Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Seems like near unanimous support here for the entrance exam to return. Let's reach out to the media and start the conversation.

By "unanimous" do you mean the 4-5 repeat posters? On DCUM? LOL Of course, you can "go to the media" with whatever you want, but I find it HILARIOUS that you are basing your idea of "unanimous support" from a DCUM echo chamber. Be sure to tell the media all about your convo on DCUM.

What reasonable person is opposed to an entrance exam?

Anonymous wrote:Trying to plan childcare for a younger sibling--when the student and family interviews are over, does the student immediately start working on the writing prompt or they have to wait until a large group of students is done with the interview part and all of them start the writing part? On average how many hours did you spend at Walls last Saturday?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Seems like near unanimous support here for the entrance exam to return. Let's reach out to the media and start the conversation.

By "unanimous" do you mean the 4-5 repeat posters? On DCUM? LOL Of course, you can "go to the media" with whatever you want, but I find it HILARIOUS that you are basing your idea of "unanimous support" from a DCUM echo chamber. Be sure to tell the media all about your convo on DCUM.

Anonymous wrote:Seems like near unanimous support here for the entrance exam to return. Let's reach out to the media and start the conversation.

Anonymous wrote:Seems like near unanimous support here for the entrance exam to return. Let's reach out to the media and start the conversation.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This whole thread has only confirmed my belief that if you're looking for something to be negative about, you are going to find it. We went through the interview process last year and I find the comments about hormonal teenagers thinking with their private parts to be insulting and hilarious at the same time. I am glad some parents have weighed in here on the training teens go through to be involved in the interviews. I would assume that to be the case but I doubt that is going to assuage the negative posters here just looking for problems.

I think having upperclassmen involved in the interviews is a plus because 1) it provides students with leadership opportunities; and 2) it can make interviews less stressful for students not accustomed to them - rather than a panel of teachers you have a teacher and someone your age. It also allowed us as parents during our Q&A time to find out about the student experience at the school. Our kid's interview was fine. They were not fluff questions but they were about getting to know the student. My child answered questions based on their academic interests and those happened to be things that fit in with a relevant club and class at the school, so it showed they would be a good fit at the school.

I doubt this will change anyone's mind but what I've read on here just has not been our experience. The issue is that the number of amazing kids in DC far outstrips the number of available spots. I think that's really why the interview process is a good thing, because it helps identify those kids who are most interested in Walls and the academic topics that most apply to the school's strengths.

People like to find an excuse before a result is even known. The process is what it is and complaining on a blog won't change anything.

All things are excuses why my kid won't be admitted-the test, lack of the test, student interviewer, bad teacher interview, recommendations, kids from private schools, train ride too far, shy kid, etc. The saddest thing is that most didn't even read the rubric or even understand the process. Keep at it "keyboard warriors" you'll get that result one day......................

It’s actually not sad at all. I am thankful for all the posters who have shared their disappointments, anxieties, and issues with the process. There is some solace in seeing that others are in the same boat. Getting into a quality public high school in this city is no small matter and is an emotional roller coaster.

As weird as DCUM is, some of these comments have true value, and I’d like to share my gratitude.

They have value b/c you feel that you're not alone and validates your opinion? The whining changes nothing. Engage with the Chancellor's Parent Advisory Board, your Council person, Mayor's Office, etc. if you want your voice heard and change to occur.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This whole thread has only confirmed my belief that if you're looking for something to be negative about, you are going to find it. We went through the interview process last year and I find the comments about hormonal teenagers thinking with their private parts to be insulting and hilarious at the same time. I am glad some parents have weighed in here on the training teens go through to be involved in the interviews. I would assume that to be the case but I doubt that is going to assuage the negative posters here just looking for problems.

I think having upperclassmen involved in the interviews is a plus because 1) it provides students with leadership opportunities; and 2) it can make interviews less stressful for students not accustomed to them - rather than a panel of teachers you have a teacher and someone your age. It also allowed us as parents during our Q&A time to find out about the student experience at the school. Our kid's interview was fine. They were not fluff questions but they were about getting to know the student. My child answered questions based on their academic interests and those happened to be things that fit in with a relevant club and class at the school, so it showed they would be a good fit at the school.

I doubt this will change anyone's mind but what I've read on here just has not been our experience. The issue is that the number of amazing kids in DC far outstrips the number of available spots. I think that's really why the interview process is a good thing, because it helps identify those kids who are most interested in Walls and the academic topics that most apply to the school's strengths.

People like to find an excuse before a result is even known. The process is what it is and complaining on a blog won't change anything.

All things are excuses why my kid won't be admitted-the test, lack of the test, student interviewer, bad teacher interview, recommendations, kids from private schools, train ride too far, shy kid, etc. The saddest thing is that most didn't even read the rubric or even understand the process. Keep at it "keyboard warriors" you'll get that result one day......................

It’s actually not sad at all. I am thankful for all the posters who have shared their disappointments, anxieties, and issues with the process. There is some solace in seeing that others are in the same boat. Getting into a quality public high school in this city is no small matter and is an emotional roller coaster.

As weird as DCUM is, some of these comments have true value, and I’d like to share my gratitude.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This whole thread has only confirmed my belief that if you're looking for something to be negative about, you are going to find it. We went through the interview process last year and I find the comments about hormonal teenagers thinking with their private parts to be insulting and hilarious at the same time. I am glad some parents have weighed in here on the training teens go through to be involved in the interviews. I would assume that to be the case but I doubt that is going to assuage the negative posters here just looking for problems.

I think having upperclassmen involved in the interviews is a plus because 1) it provides students with leadership opportunities; and 2) it can make interviews less stressful for students not accustomed to them - rather than a panel of teachers you have a teacher and someone your age. It also allowed us as parents during our Q&A time to find out about the student experience at the school. Our kid's interview was fine. They were not fluff questions but they were about getting to know the student. My child answered questions based on their academic interests and those happened to be things that fit in with a relevant club and class at the school, so it showed they would be a good fit at the school.

I doubt this will change anyone's mind but what I've read on here just has not been our experience. The issue is that the number of amazing kids in DC far outstrips the number of available spots. I think that's really why the interview process is a good thing, because it helps identify those kids who are most interested in Walls and the academic topics that most apply to the school's strengths.

People like to find an excuse before a result is even known. The process is what it is and complaining on a blog won't change anything.

All things are excuses why my kid won't be admitted-the test, lack of the test, student interviewer, bad teacher interview, recommendations, kids from private schools, train ride too far, shy kid, etc. The saddest thing is that most didn't even read the rubric or even understand the process. Keep at it "keyboard warriors" you'll get that result one day......................

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This whole thread has only confirmed my belief that if you're looking for something to be negative about, you are going to find it. We went through the interview process last year and I find the comments about hormonal teenagers thinking with their private parts to be insulting and hilarious at the same time. I am glad some parents have weighed in here on the training teens go through to be involved in the interviews. I would assume that to be the case but I doubt that is going to assuage the negative posters here just looking for problems.

I think having upperclassmen involved in the interviews is a plus because 1) it provides students with leadership opportunities; and 2) it can make interviews less stressful for students not accustomed to them - rather than a panel of teachers you have a teacher and someone your age. It also allowed us as parents during our Q&A time to find out about the student experience at the school. Our kid's interview was fine. They were not fluff questions but they were about getting to know the student. My child answered questions based on their academic interests and those happened to be things that fit in with a relevant club and class at the school, so it showed they would be a good fit at the school.

I doubt this will change anyone's mind but what I've read on here just has not been our experience. The issue is that the number of amazing kids in DC far outstrips the number of available spots. I think that's really why the interview process is a good thing, because it helps identify those kids who are most interested in Walls and the academic topics that most apply to the school's strengths.

People like to find an excuse before a result is even known. The process is what it is and complaining on a blog won't change anything.

All things are excuses why my kid won't be admitted-the test, lack of the test, student interviewer, bad teacher interview, recommendations, kids from private schools, train ride too far, shy kid, etc. The saddest thing is that most didn't even read the rubric or even understand the process. Keep at it "keyboard warriors" you'll get that result one day......................