Is Latin School of Chicago Worth the Latin?
So, you want to send your kid to Latin School of Chicago, huh? You’ve got big dreams for little Timmy, don’t you? Well, buckle up, because getting into this place is like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube while blindfolded and juggling chainsaws.
The Prestige Factor
Let’s face it, Latin School has a certain je ne sais quoi. It's like the Ivy League of high schools, but with a heavier emphasis on declensions and conjugations. Everyone knows it, and everyone wants in. It's the kind of place where kids grow up dreaming of becoming senators or neurosurgeons, or at the very least, really good at Latin puns.
What it Takes to Be a Latin Scholar
Think your kid is a genius? Great, but that’s only the beginning. Latin School is looking for the whole package: academic prowess, extracurricular excellence, and a personality that can charm a roomful of headmasters. It’s like trying to win a decathlon while also being the prom queen.
The Academics: Don’t even think about applying if your kid can’t solve a quadratic equation while reciting Virgil. Latin School is no joke. They’re talking advanced math, mind-boggling science, and essays that would make Tolstoy blush.
The Extracurriculars: Your kid needs to be a Renaissance child. Sports, music, drama, community service – you name it, they gotta do it. And not just dabble, either. We’re talking captain of the debate team, lead violinist, and president of the Amnesty International club.
The Personality: Latin School wants well-rounded kids with character. Think polite, articulate, and someone who can hold a conversation with a Nobel laureate without breaking a sweat. Oh, and they better be a team player, because cliques are as welcome as a skunk at a picnic.
Is It Worth the Hassle?
Let’s be real: Getting into Latin School is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s a year (or more) of test prep, essays, and interviews that will make you question your life choices. But if your kid gets in, the payoff could be huge. Latin School grads tend to be pretty successful, and the connections they make there can last a lifetime.
So, is it worth it? Only you can decide. But if you’re willing to put in the time, effort, and maybe even a little blood, sweat, and tears, Latin School could be the perfect place for your child to thrive.
Just remember: Even if your kid doesn’t get in, it’s not the end of the world. There are plenty of other great schools out there. And who knows, maybe your kid will end up being the next Mark Zuckerberg or Oprah Winfrey without ever setting foot in a Latin classroom.
How To… Latin School Edition
- How to survive the Latin School application process? Keep your cool, delegate tasks, and remember that it’s just a school.
- How to prepare your child for the ISEE? Consistent practice, engaging study materials, and building test-taking confidence.
- How to write a compelling Latin School admissions essay? Be authentic, show your passion, and proofread, proofread, proofread!
- How to build a strong extracurricular profile? Encourage a variety of interests, focus on leadership, and highlight community involvement.
- How to ace the Latin School interview? Practice common questions, dress appropriately, and let your child's personality shine.