High School Class 2013: Picking Colleges..Check in Here!

[Sanchez]

We are in the same boat. SAT testing is complete and our son is starting the application process. We are supporting him but he is responsible for preparing and sending applications. Looks like he will apply to five schools:

Georgia Tech
Vanderbilt
Clemson
Syracuse
Virginia Tech

We have visited Georgia Tech and Clemson and he liked both though preferred GT's urban campus. Will visit Vanderbilt and Virginia Tech this fall. Not sure about Syracuse but he wanted to include a northern school. We will visit in January so that he can fully appreciate winter in New York. Likely to come down to GT, Vandy and Clemson (the state school option).

Any thoughts on these schools is appreciated.

 

[marcyinPA]

Jumping in with two feet! My DS17 is class of 2013 too.

He is an average student, currently has a 3.24 GPA and took the SAT once- got an 1140 which devastated him. He will take it again in October. He has only taken one AP class. The rest of his classes have been regular academic (which I guess is college prep- we only have three levels in our system- academic, honors and AP).

He has greatly improved academically since his jr. year. He was diagnosed with Lyme Disease in the winter of his sophomore year, and by all indications, he had had it for a long time. We tried to pinpoint when he might have come down with it, and we think it may have been at the end of summer before his Freshman year. I don't want to make excuses for him, but he was always tired, had trouble concentrating, and showed some signs of depression (moodiness), which we always chalked up to his being a teenager. But knowing now what I know about Lyme, it very well could have been the Lyme Disease. He had a miserable first two years of high school. Once treated and back to "normal", he improved greatly. I plan on sharing this story to the admissions officers at the private schools he is applying to, and his "personal statement" will be based on living with Lyme disease for the state schools.

Anyway, he is a super involved kid- band, orchestra, chorus, theatre, and will graduate with about 800 community service hours (he is in the top 12 earners of hours in his class of 666). He also holds leadership positions and is very active in our church.

He wants to major in either Psychology with a counseling concentration, or a psychology major with a youth ministry minor. One school he is looking at has a 5 year dual degree program for psychology with counseling concentration and a masters in youth ministry. That one is perfect- but the school is small from what we've heard. Really small.

So far, we have looked at:
East Stroudsburg University (of PA)
Messiah College (in Grantham PA)
Millersville University (of PA)

In October, we are scheduled to see:
Eastern University (in St. David's PA)
Cairn University (in Langhorne PA)
Kutztown University (of PA)

My biggest struggle is getting him to start writing the essays. He is really bucking me on this one. I wanted him to get it done over the summer before the school year craziness starts. So far, he hasn't done it. He has a couple of apps started and saved on the computer, but that's as far as we've gotten. I think he is overwhelmed. How can I help him without doing it for him?!

 

[daughter_of_amid_chaos]

Hey, I was on the 2009 thread for a while with my eldest DD, too! You would think the second go-around with youngest DD would be a piece of cake, but no!

My experience is similar to UGADOG, where eldest was the one that scored great on standardized tests, volunteered, had a good GPA and Honors/AP classes, was involved in school academic clubs, etc. She had to work hard for good grades, they didn't come easily, but she got them and hey, it really helped that she did well on those standardized tests, because she had a 32 on the ACT. We knew she had no problem going to the one, and only one, school she would apply to, Purdue.

DD #2 is a different story. She is terrible on standardized tests, yet learning is very easy for her. She picks up new concepts so quickly, and is a wonderful writer, but does not like to volunteer all that much, and school is more social than a place to strive for good grades to make that college application time easier! Last semester of Junior year, she finally realized that college was looming, so she buckled down and got all "A" grades, including the AP and honors classes, but hey, too little too late.

She also did not score as high on the ACT as we had hoped, getting only a 27 the first time, and a 25 the second time. She has a problem with timed tests, she gets very flustered and nervous that she won't finish. We know she could score higher, we are witness to her intelligence every day, but this is what she has, so this is what she is going to be sending on!

This DD is active in sports and band, however, and one of the things she would like in college are badminton and orchestra band programs. She also wants a smaller college than her sister's Purdue, but that makes it harder to find those extra activities!

Originally, DD was going to study Psychology, so over spring break, I took her to see schools within 5 hours of us that offer Psychology (5 hours away by car is her comfort level). After being a nanny this summer, she thinks Elementary Education is more her style, she she went to see the schools that offer that. I hope she won't change her mind again, but if so, I am thinking that she should go to a larger school, so she has options. But what do I know, I am just the parent!

So far, top schools are....

IU Bloomington, IN (loves the beauty of the campus, and best looking guys are there)

Eastern IL, Charleston, IL (says it is like Purdue, but smaller, likes the smaller size)

Quincy University, Quincy, IL (says campus is pretty)

Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN (sister goes there, and hot farm boys)

Illinois State, Bloomington, IL (did not like the city atmosphere)

Taylor University, Urban, IN (did not like the restrictive religious moral code you have to abide by, but liked the small school size - I liked the moral code! )

She says that if her sister goes on to graduate school at Purdue, then she will go to Purdue. I am not sure she will get in to either Purdue or IU! Of course, she needs to start those college aps, and pray for some scholarships! Those Indiana schools are expensive for out-of-state residents! Thank God we plan on moving to Southern IN once she is gone, and what I believe my top IL school fit for her, Eastern, does offer in-state rates for Indiana residents, so score for Eastern either way!

I believe this will be a bumpy ride!

Has she looked at DePauw University in Greencastle, IN? It is a small school with about 2500 students but has the social scene of the larger schools. It is about 45 minutes from Purdue, IU, and Indy.
It has an amazing psych program and elementary ed program. In addition, it has a really strong school of music which would give her opportunities for continuing some of her activities.

 

[sharbear]

MaryinPA, just a suggestion. Have your S take the ACT. It is accepted everywhere and my kids did better on it than the SAT.

 

[padams]

We are in the same boat. SAT testing is complete and our son is starting the application process. We are supporting him but he is responsible for preparing and sending applications. Looks like he will apply to five schools:

Georgia Tech
Vanderbilt
Clemson
Syracuse
Virginia Tech

We have visited Georgia Tech and Clemson and he liked both though preferred GT's urban campus. Will visit Vanderbilt and Virginia Tech this fall. Not sure about Syracuse but he wanted to include a northern school. We will visit in January so that he can fully appreciate winter in New York. Likely to come down to GT, Vandy and Clemson (the state school option).

Any thoughts on these schools is appreciated.

As an Atlantan, I can tell you that GT is a great academic institution. However, it has had serious student safety issues in the last 5 years or so. If your ds is 6'5" and 250 lbs, he'll probably be safe. If he's any smaller, then he will need to work on his self-defense skills. I hope GT will take action on the situation.

 

[ugadog99]

I'm enjoying reading everyone's stories. Thanks for sharing! My daughter went today to request her first three transcripts to be sent. As for UArts, we have looked into it quite a bit. I know it's cheaper than CMU, but it is still very expensive. We ended up just taking that one off the list.

 

[Coloradomom]

UGADOG99-this is way far from where you are looking-but for theatre/performing arts look at the University of Northern Colorado. It is in Greeley CO which is a smaller town about 90 minutes north of Denver. Their arts program is renown-people come from all over to attend and many of their alumni are now on Broadway. They are very supportive of the arts and it is a huge focus. And-if a change in major takes place they have strong business, education and nursing/health care programs.

It is affordable even for out of state. Greeley is kind of a "cow town" but the kids that go to school there love it.

(My dd just graduated from there in May-nursing but was actively involved with the music program so we are very familiar with the programs. In her heart of hearts she is a music major. Passed her nursing boards on the first try (as did all of her class)!

Good luck to you!

 

[Longsx3]

My D(16) just started her senior year today I can't believe how fast the years have flown by. Asked about 1yrs ago she would have said Ivies and Duke were at the top of her list. Now after visiting plenty of Colleges her list has changed.

U of Alabama, Honors College~ already applied, guaranteed merit aid, and awesome dorms. This is her first choice and I won't be surprised when the acceptance comes, in a few weeks, that she says I am done.

U of Miami~ Common App in progress

Rollins College~ She loved the the campus

College of Charleston~ Needs to visit

UNCW~ attended Summer camp here for yrs

Florida State~ In state

Texas A&M Galveston~ App almost finished

D has the stats for a much higher caliber U but this it what makes her happy. Frankly I worry about the pressure she puts on herself let alone be at an academic pressure cooker U. Her major is Marine Bio/ ? minor along with a pre-law track, she knows either grad school or law school is in her future and wants to attend Duke then.

 

[ugadog99]

As an Atlantan, I can tell you that GT is a great academic institution. However, it has had serious student safety issues in the last 5 years or so. If your ds is 6'5" and 250 lbs, he'll probably be safe. If he's any smaller, then he will need to work on his self-defense skills. I hope GT will take action on the situation.

I was going to post essentially the same thing. The school is, obviously, a very good school. However, the safety issues would have me greatly concerned.

 

[Christine]

As an Atlantan, I can tell you that GT is a great academic institution. However, it has had serious student safety issues in the last 5 years or so. If your ds is 6'5" and 250 lbs, he'll probably be safe. If he's any smaller, then he will need to work on his self-defense skills. I hope GT will take action on the situation.

I know that when my son went to the VTech engineering open house, there was a guy there speaking who was from Georgia and was going to go to Georgia Tech. He ended up choosing VT for the safety issues and love of the campus. I've not seen Georgia Tech myself so I can't personally do a comparison but I'd love to know what you think about each one after you do the VT visit.

 

[marcyinPA]

So far I see that there are a lot of highly motivated students represented on this thread. I already mentioned my struggle to get DS to fill out the apps and write essays. Well, yesterday I lost it....he was on the computer playing Skyrim for what seemed like forever and it ticked me off. So I told him if he didn't have two apps and essays filled out by the first day of school, he wasn't auditioning for theatre. I don't bluff and he knows it.....but he didnt't go down without a fight. He tried to tell me that he had it under control when just a few days ago he told me he didnt know what to write about. He is a master procrastinator. About an hour after our exchange, he was typing an essay.

He wants to go to college, but he approaches every new thing like this. He is the same way with learning how to drive, which is another struggle right now. We have to push him into new and uncomfortable situations or he would never do them on his own. I am frustrated because I am not like him. I am trying to find a balance but it is hard. My husband is more like my son, so it is harder for him to push a little.

I guess I am hoping I am not alone....

 

[jrmasm]

So far I see that there are a lot of highly motivated students represented on this thread. I already mentioned my struggle to get DS to fill out the apps and write essays. Well, yesterday I lost it....he was on the computer playing Skyrim for what seemed like forever and it ticked me off. So I told him if he didn't have two apps and essays filled out by the first day of school, he wasn't auditioning for theatre. I don't bluff and he knows it.....but he didnt't go down without a fight. He tried to tell me that he had it under control when just a few days ago he told me he didnt know what to write about. He is a master procrastinator. About an hour after our exchange, he was typing an essay.

He wants to go to college, but he approaches every new thing like this. He is the same way with learning how to drive, which is another struggle right now. We have to push him into new and uncomfortable situations or he would never do them on his own. I am frustrated because I am not like him. I am trying to find a balance but it is hard. My husband is more like my son, so it is harder for him to push a little.

I guess I am hoping I am not alone....

You're not alone. Different situation but I have an unmotivated senior as well.

My DD has 'planned' to play a D1 sport since she was in 2nd grade. In the early spring of her junior year, she blew out her knee. Surgery and a minimum of 6 months off have really messed up her 'plans'. At this point it's really difficult for her (and us) to figure out what to do. Does she continue rehabbing in hopes that she will be able to grab a last minute deal or has that ship sailed and it's past time for her to take the more normal route of picking a school.?

I've tried very hard to get her to change her thinking her this summer. It hasn't gone well. She wants to hold on to her dream.

It's heartbreaking but she's running out of time.

 

[louey]

I know that when my son went to the VTech engineering open house, there was a guy there speaking who was from Georgia and was going to go to Georgia Tech. He ended up choosing VT for the safety issues and love of the campus. I've not seen Georgia Tech myself so I can't personally do a comparison but I'd love to know what you think about each one after you do the VT visit.

We will be dropping our son off to Virginia Tech this week But I have to say it is a wonderful campus! Fingers crossed he does well and likes it there This was his first choice so we are happy for him. Just so you know if you have an Iphone Virginia Tech has an app which has lots of info, lodging, admission info, campus pictures and info. Good luck to everyone.

 

[luvavacation]

Daughter of amid chaos, thanks for the suggestion of DePauw! I will mention it to DD after school today, and hopefully this weekend we can research it. Sounds promising.

So have any of you noticed your students getting emotional at the mention of college? Eldest DD was the emotional one, the one that one day would say she couldn't wait to be off on her own, the next day crying because she didn't want to leave. We always thought DD #2 was the more pragmatic, levelheaded child, the one that accepted things as they were and really had no big mood swings. That has all changed this summer!

She is such a surprise with the way she is approaching all of this college search and application stuff. She doesn't want anyone to talk to her about it, because then it just seems "real". She is transferring her fear of leaving home and family into a a fear of leaving just her cat (elder DD did this, too). DD is asking questions about how her cat will fare without her, what will happen if something is wrong with her cat, will her cat get enough attention, etc. We went through it all when older sister left, and she saw that the cat was still loved and cared for at home, but as her mom, I know this isn't all just about the cat. Funny how they can seem so confident and ready on the outside, but deep down, leaving is scary as can be.

I do admit that, other than sleepovers and church mission trips for a week, my girls really haven't been away from both us parents for any length of time. They just never wanted to be gone, and DH and I have always enjoyed having them around. I was never happy when school started, because I liked their chatter and activity. With younger one out of the house next year, it is not only going to be hard on her, but really hard on DH and I! Not that we don't like being around each other, but we just really like having our kids around, too, and doing things with them, be it a vacation, to making smores around the fire, to playing Badminton after dinner on a nice evening. I won't tell DD, but darn it, I am going to really miss her!

And since I am the first of my friends to have gotten married and had kids all those many years ago, I am the first of my friends to face the empty nest. Anyone else in the same boat? I know we will get used to it, and find other things to keep us busy, yet it isn't easy to see my friends still have children at home, and we won't. Oh well, guess I just have to bide my time until the grandchildren come. And then I shall kidnap them!

 

[daughter_of_amid_chaos]

Daughter of amid chaos, thanks for the suggestion of DePauw! I will mention it to DD after school today, and hopefully this weekend we can research it. Sounds promising.

I graduated from DePauw in 2007 so let me know if you have any questions! Good luck to you and your daughter on her search.

 

[Sanchez]

I know that when my son went to the VTech engineering open house, there was a guy there speaking who was from Georgia and was going to go to Georgia Tech. He ended up choosing VT for the safety issues and love of the campus. I've not seen Georgia Tech myself so I can't personally do a comparison but I'd love to know what you think about each one after you do the VT visit.

We have visted Georgia Tech and will likely visit Virginia Tech this fall. It will be interesting to compare. We are aware of crime rate around the GT campus but it is not a major concern for us.

Georgia Tech is a top 5 engineering school and if he chooses to go out of state this would likely be the choice. Virginia Tech is still in the mix(and we will visit) but academically it does not compare with Georgia Tech. We are lucky to have Clemson as an in-state option and it compares favorably with Virginia Tech.

As to the crime, I do not think GT is any different than many other urban campus settings. If you give weight to statistics the following have been released by Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech respectively:

http://www.police.vt.edu/VTPD_v2.1/assets/documents/2010_clery_statistics_blacksburg.pdf

http://police.gatech.edu/crimeinfo/crimestats/

There is crime everywhere (even on Virginia Tech's rural campus.) I certainly think it is a consideration for everyone but I do not think it would sway us in this circumstance. No school is insulated as evidenced by the massacre of 32 people at Virginia Tech in 2005. That incident will not prevent us from considering Virginia Tech.

 

[marcyinPA]

You're not alone. Different situation but I have an unmotivated senior as well.

My DD has 'planned' to play a D1 sport since she was in 2nd grade. In the early spring of her junior year, she blew out her knee. Surgery and a minimum of 6 months off have really messed up her 'plans'. At this point it's really difficult for her (and us) to figure out what to do. Does she continue rehabbing in hopes that she will be able to grab a last minute deal or has that ship sailed and it's past time for her to take the more normal route of picking a school.?

I've tried very hard to get her to change her thinking her this summer. It hasn't gone well. She wants to hold on to her dream.

It's heartbreaking but she's running out of time.

Thank you for your story, and understanding! I know the circumstances are different, but I totally relate to the running out of time bit. That is how I feel. Because DS is so busy- it is better to get things done while he has the time. He will have Anatomy, Pre-Calc, and American Gov't this semester, plus his extra curricular stuff which are HUGE time commitments. I keep trying to tell him that his time is going to be so limited. He just won't listen to me and wants to do things his way. In the meantime, the clock keeps ticking and the calendar pages are flipping....

 

[Bilberry]

Since money and college debt is a concern thought these articles might be of help. Best of luck to your daughter!

"What’s Your College Major Worth?"

http://blogs.the-american-interest.com/wrm/2012/04/21/whats-your-college-major-worth/

&

"Charting College Debt"

http://blogs.the-american-interest.com/wrm/2012/05/14/charting-college-debt/

snippet:

Anyone who has been following the news recently should be well aware that college debt is quickly becoming one of the most serious problems facing young Americans. College loans recently made headlines by surpassing credit cards as the leading source of debt for Americans, and unlike credit cards, student loan debt cannot be discharged in bankruptcy—many of these students will find it haunting them for much of their adult lives. Via Meadia has frequently advised graduating students to look beyond the school’s advertising material and take matters like cost, post-college success rate and debt after graduation into account when choosing a school.
Students looking for more information on those metrics should check out a new infographic at the New York Times that ranks hundreds of colleges by annual tuition and average debt post-graduation. The results are interesting—Eastern Nazarene holds the dubious honor of having the most indebted graduates (average debt $51,336), while Kennesaw State University has the least (average debt $947)....

 

[ugadog99]

So far I see that there are a lot of highly motivated students represented on this thread. I already mentioned my struggle to get DS to fill out the apps and write essays. Well, yesterday I lost it....he was on the computer playing Skyrim for what seemed like forever and it ticked me off. So I told him if he didn't have two apps and essays filled out by the first day of school, he wasn't auditioning for theatre. I don't bluff and he knows it.....but he didnt't go down without a fight. He tried to tell me that he had it under control when just a few days ago he told me he didnt know what to write about. He is a master procrastinator. About an hour after our exchange, he was typing an essay.

He wants to go to college, but he approaches every new thing like this. He is the same way with learning how to drive, which is another struggle right now. We have to push him into new and uncomfortable situations or he would never do them on his own. I am frustrated because I am not like him. I am trying to find a balance but it is hard. My husband is more like my son, so it is harder for him to push a little.

I guess I am hoping I am not alone....

Oh my gosh! I think our kids are clones!! We can trade "RP" sites (role playing) for his Skyrim, and we have the same kid. Believe me, if I weren't behind her PUSHING, nothing would be done. We fight daily about it. I really can't wait until this time next year!

 

[georgina]

Bilberry, I looked at the first blog. It's a bit ironic, a humanities professor writing about what a college major is worth! I wonder what his parents thought when he chose his major. My DD is looking at liberal arts schools because she likes a lot of areas and isn't sure what she wants to major in. Everyone is not cut out for engineering and computer science!

I'm not fighting with mine about applications. She knows what needs to be done, with a fall sport and a heavy course load. As long as she gets her easy safety app in, the rest is up to her. Some of the deadlines aren't until Jan 15, it will be OK.