mobile high schools

[ivyfan]

Alabama School of Math and science is not an option. They are 10 -12 grade, my daughter is currently 8th grader, entering 9th in the summer when we move.

There are waiting list in all three private schools everybody recommends. I think we will be able to get into UMS Wright though. I agree with Pennquaker, that if a child is going to a Ivy, he/she can get into an Ivy from any school. However, I do believe this apply to very few extremely outstanding achievers. with frenzy cometition these days, I do believe high school make a huge differences with kids who have not or just start high school, who are bright, yet not extreme achiever yet. A school best suits a kid brings best pontential out of him/her.

As a parent of an accedemic highly accieved middle school student, I am inexperience and just started out on how to prepare for child's college application. I do reserach in schools in the following aspects:

1. infomation and opinions gathered from this forum (thanks everyone!)
2. Ivy acceptance of each high school
3. Number of National Merit Semifinalist from each high school
4. test score (ACT and state Stardardized test)

I agree with Downtowndoll. What I see, Among available options, Murphy is best in acedemics, while UMS best for the whole child experience.

Now my delima is, which one better helps to achieve her dream (going to Ivy) based her individual strengh (accedemics) and weakness(leadership, activities, etcs)?

I've heard Murphy High IB is very demanding and competitive, students most likely do not much time to do a lot of extracurriculars, which is a absolute neccessary for today's Ivies. On the other hand, I am also afraid that her best selling point, the accedemics, might not standing out, after 4 years of not so demanding curriculums.

I'd like to get your opinions on choosing bewteen two. Cost and socialeconomic status (which I mean, some parents prefer their kids only hang around with kids from similar socialeconomic background. this is NOT the case here) NOT a part of consideration.

Thank you,

Originally Posted by pennquaker09

I'd be inclined to say UMS Wright, but if your child is going to go to a Ivy they can get into an Ivy from any school as long as they have a great application (read: grades, extracurriculars, etc). I don't think you could go wrong with Murphy and if absolutely necessary McGill-Toolen. Going to to a more competitive school actually could get them rejected.

Personally, the Alabama School of Math and Science would be my choice, but it's not an option.

[pennquaker09]

If your child does end up in the IB diploma program, then yes, he or she might not have a lot of time to do other things. It really depends on the individual.

I was in the IB program, and I don't recall a night that I went to bed before 1. But I think that was due to the fact that I was involved in a couple of extracurriculars. You just have to be VERY motivated and VERY organized. This is where you can help your child. Get them a PDA, that's what my dad for me and it practically had my entire schedule on it. I'm not one to write stuff down in a planner. But the thing about IB is that you really have to love to learn to get the full benefit of the program. If your goal is to have your GPA weighted so you'll look good for college, then it's not going to work and you're going to start to hate it and get burned out.

This year and next are going to be probably be the two most competitive years for college admissions, but after that, it's going to die down some. I personally am an advocate for Murphy, but I think your children should have some say in where they want to go to school. However, as I said before, competition can sometimes backfire when it comes to college admissions. Rich kids are judged at a higher standard than others.

[southernnaturelover]

I just heard on the news that Saint Luke's Episcopal School will be adding high school grades. This isn't directed to the OP, this is just general info for those interested.
St. Luke's Episcopal School

[ivyfan]

Thanks, Pennquaker. You brought up an important point, that the child should have some say regarding where she wants to go school. I acually read all the posts here with her, also showed her school reports and all that kind of stuff. She would be one to make the final decision, my duty is to gather as much information as possible to help her in making that decision.

Again, thanks for everyone's inputs. This forum has been a great resource and help. I especially want to thank Downtowndoll and Pennquaker for sharing their first hand experience with Murphy high, UMS, IB program with me and also provide candid advices.

Thanks everyone again, this forum is great. I am sure I am going be one of the reguars here.

Originally Posted by pennquaker09

If your child does end up in the IB diploma program, then yes, he or she might not have a lot of time to do other things. It really depends on the individual.

I was in the IB program, and I don't recall a night that I went to bed before 1. But I think that was due to the fact that I was involved in a couple of extracurriculars. You just have to be VERY motivated and VERY organized. This is where you can help your child. Get them a PDA, that's what my dad for me and it practically had my entire schedule on it. I'm not one to write stuff down in a planner. But the thing about IB is that you really have to love to learn to get the full benefit of the program. If your goal is to have your GPA weighted so you'll look good for college, then it's not going to work and you're going to start to hate it and get burned out.

This year and next are going to be probably be the two most competitive years for college admissions, but after that, it's going to die down some. I personally am an advocate for Murphy, but I think your children should have some say in where they want to go to school. However, as I said before, competition can sometimes backfire when it comes to college admissions. Rich kids are judged at a higher standard than others.

[downtowndoll]

Originally Posted by Keeper

Go Panthers...

Sorry had to throw that in being a Murphy Alumni although admittedly many years ago.

I am glad to see there are options other than private schools as not everyone can afford private schools.

Not everyone wants to go to private schools, even though they can afford to. There are plenty of lawyers' and doctors' kids at Murphy who enjoy the diversity at the school. I wish it was more popular to choose public as it obviously is not. I just want to get it out there that Murphy is not dangerous and is a good school. Same with the magnet schools like Council Traditional and then Phillips Prep.

I hope I didn't make a mistake by putting mine in a private school. My littlest one is already wanting an ipod and a cell phone! You can exchange one set of problems for different ones!

[pennquaker09]

Well, if it makes any difference, I went to school with kids driving Lexi, BMWs, and the like, so going to a public school doesn't really curb the influences.