St. Marks experience with the ISEE (Dallas: appointed, fit in, middle school) - Texas (TX) - City-Data Forum

Gladly · 01-26-2016, 04:41 PM

I recently replied to my first post regarding my experience with the ISEE and private school admissions. I was looking for information regarding St. Marks when I ran across that post which asked what scores were necessary for certain private Dallas schools. Although the post was old, I thought I could help and put another parent's worries at ease with my personal experience. I am now in need of someone's help. I have been told by more than one person that St. Mark's really looks to round off their middle and upper school classes with high scoring boys and no average ISEE is considered. Someone even suggested that St. Mark's really only takes 8s and 9s. Is this another exaggeration? Care to share your experience?

Pink Babe · 01-26-2016, 05:05 PM

In my experience that isn't true for middle school. My son was accepted in 5th and he did not have all 8's and 9's. They really look at the whole boy and how he would fit into the existing class. Now I would assume for high school that would be true. There are so few spots available that they can afford to take the best of the applicants.

Also remember they add 25-30 kids in 5th grade so they are adding a lot of boys that year.

Gladly · 01-26-2016, 05:29 PM

Thanks PB. I know SM has a rep for high SAT and NMSFs so it made sense that they would start putting more value on the ISEE as the kids left lower school. I normally wouldn't be to worried about just one variable in the application since my daughter received accepts at a few schools with average scores but unfortunately my son did a little worse than her. Ugh.

bencronin04 · 01-26-2016, 05:49 PM

First relax. I know it's hard, but the fact you're this involved in your children's education puts them at such an advantage that it's almost unfair. Setting your kids up for success should be your main goal, and just because they don't get into the top private school in Dallas and almost the entire country doesn't mean they're doomed. Kids grow at different rates. Just to put you at ease, one of the WORST performing individuals in my graduating class started a little company called Tilt (almost valued at a billion at the age of 29). Another non high performer a year younger than me started another global company and is doing very well. Let your kids be kids a little and be involved. It's more than most kids get.

Gladly · 01-26-2016, 06:05 PM

Thanks for the words of encouragement. While I state words like worried and ugh, I am not stressing over this. My child is completely unaware of what the scores are and hasn't even asked. I visited this school and loved it and felt it was right for my son so of course I am disappointed his scores will likely hurt his chances. Will he be fine anywhere else? Of course. Probably more than fine. He is one of those kids who will find a way. I'm just trying to adjust my expectations with this question. It really is a lovely school and I think I secretly wanted to be a student there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bencronin04

First relax. I know it's hard, but the fact you're this involved in your children's education puts them at such an advantage that it's almost unfair. Setting your kids up for success should be your main goal, and just because they don't get into the top private school in Dallas and almost the entire country doesn't mean they're doomed. Kids grow at different rates. Just to put you at ease, one of the WORST performing individuals in my graduating class started a little company called Tilt (almost valued at a billion at the age of 29). Another non high performer a year younger than me started another global company and is doing very well. Let your kids be kids a little and be involved. It's more than most kids get.

DespinaK · 02-01-2016, 06:31 PM

Just got my son's ISEE letter today and he got 7/8s. He's applying to St. Marks for 5th. I have no idea what to think. We didn't hire tutors or anything, just studied ourselves. Waiting game...

Gladly · 02-01-2016, 07:34 PM

I think those are strong scores for any school. If he isn't admitted, I am now pretty confident it's not because of those scores. I didn't hire a tutor either. He did the practice test from the website and one small booklet. I am sure they can scan and see the 4th graders who got all the Geometry questions right and who didn't. No 4th grade class is teaching more than basic calculations of perimeter from what I have observed. Perhaps they want preppers but I doubt they will ding your child for not getting a higher score for this reason.

greyzone · 02-02-2016, 05:55 PM

hello All, when you say scores of 7s and 8s, does it mean the Stanine Scores? My kid is in the 5s and 6s and just finished his Skype interview, not sure if he stands any chance at SM.

Does anyone have any idea on Cistercian prep? What gets you in there other than the Iowa test they administer?

EDS_ · 02-02-2016, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greyzone

hello All, when you say scores of 7s and 8s, does it mean the Stanine Scores? My kid is in the 5s and 6s and just finished his Skype interview, not sure if he stands any chance at SM.

Does anyone have any idea on Cistercian prep? What gets you in there other than the Iowa test they administer?

How old is your kiddo?

greyzone · 02-02-2016, 06:31 PM

he applied for the 5th grade, forgot to add he is 9 years old.