A "is this a good college" thread for all college searchers...

[MrsPete]

No, a lot of people here don't go to the Carolina's for school for the same reasons people from the Carolina's don't come here-it is really far away (that and the weather here ).

Yeah, let me tell you one thing about us Carolinians: WE DO NOT LIKE THE COLD !!!

I'm sure you'll correct me if I'm wrong but it is my understanding that with athletic scholarships there is no such thing as a 4 year or 5 year full ride scholarship. It is my understanding that athletic money is given one year at a time with no guarantees that the money will be there from year to year.

Although full-ride athletic scholarships are about as rare as hen's teeth, I've known a handful of students who've earned them. You're right: The contract is almost always a one-year-at-a-time thing.

I had one student who really knew how to play the game and whose father -- he'd been a college athlete too -- saved her butt: She was recruited by a number of smaller schools and was made several offers. (Yeah, she was that good.) Her father insisted that in her contract include a clause about the scholarship continuing if she were injured. Sure enough -- she hurt her knee sophomore year and needed surgery. It put her out of play for a whole year. Because he'd been smart enough to ask for that contract, her scholarship continued. She attended practices, although at first she could only watch, and she showed a good attitude . . . and the next year she returned to the team as a full-fledged player. If her father hadn't been wise enough to ask for that clause, she would've lost her scholarship for at least the year that she had surgery.

I think she will have a better chance getting a teaching job somewhere in NY state, rather than in RI, so I am glad she is getting certified in NY.

Once you have a teaching certificate in one state, getting a license in another state is super-easy. It's really just a matter of proving you're certified and paying the money.

One thing new teachers don't often realize, however, is that teaching is a job that ties you to one state. Once you've taught, say, five years in NY, it's hard to leave and go to another state, knowing that you're leaving your NY pension to start all over again in another state. You really only draw a decent pension amount if you make it to the full 30 years (varies in other states), so walking away from your state is tough.

One more thing about getting a teaching job . . . In my experience, principals find MOST of their teachers in one of two ways: student teaching or substituting. That is, they much prefer to hire people who've been in their schools already and who have proven their worth. Student teachers almost always get a job SOMEWHERE in the county, if no job is available in the school where they student taught -- yes, even now. Principles are anxious to hire and retain the best student teachers; if they can't keep them themselves, they try to make sure they get into a nearby school. The student teachers who don't get jobs . . . well, there's a reason. For example, I'm thinking of one who -- after student teaching was over -- was given an interim position for a teacher who was out long-term, and instead of working hard to prove herself, she put less effort into it the Walmart greeters. She failed to realize that she was "interviewing" every day of her sub job.

 

[golfgal]

Yeah, let me tell you one thing about us Carolinians: WE DO NOT LIKE THE COLD !!! Although full-ride athletic scholarships are about as rare as hen's teeth, I've known a handful of students who've earned them. You're right: The contract is almost always a one-year-at-a-time thing.

I had one student who really knew how to play the game and whose father -- he'd been a college athlete too -- saved her butt: She was recruited by a number of smaller schools and was made several offers. (Yeah, she was that good.) Her father insisted that in her contract include a clause about the scholarship continuing if she were injured. Sure enough -- she hurt her knee sophomore year and needed surgery. It put her out of play for a whole year. Because he'd been smart enough to ask for that contract, her scholarship continued. She attended practices, although at first she could only watch, and she showed a good attitude . . . and the next year she returned to the team as a full-fledged player. If her father hadn't been wise enough to ask for that clause, she would've lost her scholarship for at least the year that she had surgery. Once you have a teaching certificate in one state, getting a license in another state is super-easy. It's really just a matter of proving you're certified and paying the money.

One thing new teachers don't often realize, however, is that teaching is a job that ties you to one state. Once you've taught, say, five years in NY, it's hard to leave and go to another state, knowing that you're leaving your NY pension to start all over again in another state. You really only draw a decent pension amount if you make it to the full 30 years (varies in other states), so walking away from your state is tough.

One more thing about getting a teaching job . . . In my experience, principals find MOST of their teachers in one of two ways: student teaching or substituting. That is, they much prefer to hire people who've been in their schools already and who have proven their worth. Student teachers almost always get a job SOMEWHERE in the county, if no job is available in the school where they student taught -- yes, even now. Principles are anxious to hire and retain the best student teachers; if they can't keep them themselves, they try to make sure they get into a nearby school. The student teachers who don't get jobs . . . well, there's a reason. For example, I'm thinking of one who -- after student teaching was over -- was given an interim position for a teacher who was out long-term, and instead of working hard to prove herself, she put less effort into it the Walmart greeters. She failed to realize that she was "interviewing" every day of her sub job.

That is not always the case--MN doesn't accept licenses from other states until they prove that they have met the course requirements for that degree-ESPECIALLY at the high school level where it is required to have a degree in your subject area and a minor in secondary education-not all states require this. WI requires additional coursework in American Indian Studies that MN does not require so if you go to school in MN and want to teach in WI you have to take the required coursework. Point being, check the licensing requirements in both NY and RI so she gets what is needed for both just in case.

Full ride athletic scholarships are rare in the sense that there are millions of kids across the country that play high school football (or soccer, volleyball, etc) and only a few thousand scholarships. Many athletic scholarships are partial scholarships but schools also go out of their way to meet "need" if they REALLY want students--even at the DIII level where they can't give athletic scholarships-it's amazing how they come up with school grants and what not for good athletes at that level. .

Some sports, like girls golf, they can't GIVE away the scholarships at some schools. There are girls on some of the DII programs around here that have a "full" scholarship (which usually means full tuition, books and some kind of stipend-still need to pay room and board) that can't break 100. The University of MN has 8 woman's golf scholarships, they play 6 players so two "JV" players get scholarships.

 

[Robinrs]

That is not always the case--MN doesn't accept licenses from other states until they prove that they have met the course requirements for that degree-ESPECIALLY at the high school level where it is required to have a degree in your subject area and a minor in secondary education-not all states require this. WI requires additional coursework in American Indian Studies that MN does not require so if you go to school in MN and want to teach in WI you have to take the required coursework. Point being, check the licensing requirements in both NY and RI so she gets what is needed for both just in case.

Full ride athletic scholarships are rare in the sense that there are millions of kids across the country that play high school football (or soccer, volleyball, etc) and only a few thousand scholarships. Many athletic scholarships are partial scholarships but schools also go out of their way to meet "need" if they REALLY want students--even at the DIII level where they can't give athletic scholarships-it's amazing how they come up with school grants and what not for good athletes at that level. .

Some sports, like girls golf, they can't GIVE away the scholarships at some schools. There are girls on some of the DII programs around here that have a "full" scholarship (which usually means full tuition, books and some kind of stipend-still need to pay room and board) that can't break 100. The University of MN has 8 woman's golf scholarships, they play 6 players so two "JV" players get scholarships.

Wow, I didn't know a THING about Minnesota till this thread. Are you on their Board of Commerce or something??? If not you sure should be.

When did MN become THE state? Was I asleep or something???

 

[Anne34]

I have a question about the bolded. Don't ANY of the people you know make too much to qualify for need based aid? Many if not most of the top schools (where you have said you know kids attend) give only need based aid. All of the people you know who attend those schools qualify for need based financial aid? Are salaries lower in Minnesota or something because we've had many people on this thread who don't qualify, who have a very high EFC. So if those people's kids attend a school that gives only need based aid, they'd be paying full price. But it seems like everyone you know gets financial aid.

We have a very high EFC and do not qualify for any need based scholarships. My daughter (29ACT & 3.89 gpa) will only get a couple smaller scholarships from her school ($5000 & $1500 merit aid). She is going to Iowa state and it is cheaper for her than Illinois. (Still 28,000) She loved the school so we are fine with it. I don't know too many people in this area that get most of their college paid for unless NMF. Most get some grants/aid/etc. and have loans or parents pay the rest.

Minnesota's smaller schools are under $18,000/year instate with room & board. They are a bargain if they have what you're looking for. My newphew looked into a couple, but decided they weren't for him.

 

[MrsPete]

That is not always the case--MN doesn't accept licenses from other states until they prove that they have met the course requirements for that degree-ESPECIALLY at the high school level where it is required to have a degree in your subject area and a minor in secondary education-not all states require this. WI requires additional coursework in American Indian Studies that MN does not require so if you go to school in MN and want to teach in WI you have to take the required coursework. Point being, check the licensing requirements in both NY and RI so she gets what is needed for both just in case.

Yeah, I said the individual has to prove that they're qualified. That includes checking the degree requirements, etc. But once you have a teaching license, it's easy to get another one. If you ever let it expire, that's bad news.

Ironically, I have taught more girls who've earned athletic scholarships than guys who've done the same. I have no idea whether that's typical or not, but it's been my personal experience.

 

[cruisnfamily]

Not really for average students, but it will get us started on computer science . . .

My son is a computer science graduate of NC State University. At State, computer science is in the School of Engineering, which is a separate admission sophomore (generally) year. He was mostly happy with the school and program and has a good job at another university.

State has a graduate GIS program.

State is listed on the top public universities lists we've been discussing. According to College Board 42% of its students are in the top 42% and 93% have a 3.75 or higher. Engineering is more difficult to get in than the university at large.

DS had a merit scholarship, but it wasn't big.

Thanks for answering! My DS is the one who would go computer science/GIS and he is a top student so what you've posted would apply to him. I'd love to hear more about computer majors and GIS!

I just agreed that there'd been a lot of info about top schools it might be good to hear about some schools for average students too. Plus, if my DS were to apply to an "average" school, he might do very well financially since he'd be at the top of their applicant pool. I read about that somewhere, going for a little lower rung school in hopes of them really wanting you and offering you the moon. Don't know how it pans out in real life though.

Also, my DD18 who starts school in the fall is a very average student and if I was still looking for her I'd be sad because she couldn't get in to most of these places that have been posted. She has a 3.2 unweighted, 3.6 weighted but only a 1070 sat and a 20 ACT. No fabulous extra curriculars either, just a few clubs, volunteering, etc. The same stuff everybody else does. Where do these kids go? Mine is going to FGCU, I hope she loves it!

 

[tar heel]

cruisin -- State would not be the place for your son to get the big scholarship. My son got $1,000 a year -- the university National Merit Scholarship given to all NMF who listed State as their #1 choice.

I mistyped the info. about State -- 42% are the top 10% (not 42%).

As far as your daughter goes, I have that child, too! He started at a lower mid-tier branch of the UNC system, then transferred to a better school. He will graduate in May.

 

[golfgal]

Yeah, I said the individual has to prove that they're qualified. That includes checking the degree requirements, etc. But once you have a teaching license, it's easy to get another one. If you ever let it expire, that's bad news.

Ironically, I have taught more girls who've earned athletic scholarships than guys who've done the same. I have no idea whether that's typical or not, but it's been my personal experience.

Not ironic at all, pretty typical, first, there aren't as many girls that play sports and second, most colleges have to balance out the football scholarships so there are more available for girls. Like I said earlier-golf is a great example, most schools have scholarships for the "JV" teams too.

 

[Denise W]

Especially since that included a Master's Degree. Does NY require a master's degree to get hired? If not, you MIGHT want to think this over. With budget issues across the country, a new teacher with no experience and a master's degree is not going to be a very good prospect for a school district because they cost so much more to hire. Just something to look into. If she can sub without a teaching license in NY, I would STRONGLY recommend she do that in her senior years if her schedule allows (4th year and 5th year).

She cannot student teach until her graduate year. She is observing now. She also has to take a minimum of 3 state exams in order to be able to student teach. She has taken 2 so far, the third one will be in a month or so. Since she also plans to get certified for Special Education (besides Elementary Ed and Math) she will be taking 1 or 2 more tests for those certifications. She is also thinking down the line of getting her Phd and possibly teaching at the college level. But right now she is observing a third grade class and loving it, plus working as a TA for one of her Math professors.

Denise

 

[DMRick]

Maybe someone has already posted this site:

collegeboard.com

 

[golfgal]

She cannot student teach until her graduate year. She is observing now. She also has to take a minimum of 3 state exams in order to be able to student teach. She has taken 2 so far, the third one will be in a month or so. Since she also plans to get certified for Special Education (besides Elementary Ed and Math) she will be taking 1 or 2 more tests for those certifications. She is also thinking down the line of getting her Phd and possibly teaching at the college level. But right now she is observing a third grade class and loving it, plus working as a TA for one of her Math professors.

Denise

Good plan

 

[MoniqueU]

We just did our Fafsa and hope we did it right, It said our EFC was only 17k. How accurate is that? I was expecting to be told we were responsible for all of it. If this is indeed right I am going to do

 

[si-am]

Thanks for answering! My DS is the one who would go computer science/GIS and he is a top student so what you've posted would apply to him. I'd love to hear more about computer majors and GIS!

I just agreed that there'd been a lot of info about top schools it might be good to hear about some schools for average students too. Plus, if my DS were to apply to an "average" school, he might do very well financially since he'd be at the top of their applicant pool. I read about that somewhere, going for a little lower rung school in hopes of them really wanting you and offering you the moon. Don't know how it pans out in real life though.

Also, my DD18 who starts school in the fall is a very average student and if I was still looking for her I'd be sad because she couldn't get in to most of these places that have been posted. She has a 3.2 unweighted, 3.6 weighted but only a 1070 sat and a 20 ACT. No fabulous extra curriculars either, just a few clubs, volunteering, etc. The same stuff everybody else does. Where do these kids go? Mine is going to FGCU, I hope she loves it!

My husband has a degree in GIS (Kennesaw State, GA) and it's definitely a growing/good field to get into. Kind of a niche field-- lots of jobs but not a lot of people who qualify for them.

DH was laid off a few years ago but had several jobs lined up within a month after.

 

[Cinderella94]

Okay guys, tell me what you think of the University of Maryland College Park. Thoughts? TIA! .

 

[collegejunkie]

Okay guys, tell me what you think of the University of Maryland College Park. Thoughts? TIA! .

good reputation. a few kids from my high school ended up there and they absolutely love it.

 

[cruisnfamily]

My husband has a degree in GIS (Kennesaw State, GA) and it's definitely a growing/good field to get into. Kind of a niche field-- lots of jobs but not a lot of people who qualify for them.

DH was laid off a few years ago but had several jobs lined up within a month after.

This is the first school I've found offering a bachelors in this area as opposed to a certificate. Searches on collegeboard and collegeconfidential have turned up very, very few 4 year universities offering this at all, they didn't show this school at all. DS would most likely minor in this or do the certificate but it's nice to see there is a bachelors degree choice as well.

 

[punkin]

Okay guys, tell me what you think of the University of Maryland College Park. Thoughts? TIA! .

It's our state flagship. DD has a lot of friends there and most of them love it. DD felt it was too big for her and it would just be a continuation of high school. There are lots of parties and a good portion of the kids there are majoring in "partying" but it has a variety of good programs and has a solid reputations among employers around here.

If you are looking for a big, rah rah sports school, I think it is a good place. Personally, despite the money it is costing us, I am very glad DD decided on a small, academically rigorous liberal arts college instead.

 

[marcyinPA]

I haven't read every single post, so I might be missing something....but what about the kid who is not a 4.3 GPA student?

My sophomore DS is a decent student, but not great by any means. He had a horrible freshman year. HORRIBLE. This year has been better...he made honor roll three of the four quarters of last semester and was ranked in the top third of his class at the end of the semester.

We are just ending the first quarter of the second semester, and I believe he failed French. A's and B's in his other academic classes.

He's extremely inconsistent with his grades, and no amount of kicking his behind has seemed to make much difference. I have noticed, if he likes the teacher, he does great. He doesn't like his French teacher. At all. Voila`...F.

We talk about colleges looking at the bottom line. He is not there yet maturity-wise, if you know what I mean. He's 15, living in the moment.

Where does this leave us, when trying to do the college shopping thing? I need advice from parents of average students!!!

 

[Green Tea]

Where does this leave us, when trying to do the college shopping thing? I need advice from parents of average students!!!

I brought that up earlier as well. Evidently we are the only 2 people on The Dis who have an average kid.

 

[Sadie22]

good reputation. a few kids from my high school ended up there and they absolutely love it.

It depends on the program and also the student's personality. It is a huge campus and less aggressive students can get lost in the crowds. Because so many very able students apply, less scholarship money is available per top student and there is not room in the Honors, Scholars, and other honors-type programs for all the students who qualify. Although there are a lot of good programs, it can be difficult for students to get into classes they want to take that are not in their major. There can be less access to professors than at smaller schools. The dorms are full of partiers.