Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is really disappointed. With good grades, 100% on all and high MAP scores 99 percentile, not even got into 1 and wait pooled for 2. My kid definitely knows kids who got in definitely have very very low MAP scores and have even got B's. This make it very sad for the hard working child and feels depressed. DC doesn't want to go to school due to the boastings the other kids do in school. They should look at scores and test in class and the MAP scores if they don't have any administer cogat tests. This is where they do on their own. If it was depending on the essay, for the essays parents or any external sources could have helped too. it is not their original work.
Knowing the type of kids who got in we know for sure it will be hard for them to survive in these programs, even in middle school where grading is easy they could not get good grades. Sometimes my kid is even wondering was there any errors as to why DC was not selected.
Question: If a kid who got in but is not that much suitable for the program and they decide to drop after a year, will they give the open seat to another deserving child in 10th grade or it is gone is gone.

I'm sorry. Your kid is obviously hard working and will be successful no matter where they are. We know two kids who are saying no to Blair and yes to another magnet so maybe your child will get a spot. Just remember that the kid who got in with the Bs didn't steal a spot, they applied and for whatever reason the admission people felt the child could handle the program. The problem is the amount of seats available... Good luck, I'm sorry your child is feeling sad and I hope they get in when spots free up this spring. I don't think they allow entry to the program after 9th grade unfortunately.

So one spot in that class room will get wasted where it can be filled by a deserving kid?

I really hope that kid doesn't get to hear stuff like that at school, wow. Somehow the admission thought the child was more deserving of a spot than others. Plus you don't know their actual grades anyway only what an upset child is saying.

Not to mention that some programs like SMACS only look at specific subjects like math and science.

I think PP was talking about the empty spot if a child leaves the program and there is then an “empty seat” in 10th grade

Oh I hope I misunderstood, I was feeling awful for the child who might hear they shouldn't have been given a spot. Thank you!

The real issue is for that child who cannot keep up with the curriculum or who is on the lower achieving level of the group

That is not a thing. I am tired of this myth that unqualified kids who can't hack it are finding their way into the program. My kid definitely did not have the highest MAP-M score (it was plenty high, but their MaP-R was higher). I think they even had a B in 6th grade CS - the horror! Yet they wrote an essay that demonstrated their passion for science, and they've thrived and excelled in the program. My kid "deserved" the spot as much as anyone, but more.importantly is committed to making the most of every opportunity the program offers. Maybe the committee saw that in the application. Maybe it was just dumb luck. Either way, I don't think parents are doing their kids any favors by passing on a misplaced and perhaps ill-informed sense of grievance. That's not a very constructive lesson to take into the world.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1. MCPS is a huge district. It's shameful there aren't many many many more spots for accelerated or advanced programs for students who would benefit.

2. Yes life is unfair. No one is disputing that. But there are ways to create a better functioning system. Just throwing one's hands up and saying life's unfair directs consequences down to the most vulnerable (students) when it should be the responsibility and mission of those with the most power (administrators).

3. The COGAT is an infinitely better test for assessing innate ability. But I've come to understand these magnet programs are not really about innate ability. I'm not saying that as a knock on admitted students, just that the programs are about who excels academically, who is good at working the system. You can have very smart students who get Bs and Cs. Any parent of a child with learning disabilities, ADHD, asbergers, etc knows this. The fact that MCPS is required to identify gifted students, and then does nothing with this information, is telling for what happens at the MS and HS levels.

4. I know for a fact that at least two students at my child's magnet middle school had outside coaching on their essays, and did very well with acceptances to the programs they applied to. Is this ridiculous to get coaching on a 250 word essay? Of course. But again there are so few data points in this assessment process.

COGAT is only one small part of it. Any kids who have B's and C's should not take priority over a child with all A's and have already preformed at the level, like my child whose in Algebra 2 and already taken two computer science classes.

The essay was a joke and not all kids have all opportunities at the MS. We don't have science fairs, we don't have math competitions, we don't have any real after school activities. We only have private ones.

MCPS should offer more programs for gifted kids, as it should offer more programs for those with special needs and behavioral issues, especially given how large they are. They should also limit Blair to the DCC and not allow kids from the good "w" and other schools that have more opportunities than the kids at the DCUM bad schools.

Anonymous wrote:PP with the disappointed kid who was waitlisted for two programs and rejected for the other. Which two is he on the waitpool for? I think some will move more than others. I expect Blair SMACS might not move much for example.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is really disappointed. With good grades, 100% on all and high MAP scores 99 percentile, not even got into 1 and wait pooled for 2. My kid definitely knows kids who got in definitely have very very low MAP scores and have even got B's. This make it very sad for the hard working child and feels depressed. DC doesn't want to go to school due to the boastings the other kids do in school. They should look at scores and test in class and the MAP scores if they don't have any administer cogat tests. This is where they do on their own. If it was depending on the essay, for the essays parents or any external sources could have helped too. it is not their original work.
Knowing the type of kids who got in we know for sure it will be hard for them to survive in these programs, even in middle school where grading is easy they could not get good grades. Sometimes my kid is even wondering was there any errors as to why DC was not selected.
Question: If a kid who got in but is not that much suitable for the program and they decide to drop after a year, will they give the open seat to another deserving child in 10th grade or it is gone is gone.

I'm sorry. Your kid is obviously hard working and will be successful no matter where they are. We know two kids who are saying no to Blair and yes to another magnet so maybe your child will get a spot. Just remember that the kid who got in with the Bs didn't steal a spot, they applied and for whatever reason the admission people felt the child could handle the program. The problem is the amount of seats available... Good luck, I'm sorry your child is feeling sad and I hope they get in when spots free up this spring. I don't think they allow entry to the program after 9th grade unfortunately.

So one spot in that class room will get wasted where it can be filled by a deserving kid?

Unfortunately you can't join in 10th. A lot of the required SMAC coursework comes in the first two years. The classes are completely different from those offered at other high schools, and many of them build on each other. Even classes like Chemistry and Physics, which are offered at every high school, don't have the 1-semester, full-credit option elsewhere.

Also, I know you're disappointed for your kid, but please think about the way you are phrasing this. The "wasted" spot also belonged to a "deserving kid," and while most kids who start at Blair SMAC complete the program, there are any number of reasons why a child might leave.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is really disappointed. With good grades, 100% on all and high MAP scores 99 percentile, not even got into 1 and wait pooled for 2. My kid definitely knows kids who got in definitely have very very low MAP scores and have even got B's. This make it very sad for the hard working child and feels depressed. DC doesn't want to go to school due to the boastings the other kids do in school. They should look at scores and test in class and the MAP scores if they don't have any administer cogat tests. This is where they do on their own. If it was depending on the essay, for the essays parents or any external sources could have helped too. it is not their original work.
Knowing the type of kids who got in we know for sure it will be hard for them to survive in these programs, even in middle school where grading is easy they could not get good grades. Sometimes my kid is even wondering was there any errors as to why DC was not selected.
Question: If a kid who got in but is not that much suitable for the program and they decide to drop after a year, will they give the open seat to another deserving child in 10th grade or it is gone is gone.

I'm sorry. Your kid is obviously hard working and will be successful no matter where they are. We know two kids who are saying no to Blair and yes to another magnet so maybe your child will get a spot. Just remember that the kid who got in with the Bs didn't steal a spot, they applied and for whatever reason the admission people felt the child could handle the program. The problem is the amount of seats available... Good luck, I'm sorry your child is feeling sad and I hope they get in when spots free up this spring. I don't think they allow entry to the program after 9th grade unfortunately.

So one spot in that class room will get wasted where it can be filled by a deserving kid?

I really hope that kid doesn't get to hear stuff like that at school, wow. Somehow the admission thought the child was more deserving of a spot than others. Plus you don't know their actual grades anyway only what an upset child is saying.

Not to mention that some programs like SMACS only look at specific subjects like math and science.

I think PP was talking about the empty spot if a child leaves the program and there is then an “empty seat” in 10th grade

yes that is what i meant, if the child drops off in 10th grade, that becomes a wasted spot right, i understand it is because of the prework done, but that is just for SMACS right, how about RM and other programs?

Just wanted to say sorry for misinterpreting your words!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is really disappointed. With good grades, 100% on all and high MAP scores 99 percentile, not even got into 1 and wait pooled for 2. My kid definitely knows kids who got in definitely have very very low MAP scores and have even got B's. This make it very sad for the hard working child and feels depressed. DC doesn't want to go to school due to the boastings the other kids do in school. They should look at scores and test in class and the MAP scores if they don't have any administer cogat tests. This is where they do on their own. If it was depending on the essay, for the essays parents or any external sources could have helped too. it is not their original work.
Knowing the type of kids who got in we know for sure it will be hard for them to survive in these programs, even in middle school where grading is easy they could not get good grades. Sometimes my kid is even wondering was there any errors as to why DC was not selected.
Question: If a kid who got in but is not that much suitable for the program and they decide to drop after a year, will they give the open seat to another deserving child in 10th grade or it is gone is gone.

I'm sorry. Your kid is obviously hard working and will be successful no matter where they are. We know two kids who are saying no to Blair and yes to another magnet so maybe your child will get a spot. Just remember that the kid who got in with the Bs didn't steal a spot, they applied and for whatever reason the admission people felt the child could handle the program. The problem is the amount of seats available... Good luck, I'm sorry your child is feeling sad and I hope they get in when spots free up this spring. I don't think they allow entry to the program after 9th grade unfortunately.

So one spot in that class room will get wasted where it can be filled by a deserving kid?

I really hope that kid doesn't get to hear stuff like that at school, wow. Somehow the admission thought the child was more deserving of a spot than others. Plus you don't know their actual grades anyway only what an upset child is saying.

oh come on no problem, we are all trying to help each other understand the process, dont be sorry,



Not to mention that some programs like SMACS only look at specific subjects like math and science.

I think PP was talking about the empty spot if a child leaves the program and there is then an “empty seat” in 10th grade

yes that is what i meant, if the child drops off in 10th grade, that becomes a wasted spot right, i understand it is because of the prework done, but that is just for SMACS right, how about RM and other programs?

Just wanted to say sorry for misinterpreting your words!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is really disappointed. With good grades, 100% on all and high MAP scores 99 percentile, not even got into 1 and wait pooled for 2. My kid definitely knows kids who got in definitely have very very low MAP scores and have even got B's. This make it very sad for the hard working child and feels depressed. DC doesn't want to go to school due to the boastings the other kids do in school. They should look at scores and test in class and the MAP scores if they don't have any administer cogat tests. This is where they do on their own. If it was depending on the essay, for the essays parents or any external sources could have helped too. it is not their original work.
Knowing the type of kids who got in we know for sure it will be hard for them to survive in these programs, even in middle school where grading is easy they could not get good grades. Sometimes my kid is even wondering was there any errors as to why DC was not selected.
Question: If a kid who got in but is not that much suitable for the program and they decide to drop after a year, will they give the open seat to another deserving child in 10th grade or it is gone is gone.

I'm sorry. Your kid is obviously hard working and will be successful no matter where they are. We know two kids who are saying no to Blair and yes to another magnet so maybe your child will get a spot. Just remember that the kid who got in with the Bs didn't steal a spot, they applied and for whatever reason the admission people felt the child could handle the program. The problem is the amount of seats available... Good luck, I'm sorry your child is feeling sad and I hope they get in when spots free up this spring. I don't think they allow entry to the program after 9th grade unfortunately.

So one spot in that class room will get wasted where it can be filled by a deserving kid?

I really hope that kid doesn't get to hear stuff like that at school, wow. Somehow the admission thought the child was more deserving of a spot than others. Plus you don't know their actual grades anyway only what an upset child is saying.

Not to mention that some programs like SMACS only look at specific subjects like math and science.

I think PP was talking about the empty spot if a child leaves the program and there is then an “empty seat” in 10th grade

Oh I hope I misunderstood, I was feeling awful for the child who might hear they shouldn't have been given a spot. Thank you!

The real issue is for that child who cannot keep up with the curriculum or who is on the lower achieving level of the group

That is not a thing. I am tired of this myth that unqualified kids who can't hack it are finding their way into the program. My kid definitely did not have the highest MAP-M score (it was plenty high, but their MaP-R was higher). I think they even had a B in 6th grade CS - the horror! Yet they wrote an essay that demonstrated their passion for science, and they've thrived and excelled in the program. My kid "deserved" the spot as much as anyone, but more.importantly is committed to making the most of every opportunity the program offers. Maybe the committee saw that in the application. Maybe it was just dumb luck. Either way, I don't think parents are doing their kids any favors by passing on a misplaced and perhaps ill-informed sense of grievance. That's not a very constructive lesson to take into the world.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is really disappointed. With good grades, 100% on all and high MAP scores 99 percentile, not even got into 1 and wait pooled for 2. My kid definitely knows kids who got in definitely have very very low MAP scores and have even got B's. This make it very sad for the hard working child and feels depressed. DC doesn't want to go to school due to the boastings the other kids do in school. They should look at scores and test in class and the MAP scores if they don't have any administer cogat tests. This is where they do on their own. If it was depending on the essay, for the essays parents or any external sources could have helped too. it is not their original work.
Knowing the type of kids who got in we know for sure it will be hard for them to survive in these programs, even in middle school where grading is easy they could not get good grades. Sometimes my kid is even wondering was there any errors as to why DC was not selected.
Question: If a kid who got in but is not that much suitable for the program and they decide to drop after a year, will they give the open seat to another deserving child in 10th grade or it is gone is gone.

I'm sorry. Your kid is obviously hard working and will be successful no matter where they are. We know two kids who are saying no to Blair and yes to another magnet so maybe your child will get a spot. Just remember that the kid who got in with the Bs didn't steal a spot, they applied and for whatever reason the admission people felt the child could handle the program. The problem is the amount of seats available... Good luck, I'm sorry your child is feeling sad and I hope they get in when spots free up this spring. I don't think they allow entry to the program after 9th grade unfortunately.

So one spot in that class room will get wasted where it can be filled by a deserving kid?

I really hope that kid doesn't get to hear stuff like that at school, wow. Somehow the admission thought the child was more deserving of a spot than others. Plus you don't know their actual grades anyway only what an upset child is saying.

Not to mention that some programs like SMACS only look at specific subjects like math and science.

I think PP was talking about the empty spot if a child leaves the program and there is then an “empty seat” in 10th grade

Oh I hope I misunderstood, I was feeling awful for the child who might hear they shouldn't have been given a spot. Thank you!

The real issue is for that child who cannot keep up with the curriculum or who is on the lower achieving level of the group

That is not a thing. I am tired of this myth that unqualified kids who can't hack it are finding their way into the program. My kid definitely did not have the highest MAP-M score (it was plenty high, but their MaP-R was higher). I think they even had a B in 6th grade CS - the horror! Yet they wrote an essay that demonstrated their passion for science, and they've thrived and excelled in the program. My kid "deserved" the spot as much as anyone, but more.importantly is committed to making the most of every opportunity the program offers. Maybe the committee saw that in the application. Maybe it was just dumb luck. Either way, I don't think parents are doing their kids any favors by passing on a misplaced and perhaps ill-informed sense of grievance. That's not a very constructive lesson to take into the world.

Yeah, I’m with you. My kids are in magnet MS and there are definitely a couple of kids walking around with a lot of attitude about their map scores and being the “smartest.” My kids respect the ability but not the arrogance. And they do not really want to deal with those kids on group projects. So while I feel for PP with disappointed kid, I think there is a lot more to being a great student than high scores. High scores alone do make for a ‘deserving’ kid.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is really disappointed. With good grades, 100% on all and high MAP scores 99 percentile, not even got into 1 and wait pooled for 2. My kid definitely knows kids who got in definitely have very very low MAP scores and have even got B's. This make it very sad for the hard working child and feels depressed. DC doesn't want to go to school due to the boastings the other kids do in school. They should look at scores and test in class and the MAP scores if they don't have any administer cogat tests. This is where they do on their own. If it was depending on the essay, for the essays parents or any external sources could have helped too. it is not their original work.
Knowing the type of kids who got in we know for sure it will be hard for them to survive in these programs, even in middle school where grading is easy they could not get good grades. Sometimes my kid is even wondering was there any errors as to why DC was not selected.
Question: If a kid who got in but is not that much suitable for the program and they decide to drop after a year, will they give the open seat to another deserving child in 10th grade or it is gone is gone.

I'm sorry. Your kid is obviously hard working and will be successful no matter where they are. We know two kids who are saying no to Blair and yes to another magnet so maybe your child will get a spot. Just remember that the kid who got in with the Bs didn't steal a spot, they applied and for whatever reason the admission people felt the child could handle the program. The problem is the amount of seats available... Good luck, I'm sorry your child is feeling sad and I hope they get in when spots free up this spring. I don't think they allow entry to the program after 9th grade unfortunately.

So one spot in that class room will get wasted where it can be filled by a deserving kid?

I really hope that kid doesn't get to hear stuff like that at school, wow. Somehow the admission thought the child was more deserving of a spot than others. Plus you don't know their actual grades anyway only what an upset child is saying.

Not to mention that some programs like SMACS only look at specific subjects like math and science.

I think PP was talking about the empty spot if a child leaves the program and there is then an “empty seat” in 10th grade

Oh I hope I misunderstood, I was feeling awful for the child who might hear they shouldn't have been given a spot. Thank you!

The real issue is for that child who cannot keep up with the curriculum or who is on the lower achieving level of the group

That is not a thing. I am tired of this myth that unqualified kids who can't hack it are finding their way into the program. My kid definitely did not have the highest MAP-M score (it was plenty high, but their MaP-R was higher). I think they even had a B in 6th grade CS - the horror! Yet they wrote an essay that demonstrated their passion for science, and they've thrived and excelled in the program. My kid "deserved" the spot as much as anyone, but more.importantly is committed to making the most of every opportunity the program offers. Maybe the committee saw that in the application. Maybe it was just dumb luck. Either way, I don't think parents are doing their kids any favors by passing on a misplaced and perhaps ill-informed sense of grievance. That's not a very constructive lesson to take into the world.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is really disappointed. With good grades, 100% on all and high MAP scores 99 percentile, not even got into 1 and wait pooled for 2. My kid definitely knows kids who got in definitely have very very low MAP scores and have even got B's. This make it very sad for the hard working child and feels depressed. DC doesn't want to go to school due to the boastings the other kids do in school. They should look at scores and test in class and the MAP scores if they don't have any administer cogat tests. This is where they do on their own. If it was depending on the essay, for the essays parents or any external sources could have helped too. it is not their original work.
Knowing the type of kids who got in we know for sure it will be hard for them to survive in these programs, even in middle school where grading is easy they could not get good grades. Sometimes my kid is even wondering was there any errors as to why DC was not selected.
Question: If a kid who got in but is not that much suitable for the program and they decide to drop after a year, will they give the open seat to another deserving child in 10th grade or it is gone is gone.

I'm sorry. Your kid is obviously hard working and will be successful no matter where they are. We know two kids who are saying no to Blair and yes to another magnet so maybe your child will get a spot. Just remember that the kid who got in with the Bs didn't steal a spot, they applied and for whatever reason the admission people felt the child could handle the program. The problem is the amount of seats available... Good luck, I'm sorry your child is feeling sad and I hope they get in when spots free up this spring. I don't think they allow entry to the program after 9th grade unfortunately.

So one spot in that class room will get wasted where it can be filled by a deserving kid?

I really hope that kid doesn't get to hear stuff like that at school, wow. Somehow the admission thought the child was more deserving of a spot than others. Plus you don't know their actual grades anyway only what an upset child is saying.

Not to mention that some programs like SMACS only look at specific subjects like math and science.

I think PP was talking about the empty spot if a child leaves the program and there is then an “empty seat” in 10th grade

Oh I hope I misunderstood, I was feeling awful for the child who might hear they shouldn't have been given a spot. Thank you!

The real issue is for that child who cannot keep up with the curriculum or who is on the lower achieving level of the group

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is really disappointed. With good grades, 100% on all and high MAP scores 99 percentile, not even got into 1 and wait pooled for 2. My kid definitely knows kids who got in definitely have very very low MAP scores and have even got B's. This make it very sad for the hard working child and feels depressed. DC doesn't want to go to school due to the boastings the other kids do in school. They should look at scores and test in class and the MAP scores if they don't have any administer cogat tests. This is where they do on their own. If it was depending on the essay, for the essays parents or any external sources could have helped too. it is not their original work.
Knowing the type of kids who got in we know for sure it will be hard for them to survive in these programs, even in middle school where grading is easy they could not get good grades. Sometimes my kid is even wondering was there any errors as to why DC was not selected.
Question: If a kid who got in but is not that much suitable for the program and they decide to drop after a year, will they give the open seat to another deserving child in 10th grade or it is gone is gone.

I'm sorry. Your kid is obviously hard working and will be successful no matter where they are. We know two kids who are saying no to Blair and yes to another magnet so maybe your child will get a spot. Just remember that the kid who got in with the Bs didn't steal a spot, they applied and for whatever reason the admission people felt the child could handle the program. The problem is the amount of seats available... Good luck, I'm sorry your child is feeling sad and I hope they get in when spots free up this spring. I don't think they allow entry to the program after 9th grade unfortunately.

So one spot in that class room will get wasted where it can be filled by a deserving kid?

I really hope that kid doesn't get to hear stuff like that at school, wow. Somehow the admission thought the child was more deserving of a spot than others. Plus you don't know their actual grades anyway only what an upset child is saying.

Not to mention that some programs like SMACS only look at specific subjects like math and science.

I think PP was talking about the empty spot if a child leaves the program and there is then an “empty seat” in 10th grade

Oh I hope I misunderstood, I was feeling awful for the child who might hear they shouldn't have been given a spot. Thank you!

The real issue is for that child who cannot keep up with the curriculum or who is on the lower achieving level of the group

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is really disappointed. With good grades, 100% on all and high MAP scores 99 percentile, not even got into 1 and wait pooled for 2. My kid definitely knows kids who got in definitely have very very low MAP scores and have even got B's. This make it very sad for the hard working child and feels depressed. DC doesn't want to go to school due to the boastings the other kids do in school. They should look at scores and test in class and the MAP scores if they don't have any administer cogat tests. This is where they do on their own. If it was depending on the essay, for the essays parents or any external sources could have helped too. it is not their original work.
Knowing the type of kids who got in we know for sure it will be hard for them to survive in these programs, even in middle school where grading is easy they could not get good grades. Sometimes my kid is even wondering was there any errors as to why DC was not selected.
Question: If a kid who got in but is not that much suitable for the program and they decide to drop after a year, will they give the open seat to another deserving child in 10th grade or it is gone is gone.

I'm sorry. Your kid is obviously hard working and will be successful no matter where they are. We know two kids who are saying no to Blair and yes to another magnet so maybe your child will get a spot. Just remember that the kid who got in with the Bs didn't steal a spot, they applied and for whatever reason the admission people felt the child could handle the program. The problem is the amount of seats available... Good luck, I'm sorry your child is feeling sad and I hope they get in when spots free up this spring. I don't think they allow entry to the program after 9th grade unfortunately.

So one spot in that class room will get wasted where it can be filled by a deserving kid?

I really hope that kid doesn't get to hear stuff like that at school, wow. Somehow the admission thought the child was more deserving of a spot than others. Plus you don't know their actual grades anyway only what an upset child is saying.

Not to mention that some programs like SMACS only look at specific subjects like math and science.

I think PP was talking about the empty spot if a child leaves the program and there is then an “empty seat” in 10th grade

Oh I hope I misunderstood, I was feeling awful for the child who might hear they shouldn't have been given a spot. Thank you!

Anonymous wrote:1. MCPS is a huge district. It's shameful there aren't many many many more spots for accelerated or advanced programs for students who would benefit.

2. Yes life is unfair. No one is disputing that. But there are ways to create a better functioning system. Just throwing one's hands up and saying life's unfair directs consequences down to the most vulnerable (students) when it should be the responsibility and mission of those with the most power (administrators).

3. The COGAT is an infinitely better test for assessing innate ability. But I've come to understand these magnet programs are not really about innate ability. I'm not saying that as a knock on admitted students, just that the programs are about who excels academically, who is good at working the system. You can have very smart students who get Bs and Cs. Any parent of a child with learning disabilities, ADHD, asbergers, etc knows this. The fact that MCPS is required to identify gifted students, and then does nothing with this information, is telling for what happens at the MS and HS levels.

4. I know for a fact that at least two students at my child's magnet middle school had outside coaching on their essays, and did very well with acceptances to the programs they applied to. Is this ridiculous to get coaching on a 250 word essay? Of course. But again there are so few data points in this assessment process.