@lookingforward Agree, the work has to take place in order for the high score to happen. Also, many BS have already filtered out students so they are taking only the top students. If they take 20% then 80% are left out. Presumably, they have a stronger cohort than any public that takes all. It’s work and getting the right exposure to writing and other resources that helps.
S1 was at a STEM HS, S2 was at an IB program. S2’s freshman year pre-IB English was more rigorous than S1’s junior year AP Lang/Comp. They were both reading many of the same books that year – S2’s essays were far better, and he got B/B- grades. S1 scraped the surface and got As. S1 never had to write a lengthy essay or paper in HS, other than his STEM research report. S2 did nothing BUT write long papers in HS, and the programs he was in prior to HS also had a research paper each year, starting in 5th grade.
If the English classes are so poor, perhaps your S would consider getting involved in the school paper? A friend suggested this to her S in lieu of attending the IB program and he wound up becoming a successful comedy writer. Journaling might also help with growing comfortable with expressing ideas, parsing an argument, working through a block. National History Day is also an opportunity for developing research and writing skills.
Late to this discussion. I went to a so so HS and then an Ivy back in the day. My preparation was uneven, but I was smart and motivated. Boarding school kids had an easier time at first because they were used to the workload and expectations (and had friends from HS on campus), but after a year or so I had caught up to them. Someone mentioned professors liked students like me because we were less jaded and I think that is true.
My kids’ HS was better than mine but was still not top notch. One kid went to the state flagship and did fine, the other chose a LAC and started slowly. I briefed him on my experience, telling him I was every bit as smart as those other kids, but was not as well prepared. He took the advice to heart and his grades went up as he figured out how to study and what the expectations were. This child slept through his stats and US history courses in HS, still making As and high AP score. In college he did not sleep in class, did the reading, and worked to make the class a success, showing up and participating in discussions.
It is not too late for your older kid. The younger one? I wouldn’t overreact to the problem. You know now there might be one, so can shore up his skills.
I have to disagree with the sentiment that it’s “normal for even a well prepared student to struggle at a top college.” I’ve had this discussion with my husband a lot as we were making choices about our kids schooling. My husband and I both went to a top College. Tippy top. I came from a regular private school. Had phenomenal teachers, small classes, huge emphasis on critical thinking and writing. He went to a “top in the state” (in one of the best states) public school. We had the exact same score on the sat. He was FAR less prepared for college than I was. I think there is an assumption that good test scores and AP scores are a predictor or at least an indicator that all is well. Frankly the AP tests were a joke for me (perhaps they have changed) but getting a 5 on them was far easier than any exam I took in highschool (and I am not a great test taker).
My point is to give background to the statement that schools differ a lot in the way they prepare kids for college. I second, third, fourth the idea that you should look at private school or boarding school. Your story about your older son will be compelling when they ask you why you are looking at private schools. You may be very surprised at the amount of fa you can qualify for.
Also want to add to the OP - I hear you and I think you have every right to be questioning the rigor in your highschool. None of us know your situation and all these suggestions are based on a tiny amount of info. Please don’t feel badly because people suggest that you should stop complaining and simply supplement your kids education more. I have always found that to be an absurd idea for OUR family (it was suggested many many times to me when I expressed discontent in middle school). When parents work and kids have other passions there simply isn’t time for school after school. Don’t get trapped into thinking you’re doing something wrong because you can’t take some of the advice on this thread.
I don’t think running for the school board is simple, but from what you posted, you aren’t going to be able to change anything from the outside. So if you really want to try to change things, you’ll need to get on the inside. Otherwise, deal with it the best you can.
You may have unrealistic expectations of what a normal public school should do. The average ACT score is 21. If your school has an average of 24, they are probably doing something right. On average, 70% of graduating HS seniors enroll in college in the fall. If your school sends 90%, then it is above average in sending students to college. As to what to do, have you considered moving to a better school district, even if it means looking for a different job?
OP is gone.