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It’s a common misconception right now that admission into Boston’s prestigious exam schools is determined by a lottery system. As of the 2023-2024 school year, the process has changed. Admissions are now based on a combination of Grade Point Average (GPA), Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) exam scores, and additional points for certain qualifying students. This blog post will provide an in-depth analysis of the new admissions process and explain how the A+ Program can help your child improve their GPA, learn essential study skills, and increase their chances of getting into one of these top-tier schools.
The Boston Public Schools system has three exam schools: Boston Latin School, Boston Latin Academy, and John D. O’Bryant School. To apply for admission to these schools, students must be currently in grades 5, 7, or 8 and reside in the City of Boston. The new admissions process involves three main components: the student’s GPA, their MAP exam scores, and additional points for qualifying students.
The GPA requirement is straightforward. Students must have a strong academic record, demonstrating consistent performance across their subjects. The MAP exam, on the other hand, is a standardized test that measures a student’s academic progress in math and English language arts. Together, these two components provide a comprehensive assessment of a student’s academic abilities and potential.
Additional points are available to students who experience homelessness, are in the care of the Department of Children and Families (DCF), or reside in housing owned by the Boston Housing Authority. Ten additional points are available to students who previously attended a school that served 40% or more economically disadvantaged families. Points cannot be combined.
All applicants are then placed in a socioeconomic (SES) tier based on their home address. Exam School invitations are allocated by composite score within each tier. The composite score is calculated by converting the percentile scores in Math and Reading to a 30-point scale, and the student’s Grade Point Average (GPA) is converted to a 70-point scale and added together. If the student qualifies for any additional points, it will be added to the composite score. The maximum composite score a student can receive without additional points is 100, and with additional points is 110 or 115.
We are thrilled to announce that more than half of the students who participated in the MAP test prep and English and Math classes at the A+ Program were accepted into top exam schools. This is a testament to the effectiveness of our program and the hard work and dedication of our students. We congratulate them on their achievement and look forward to seeing them thrive in their new academic environments.
The A+ Program, offered by ASC, is an academic enrichment program designed to help students excel in their studies and prepare for the challenges of the upcoming school year. The program offers a range of services, including math and English enrichment programs, test preparation for the ISEE/SSAT/MAP exams, and a full-day summer program that combines academic study with soft skill development.
One of the key benefits of the A+ Program is its focus on improving students’ GPAs. The program’s rigorous curriculum, designed by accredited teaching professionals, goes above and beyond the regular school curriculum. This approach not only helps students improve their academic performance but also prepares them for the advanced materials and concepts they will encounter in the exam schools.
In addition to boosting GPAs, the A+ Program also equips students with essential study skills. These skills, which include effective time management, problem-solving, and critical thinking, are invaluable not only for
the MAP exam but also for the students’ overall academic journey.
Joining the A+ Program can significantly increase a student’s chances of getting into a Boston exam school. Here’s why:
1. Improved GPA: The program’s rigorous curriculum and high teaching standards can help students improve their academic performance and, consequently, their GPA.
2. Test Preparation: The A+ Program offers test preparation services for the MAP exam, providing students with the knowledge and strategies they need to excel.
3. Study Skills: The program equips students with essential study skills that will serve them well in their academic journey.
4. Confidence: By mastering challenging materials and concepts, students gain confidence in their academic abilities, which can positively impact their performance in the admissions process.
5. Proven Success: More than half of our students who participated in the MAP test prep and English and Math classes were accepted into top exam schools.
In conclusion, while the admissions process for Boston’s exam schools may seem daunting, resources like the A+ Program can provide the support and preparation your child needs to succeed. By focusing on improving their GPA, honing their study skills, and understanding the new admissions process, your child can increase their chances of admission and set themselves up for a successful academic future.
