying at the MS magnet info meeting that they accept 115/120 children for the 100 spots. There will be a few kids (for the MS magnet programs) who get into both Eastern and Takoma Park so there should be some movement pretty soon after the deadline to accept.

The programs also first 'over accept' meaning that they know some kids, who got into multiple schools will turn them down. So, first they have to get down to 100.

It is definately a pool, the letter my child received clearly states "Waiting Pool". There is definately more then 15 to 20 in the pool, they actuallly have a pool for each program, so many kids will be in multiple pools. My child is in three pools for Poolesville. Fingers crossed.

Anonymous wrote:I believe it's a pool - that they evaluate each spot as it opens up for which student in the pool would be a best fit.

How many in the pool - I'd love to know that too!

Which magnet?

It is correct that they re-evaluate each time, so no one is "#1 on the waitlist" for example.

My guess is that they keep 15 or 20 kids in the waitpool. This is because some waitlist kids won't accept a spot if it comes -- they get invested in other options, etc.

My DD was on the wailist for both HCG and MS magnets and was never called. Very frustrating. You can also appeal if you feel you have new or additional information to share.

I believe it's a pool - that they evaluate each spot as it opens up for which student in the pool would be a best fit.

How many in the pool - I'd love to know that too!

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone know how many kids get put in the wait pool? And how do they decide who gets slots the open up--are those in the wait pool ranked? Or a lottery? Would the school tell me this info if I called?

I don't know the answer, but it certainly seems legitimate to ask the magnet coordinator if it's a pool or ranking system. Though they might not reveal where a kid is ranked.

Does anyone know how many kids get put in the wait pool? And how do they decide who gets slots the open up--are those in the wait pool ranked? Or a lottery? Would the school tell me this info if I called?