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Monday morning, Gold House was filled with eighth graders gathered around tables talking about the news that had just come out. This past Friday, March 3rd, eighth graders across Chicago received their CPS selective enrollment decisions. The anticipation that comes with waiting for these decisions is unmatched, and on Friday smiles were exhibited, and tears were shed. While this was an exciting time for hundreds of students, many were left disappointed. After all, the top five or six high schools in the city provide only enough slots for so many kids.
Decisions were based out of a score of 900 for each child and made up of grades and two different standardized test scores. After talking to eighth grader, Joseph Cumpian, we found that tests are what really matter throughout this whole process. He said, “The process isn’t based on how intelligent you are, but rather how much you can learn for the testing portion.” With tests weighing heavily on the final score, is this process really fair? Francesca Quezada ‘17 said her experience getting into Whitney Young may have been easier than her peers. “I am a strong test taker so I really didn’t have to worry too much about this portion.” Not much has changed in four years because there still seems to be a similar trend. The strong test takers are thriving the most and getting into their top choice schools because of their higher scores.
Part of the admittance decision is also based on the tier you live in. There are four tiers depending on neighborhood. This year the tier 3 cut off score for Young was 849 and the tier 4 score was an 874. The scores have dropped below Jones this year. Freshman Wyatt Reynolds said, “I am shocked our acceptance scores are lower than Jones, but I don’t think that says anything about our academic standard.” To view other rankings and score cut offs visit, cps.edu/AccessAndEnrollment/Pages/OAE.aspx.
For many of these eighth graders they will have the privilege of coming to Whitney Young for high school. Today, March 6th, there will be an informational meeting for students who have been picked to have a “shadow” on the upcoming shadow days at school. The incoming Dolphins will be roaming the halls on March 9, 10, and 16 so make sure to say hi and make them feel welcome. It’s an exciting time that I know we all remember full of excitement and nerves knowing that we were chosen to come to Whitney M. Young Magnet High School.