Albuquerque Academy review by Duke University student.
Albuquerque Academy offers superb academics in an intimate setting. Students enter in classes of about 150 students in the sixth grade and soon begin to form relationships with their peers that mature as they face a rigorous yet entirely reasonable set of academic challenges. In the lower school division (grades 6-7) no formal grades are issued; instead, students receive detailed "narratives" of their performance that praise their strengths and point out areas that could use improvement. In this low-risk environment, students have a chance to warm up to the level of performance expected at a college preparatory school. Grades 8 and 9 begin the formal grading system but few if any students experience a rocky transition owing to the lower school experience. Classes are never larger than about 18 students, so individuals receive ample attention. Teaching is primarily discussion based, will the occasional lecture where absolutely necessary (i.e. the material was very complicated). Of course, teachers are always available for discussions outside of class concerning schoolwork or otherwise. Albuquerque Academy offers a plethora of advanced placement courses across many disciplines, so whatever your child's interests may be, he or she will find avenues to explore them. Personally, I found that with each new year my classes became more interesting, not only because the level of discussion was higher but also because my teachers were visibly more intrigued and impressed by the intellectual maturation of their students. My favorite aspect of Academy's academic experience was the senior project, which is a month-long break from regular classes seniors take just before graduation in which they pursue a potential career interest through an internship, seminar, or independently designed project. I had friends who shadowed physicians, worked under newscasters, produced their own rap songs, and toured across state borders with their rock bands. My project was a 1 on 1 seminar with a faculty mentor in which we struggled with problems in the philosophy of mind, and I can honestly say that my decision for a college major (neuroscience) was heavily influenced by this rich experience. Additionally, Academy prepared me well to face the rigors of study at a highly regarded university.
In my time at Academy, the college counseling department did not approach students until their.... Get the real inside story on college counseling at Albuquerque Academy as experienced by former pupil and Duke University student — Login or Sign Up to access full review
Sample insights on college counseling
They have contacts at most of the major universities and feel perfectly comfortable picking up the phone and advocating for a student to get accepted somewhere they feel is a good fit for that student. However, these counselors are certainly not magic bullets. They cannot guarantee that a student will get into an Ivy League university...
For those wishing to move on to Oxford or Cambridge, the provision is second-to-none. In the months running up to application and interview, every subject faculty offers classes (often run by former Oxbridge tutors) exploring further areas of their subject as well as offering advice on personal statements, interview technique and more...
Academy tests and interviews all applicants for admission. The process is selective, but I believe.... Get in-depth insights and personal advice on admissions to Albuquerque Academy by former pupil and Duke University student — Login or Sign Up to access full review
Sample insights on admissions
For the interview, dress conservatively. Try to be very clean and put together. Also, I was a tour guide for two years and at the end of every tour, we were asked to evaluate the candidate so if you think the tour is not apart of the process, you are very wrong. Ask questions and be interested. Also, tip for the parents: the kids speak on the tour. Do not ask their questions for them...
Most younger siblings have an easy time in the admissions process. I can only think of one case of a younger sibling not being admitted. About half of the students who entered with me had come from public schools. The remainder came from private K-6 schools, or had transferred from other New York private schools The Elizabeth Morrow School and St. Bernard were two of the larger feeder schools...
Unlike other college preparatory schools of its caliber, Academy does not require students to live on campus. This allows students to have a healthy distinction between home life and school life, which can be very valuable as pressure begins to rise during the later year of the experience. Academy still offers a varied and exciting array of activities and facilities for its students, including a large library, computer labs equipped with up to date technology, multiple gymnasiums, an olympic pool, tennis courts, a full size track and various athletic fields. Academy is situated in a safe and relatively opulent neighborhood.... Get the real inside story on quality of school life and extracurricular offerings at Albuquerque Academy as experienced by former pupil and Duke University student — Login or Sign Up to access full review