Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Test optional has made a surprising number of my students skip taking the test (or not worry about it and take it "just to see"). 10 years ago kids would prep intensely, but i rarely see that now.

I realize that's not unique to FCPS, but it's an interesting variable.

I've wondered if that would happen. TBH, that sounds great. Prepping for the SAT shouldn't even be a thing.

+100
It's a GOOD outcome if kids are less focused on the SAT/ACT.

I disagree.

As a former very poor yet very smart kkd, SATs and ACTs are a fantastic way to lift kids up above their circumstances, and to open doors and opportunities to poor, disadvantaged, rural and urban working class kids that they never would have dreamed possible.

It does a tremendous disservice to poor, minority, and working class kids to move away from the use of SATs and ACTs in college admissions.

These days, being poor and minority is valued much higher than an SAT score of 1600. If they are already poor and minority, they don’t need to bother. They’ll be accepted with a score of 1200 over an Asian boy scoring 1600.

DD is a senior, applying to colleges this fall. My mother passed away last month. After the funeral DD was so sad and told me what if we also pass away now, what is she going to do. Then she thought for a second and said: “Oh then I’ll write in my college essay that my parents passed away” - meaning that it would increase her admission chances. That’s what the US college admission system rewards, not the high test scores.

I don't know if you are being serious with this, but if so, then this reflects rather poorly on you. From my research, AOs don't automatically enjoy sob stories. To automatically "go there" shows that your DD has the wrong view of what it is that colleges value. They don't enjoy reading stories of how a student suffered throughout life and is now looking forward to attending their wonderful school.

Not PP, but I suspect this was satire to underscore that some schools now seem to place more emphasis on "intangibles" than test scores or other measurements of academic aptitude/achievement.

Except it's not really true. Which I think this is PP's point. People THINK this is the case, but the data on admitted student profiles shows that on all factors of achievement--GPA, SAT, rigor of courseload, extracurricular achievements etc. selective schools are getting more and more rigorous. Even the selective in-state public schools are getting more selective.

The cases brought by the Asian families against the Ivy schools certainly suggests otherwise, but of course this may vary by school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Test optional has made a surprising number of my students skip taking the test (or not worry about it and take it "just to see"). 10 years ago kids would prep intensely, but i rarely see that now.

I realize that's not unique to FCPS, but it's an interesting variable.

I've wondered if that would happen. TBH, that sounds great. Prepping for the SAT shouldn't even be a thing.

+100
It's a GOOD outcome if kids are less focused on the SAT/ACT.

I disagree.

As a former very poor yet very smart kkd, SATs and ACTs are a fantastic way to lift kids up above their circumstances, and to open doors and opportunities to poor, disadvantaged, rural and urban working class kids that they never would have dreamed possible.

It does a tremendous disservice to poor, minority, and working class kids to move away from the use of SATs and ACTs in college admissions.

These days, being poor and minority is valued much higher than an SAT score of 1600. If they are already poor and minority, they don’t need to bother. They’ll be accepted with a score of 1200 over an Asian boy scoring 1600.

DD is a senior, applying to colleges this fall. My mother passed away last month. After the funeral DD was so sad and told me what if we also pass away now, what is she going to do. Then she thought for a second and said: “Oh then I’ll write in my college essay that my parents passed away” - meaning that it would increase her admission chances. That’s what the US college admission system rewards, not the high test scores.

I don't know if you are being serious with this, but if so, then this reflects rather poorly on you. From my research, AOs don't automatically enjoy sob stories. To automatically "go there" shows that your DD has the wrong view of what it is that colleges value. They don't enjoy reading stories of how a student suffered throughout life and is now looking forward to attending their wonderful school.

Not PP, but I suspect this was satire to underscore that some schools now seem to place more emphasis on "intangibles" than test scores or other measurements of academic aptitude/achievement.

Thank you. Yes, that’s what DD and I meant. We looked at the common app application preview yesterday, and for some reason race appears in bold. Nothing else like the child’s name or gender or SAT score is in bold.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Test optional has made a surprising number of my students skip taking the test (or not worry about it and take it "just to see"). 10 years ago kids would prep intensely, but i rarely see that now.

I realize that's not unique to FCPS, but it's an interesting variable.

I've wondered if that would happen. TBH, that sounds great. Prepping for the SAT shouldn't even be a thing.

+100
It's a GOOD outcome if kids are less focused on the SAT/ACT.

I disagree.

As a former very poor yet very smart kkd, SATs and ACTs are a fantastic way to lift kids up above their circumstances, and to open doors and opportunities to poor, disadvantaged, rural and urban working class kids that they never would have dreamed possible.

It does a tremendous disservice to poor, minority, and working class kids to move away from the use of SATs and ACTs in college admissions.

These days, being poor and minority is valued much higher than an SAT score of 1600. If they are already poor and minority, they don’t need to bother. They’ll be accepted with a score of 1200 over an Asian boy scoring 1600.

DD is a senior, applying to colleges this fall. My mother passed away last month. After the funeral DD was so sad and told me what if we also pass away now, what is she going to do. Then she thought for a second and said: “Oh then I’ll write in my college essay that my parents passed away” - meaning that it would increase her admission chances. That’s what the US college admission system rewards, not the high test scores.

I don't know if you are being serious with this, but if so, then this reflects rather poorly on you. From my research, AOs don't automatically enjoy sob stories. To automatically "go there" shows that your DD has the wrong view of what it is that colleges value. They don't enjoy reading stories of how a student suffered throughout life and is now looking forward to attending their wonderful school.

Not PP, but I suspect this was satire to underscore that some schools now seem to place more emphasis on "intangibles" than test scores or other measurements of academic aptitude/achievement.

Except it's not really true. Which I think this is PP's point. People THINK this is the case, but the data on admitted student profiles shows that on all factors of achievement--GPA, SAT, rigor of courseload, extracurricular achievements etc. selective schools are getting more and more rigorous. Even the selective in-state public schools are getting more selective.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Test optional has made a surprising number of my students skip taking the test (or not worry about it and take it "just to see"). 10 years ago kids would prep intensely, but i rarely see that now.

I realize that's not unique to FCPS, but it's an interesting variable.

I've wondered if that would happen. TBH, that sounds great. Prepping for the SAT shouldn't even be a thing.

+100
It's a GOOD outcome if kids are less focused on the SAT/ACT.

I disagree.

As a former very poor yet very smart kkd, SATs and ACTs are a fantastic way to lift kids up above their circumstances, and to open doors and opportunities to poor, disadvantaged, rural and urban working class kids that they never would have dreamed possible.

It does a tremendous disservice to poor, minority, and working class kids to move away from the use of SATs and ACTs in college admissions.

These days, being poor and minority is valued much higher than an SAT score of 1600. If they are already poor and minority, they don’t need to bother. They’ll be accepted with a score of 1200 over an Asian boy scoring 1600.

DD is a senior, applying to colleges this fall. My mother passed away last month. After the funeral DD was so sad and told me what if we also pass away now, what is she going to do. Then she thought for a second and said: “Oh then I’ll write in my college essay that my parents passed away” - meaning that it would increase her admission chances. That’s what the US college admission system rewards, not the high test scores.

I don't know if you are being serious with this, but if so, then this reflects rather poorly on you. From my research, AOs don't automatically enjoy sob stories. To automatically "go there" shows that your DD has the wrong view of what it is that colleges value. They don't enjoy reading stories of how a student suffered throughout life and is now looking forward to attending their wonderful school.

+1 People make up these tropes, believe them and then get outraged by them. There are so many incorrect ideas about what will make them competitive. It's counterproductive and PP should be helping her daughter think more realistically rather than on made-up outrage. Selective colleges value 1) Good grades and a challenging courseload 2) high achievement and engagement outside of school and 3) college essays that show good writing and the personal voice of the applicant.
High SAT scores can especially be an advantage if the college is less familiar with your school, your school didn't offer a very challenging coursework option, or there are very many students with a high GPA in difficult coursework at your school and it's one more way to stand out.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Test optional has made a surprising number of my students skip taking the test (or not worry about it and take it "just to see"). 10 years ago kids would prep intensely, but i rarely see that now.

I realize that's not unique to FCPS, but it's an interesting variable.

I've wondered if that would happen. TBH, that sounds great. Prepping for the SAT shouldn't even be a thing.

+100
It's a GOOD outcome if kids are less focused on the SAT/ACT.

I disagree.

As a former very poor yet very smart kkd, SATs and ACTs are a fantastic way to lift kids up above their circumstances, and to open doors and opportunities to poor, disadvantaged, rural and urban working class kids that they never would have dreamed possible.

It does a tremendous disservice to poor, minority, and working class kids to move away from the use of SATs and ACTs in college admissions.

These days, being poor and minority is valued much higher than an SAT score of 1600. If they are already poor and minority, they don’t need to bother. They’ll be accepted with a score of 1200 over an Asian boy scoring 1600.

DD is a senior, applying to colleges this fall. My mother passed away last month. After the funeral DD was so sad and told me what if we also pass away now, what is she going to do. Then she thought for a second and said: “Oh then I’ll write in my college essay that my parents passed away” - meaning that it would increase her admission chances. That’s what the US college admission system rewards, not the high test scores.

I don't know if you are being serious with this, but if so, then this reflects rather poorly on you. From my research, AOs don't automatically enjoy sob stories. To automatically "go there" shows that your DD has the wrong view of what it is that colleges value. They don't enjoy reading stories of how a student suffered throughout life and is now looking forward to attending their wonderful school.

Not PP, but I suspect this was satire to underscore that some schools now seem to place more emphasis on "intangibles" than test scores or other measurements of academic aptitude/achievement.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Test optional has made a surprising number of my students skip taking the test (or not worry about it and take it "just to see"). 10 years ago kids would prep intensely, but i rarely see that now.

I realize that's not unique to FCPS, but it's an interesting variable.

I've wondered if that would happen. TBH, that sounds great. Prepping for the SAT shouldn't even be a thing.

+100
It's a GOOD outcome if kids are less focused on the SAT/ACT.

I disagree.

As a former very poor yet very smart kkd, SATs and ACTs are a fantastic way to lift kids up above their circumstances, and to open doors and opportunities to poor, disadvantaged, rural and urban working class kids that they never would have dreamed possible.

It does a tremendous disservice to poor, minority, and working class kids to move away from the use of SATs and ACTs in college admissions.

These days, being poor and minority is valued much higher than an SAT score of 1600. If they are already poor and minority, they don’t need to bother. They’ll be accepted with a score of 1200 over an Asian boy scoring 1600.

DD is a senior, applying to colleges this fall. My mother passed away last month. After the funeral DD was so sad and told me what if we also pass away now, what is she going to do. Then she thought for a second and said: “Oh then I’ll write in my college essay that my parents passed away” - meaning that it would increase her admission chances. That’s what the US college admission system rewards, not the high test scores.

I don't know if you are being serious with this, but if so, then this reflects rather poorly on you. From my research, AOs don't automatically enjoy sob stories. To automatically "go there" shows that your DD has the wrong view of what it is that colleges value. They don't enjoy reading stories of how a student suffered throughout life and is now looking forward to attending their wonderful school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Test optional has made a surprising number of my students skip taking the test (or not worry about it and take it "just to see"). 10 years ago kids would prep intensely, but i rarely see that now.

I realize that's not unique to FCPS, but it's an interesting variable.

I've wondered if that would happen. TBH, that sounds great. Prepping for the SAT shouldn't even be a thing.

+100
It's a GOOD outcome if kids are less focused on the SAT/ACT.

And so the dumbing down continues. Soon the only aptitude that will matter is the facility with which one can lay claim to membership in some oppressed group.

I agree with you that White Christians are the most oppressed group.

DP here, what a completely irrelevant response. Go ahead, don't take the SAT or ACT. Continue to believe that the tests are "optional". They said it is so it must be true, right? I've read quite a few articles and listened to podcasts on college admissions since I have two kids going into college in the next 4 years. While the public stance of some schools are that tests are optional, the admission offers indicate that test have become much easier to access so it's a flag for them when a student is missing a test score. I don't doubt some students will get into one of the picky schools without a test score, but those will be the exceptions.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Test optional has made a surprising number of my students skip taking the test (or not worry about it and take it "just to see"). 10 years ago kids would prep intensely, but i rarely see that now.

I realize that's not unique to FCPS, but it's an interesting variable.

I've wondered if that would happen. TBH, that sounds great. Prepping for the SAT shouldn't even be a thing.

+100
It's a GOOD outcome if kids are less focused on the SAT/ACT.

I disagree.

As a former very poor yet very smart kkd, SATs and ACTs are a fantastic way to lift kids up above their circumstances, and to open doors and opportunities to poor, disadvantaged, rural and urban working class kids that they never would have dreamed possible.

It does a tremendous disservice to poor, minority, and working class kids to move away from the use of SATs and ACTs in college admissions.

These days, being poor and minority is valued much higher than an SAT score of 1600. If they are already poor and minority, they don’t need to bother. They’ll be accepted with a score of 1200 over an Asian boy scoring 1600.

DD is a senior, applying to colleges this fall. My mother passed away last month. After the funeral DD was so sad and told me what if we also pass away now, what is she going to do. Then she thought for a second and said: “Oh then I’ll write in my college essay that my parents passed away” - meaning that it would increase her admission chances. That’s what the US college admission system rewards, not the high test scores.

I’d be sleeping with a padlock on my door and one eye open if I were you. Your kid sounds diabolical and not in a good way.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

In its press release today about the National Merit Semifinalists from the Class of 2022, FCPS stated that the increase from 212 last year to 214 this year "serves to indicate consistently high levels of academic achievement remain despite the challenges of the pandemic."

When disclosing the SAT scores for the Class of 2021, they didn't indicate whether the continued declines in the overall average over the past two years may suggest the opposite.

They also didn’t mention that the increase for TJ students was from 132 last year to 144 this year. So if TJ students are excluded from the total numbers, the number of semifinalists in FCPS declined by 10.

Many students in other schools weren't informed about the alternate entry so there were students who had qualifying SI but didn't meet the April deadline. This was a complicated year. Find something else to complain about than the number of NMSF.

Anonymous wrote:FCPS SAT scores for the Class of 2021 averaged 1201, a drop of 10 points from the prior year and almost 20 points down from the Class of 2019.

They don't bother telling you this, or let you know which of their 25 high/secondary schools are now below the state and/or national averages.

FCPS is continuing to decline under Brabrand and this completely inept School Board.

https://www.fcps.edu/news/fairfax-county-sat-outcomes-stay-strong-despite-pandemic-testing-challenges

During COVID many SAT test dates were canceled and that impacted the class of 2021.

Anonymous wrote:Tests don't matter.

If there is a drop it is only because those evil parents who normally spend thousands on test prep had to spend that money making ends meet when they were downsized at their companies.

All we can really measure objectively is how much various students, parents, and stakeholder groups feel about the level of equity and caring in fcps.

LOL.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCPS average SAT was 77th percentile. The highest its been in the past 5 years is 78th percentile. The lowest its been is 73.5rd percentile (in 2016). I'm not really seeing a meaningful "decline" here.

Interesting. Please cite your sources over that 5-year period with links.

Here's the historical percentiles of SAT percentiles: https://blog.prepscholar.com/historical-percentiles-new-sat
FCPS 2020: https://www.fcps.edu/news/fairfax-county-sat-performance-holds-steady-2020
FCPS 2017-2019 https://www.fcps.edu/news/sat-scores-fcps-students-continue-exceed-state-and-national-averages

https://www.nvcc.edu/oir/_files/65-17-high-school-profile-fairfax-county-public-schools-2015-16.pdf

Missing one year data here--can't find it right now.

Tests don't matter.

If there is a drop it is only because those evil parents who normally spend thousands on test prep had to spend that money making ends meet when they were downsized at their companies.

All we can really measure objectively is how much various students, parents, and stakeholder groups feel about the level of equity and caring in fcps.

Anonymous wrote:FCPS average SAT was 77th percentile. The highest its been in the past 5 years is 78th percentile. The lowest its been is 73.5rd percentile (in 2016). I'm not really seeing a meaningful "decline" here.

Interesting. Please cite your sources over that 5-year period with links.

FCPS average SAT was 77th percentile. The highest its been in the past 5 years is 78th percentile. The lowest its been is 73.5rd percentile (in 2016). I'm not really seeing a meaningful "decline" here.