Ransom Everglades School review by MIT student.
Ransom's academic problem tends to be more rigorous compared to neighboring institutions. All of its departments are excellent, but its humanities program is its best program. The social science and English courses encourage debate both in and out of class, combining Harkness discussions, lectures, and reading primary sources. In mathematics, Ransom created a solid understanding of math for anyone willing to do the work. Although at times difficult, the result of anyone in the high-end track of mathematics is almost always a "5" on the AP Calculus BC exam and an excellent introduction to multivariable calculus. All levels of math students benefit from teachers who are always willing to give extra help. The science department was, relative to the rest of Ransom, weaker during my time at Ransom (2004-2009) primarily because of a lack of separation between strong and weak science students. However, I understand that, starting in the 2009-2010 academic year, there will be more division between regular, honors, and Advanced Placement. Looking at Ransom's academics holistically, all departments require a great deal of work and encourage discussion and debate. The work is the single most distinguishing element of Ransom students. Many alumni who go on to notoriously difficult colleges state that they can more readily bear large workloads than their peers. While a Ransom student, I resented this, but I recognized the benefit of pulling through the work. This is no play school. However, Ransom does encourage its students to play with their knowledge and to dissent. Ransom students gain a thorough understanding of material not only by getting extra help from teachers easily, but also from discussing with classmates in and out of class. The small class sizes (almost all classes are around 15 students, they top out at 20) help facilitate discussion.
College counseling varies according to individual students. Ransom usually has.... Get the real inside story on college counseling at Ransom Everglades School as experienced by former pupil and MIT 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...
I entered Ransom through the middle school, so I have.... Get in-depth insights and personal advice on admissions to Ransom Everglades School by former pupil and MIT 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...
Ransom's location and facilities are excellent. Coming from a school that served terrible kosher food, I found Ransom's food divine. After four years, I was somewhat bored with the selection, but I was nevertheless content. The grounds are outstanding. During breaks, I would often walk by the football field to stay by Biscayne Bay. As a senior, I could eat and relax in Coconut Grove. I know of no school that is as comfortable as Ransom. The school's culture varies widely. Some groups of kids tend to party most weekends. Some.... Get the real inside story on quality of school life and extracurricular offerings at Ransom Everglades School as experienced by former pupil and MIT student — Login or Sign Up to access full review