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

[marcyinPA]

I'm starting to wonder how my poor kid is going to get his apps done.

Between cross country and his part-time job, he hasn't had many free moments. He works at a dog "resort" and they have him doing an 8 hour shift each day this holiday weekend because they are so busy. The only free weekends he has coming up are in October and we've "booked" those with the ACT and SAT. I hate feeling pressured!!!!

I know what you mean! Mine is in band, orchestra, chorus, select band, theatre, and does choir at church. No part time job, but no time! Between games and parades and everything else, sitting down to do apps and study for the darn SAT in October is almost impossible!

 

[Beachbumpirates]

Well DD received her first acceptance letter in the mail this weekend. YAY! My dumb/silly question - it mentioned nothing about the amount of merit scholarship she will receive. Do we just assume it is the amount on their web site based on her ACT/GPA?

 

[Ppufi]

I have one app to complete for Nov. 1 for SCEA. Then breaks and weekends after that for the rest of my apps. But now I have my EE to write, and I'm writing for a magazine. I don't have time for it all haha. Is it May yet?

 

[SydSim]

I know what you mean! Mine is in band, orchestra, chorus, select band, theatre, and does choir at church. No part time job, but no time! Between games and parades and everything else, sitting down to do apps and study for the darn SAT in October is almost impossible!

Wow, sounds a lot like my own DD. Does your child want to major in theatre or music? If so, what schools are on the radar?

 

[Promomx2]

Ds is so obessed with cars and fixing them it's driving me crazy. He is taking auto tech at his high school and will graduate this june with some community college credits. But he really wants to go to automotive school. Has anyone seen any scholarships for auto mechanics or auto mechanic school?

 

[java]

Well DD received her first acceptance letter in the mail this weekend. YAY! My dumb/silly question - it mentioned nothing about the amount of merit scholarship she will receive. Do we just assume it is the amount on their web site based on her ACT/GPA?

My son got his merit award letter from his school separately. They didn't have anything posted online for it. Congratulations for acceptance number 1! That takes the pressure off.

 

[LisaR]

My son got his merit award letter from his school separately. They didn't have anything posted online for it. Congratulations for acceptance number 1! That takes the pressure off.

How long did it take between the acceptance letter and the scholarship?

 

[Christine]

Well DD received her first acceptance letter in the mail this weekend. YAY! My dumb/silly question - it mentioned nothing about the amount of merit scholarship she will receive. Do we just assume it is the amount on their web site based on her ACT/GPA?

Just wanted to say congratulations! We have no experience with merit aid but I think you will get something separately. That is how I've seen it work with other kids.

 

[java]

How long did it take between the acceptance letter and the scholarship?

It was pretty long if I remember correctly. Like a month later? But if you want to know you can call the school's financial aid department and they will tell you. I didn't know ours was coming- it was a surprise because of his SAT scores I didn't know you get money just for scoring high.

 

[ugadog99]

Wow, sounds a lot like my own DD. Does your child want to major in theatre or music? If so, what schools are on the radar?

I'm not the person you asked, but my DD will be a theatre major. She is technical, no performance. What about yours, music or theatre?

 

[marcyinPA]

Wow, sounds a lot like my own DD. Does your child want to major in theatre or music? If so, what schools are on the radar?

For as musical as he is, and for as much as he LOVES it- it is not something that he wants to major in. Right now, he is set on majoring in psychology with a counseling concentration, and either minoring in youth ministries (if he goes to a Christian college) or going to seminary after college (if he goes to a secular college). I say "right now", because a lot can change once he gets to college and starts taking classes. BUT, I can totally see him doing something in ministry. I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up doing mission-related work.

 

[violetrose]

I don't know about SAT scores for scholarships, for here in the Midwest, ACT seems to be the big test. That said, and I assume this holds true for schools everywhere, some of the more accepting state schools may have lower requirements for Merit Scholarships than the more competitive schools, but if the admission fee is waived, and the child is willing to fill out the app, go for it, what have you got to lose?

Regarding Merit Scholarships, DD #1 had a 32 on her ACT. She qualified for one of the merit scholarships at Purdue with that (which is a 32). DD#2 received a 27 (my bad test taker). She needs a 28 to qualify at two of the state schools with lower admission standards, and she will hopefully up her grade by one when she retakes. Her GPA will qualify, but not her ACT, for the two schools.

The two other schools DD is applying to, she needs that 32. I do not believe this will happen. She is applying anyway, just to see what happens, since one of the schools is Purdue, and if her sister goes for graduate work there, little sister wants to be there, too (what can I say, they really like each other).

At this point, I am not so sure I want my younger one at a school with admission requirements that are so high. I do not worry that she will be unable to do the work, but I do worry that she will be so lost amongst all the high-achieving students, that she will feel unintelligent and then just give up. This is how she is.

I believe DD will have better success at a school where she will be at the higher end of the admission requirements, and thus have more confidence in her ablity to do well, if that makes any sense? After all, I saw her struggle with self-doubt regarding her intellectual ability in her AP courses, where she was surrounded by her peers that are running for top graduating positions, and many a time she just didn't want to try to succeed. She just didn't feel she would ever measure up to her peers (and her best friends are #1 and #4 in the class, so she is surrounded by very motivated peers!).

This Senior year, DD is taking dual credit courses instead of the AP's with her friends (and at least we know she gets credit for these classes, instead of just hoping she does well on the AP test!). She has the highest grade in these classes, though it is only week 3, so this may change! Yet, she feels so very confident and willing to go above and beyond on her homework, really taking the time to make sure it is all done correctly, because she feels she has a chance to excel in these classes. That's why I am just not so sure that she should go to a school where she is at the low end of the capability ladder! But how do you tell this to your child, without them twisting it in their mind to "mom thinks I am stupid"? Because I know that is what would happen, I would have done the same thing!Can we please go back to Kindergarten?

I don't know but if you figure it out will you tell me? My youngest son is starting college in 2013. He's very bright with very high SATs. His GPA has not been stellar because he never did well under that pressure either. He is just not the go-getter some of the kids in the honors program are. He may have the ability but he doesn't have the drive. However he insists he must go either Ivy or to a very prestigious/selective school. He'll probably get in to the college of his choice but I wonder if that is what he really wants. Like your DD, he is so happy this year taking easy classes now that his AP and hard math requirements have been made. Last year when he had the heavy AP load life was miserable for him and for us! I don't want to say "son you are an under achiever" but truthfully he kinda is!

 

[SydSim]

I don't know but if you figure it out will you tell me? My youngest son is starting college in 2013. He's very bright with very high SATs. His GPA has not been stellar because he never did well under that pressure either. He is just not the go-getter some of the kids in the honors program are. He may have the ability but he doesn't have the drive. However he insists he must go either Ivy or to a very prestigious/selective school. He'll probably get in to the college of his choice but I wonder if that is what he really wants. Like your DD, he is so happy this year taking easy classes now that his AP and hard math requirements have been made. Last year when he had the heavy AP load life was miserable for him and for us! I don't want to say "son you are an under achiever" but truthfully he kinda is!

To be honest, getting admitted to the Ivys or highly selctive schools may be a challenge for someone who although has great SAT scores, has unstellar GPA AND who has not taken the most challenging classes in high school after meeting their requirements. Colleges, and especially more selective ones, do want a child who has drive and challenges themselves.

There are so many kids with stellar SAT scores that all of them can't get into all of the selective schools, so remember that schools do look at other things and lately, a student's high school course rigor as well as GPA are being given more weight (generally) than SAT scores.

Of course, there are exceptions that I'm sure everyone has heard of, but in general, college admissions are moving in this direction (ie: schools that don't even require standardized test scores because of the controversy with their validity and ability to assess a student's potential in college).

Ok, off soap box (can't help it - just finished my classes towards a certificate in college counseling and we learned a ton about the college admissions process.)

And UgAdog99, DD has a passion for both, but at this time (she is a junior), she wants to major in theatre (acting concentration) with a minor in music performance. We have visited a few schools and she has a favorite, but this will be the year that we really pound the pavement, taking in school productions and having her sit in on more classes.)

 

[ugadog99]

SydSim, what schools hold her interest? You are very wise to get some visits done this year. I really, really wish we had done that last year. Now, there is no way we can visit all of these schools.

My daughter received an email from a local school, Brenau (private), waiving her application fee, letters of rec., and essay. It's an interesting place in that Brenau, Gainesville State College, and the Gainesville Theatre Alliance all work together to offer a BFA in theatre. I'm not sure how it all works, but we are supposed to be visiting in October to learn more. They did call her back at ThesCon last February, so I assume that's how they have her name.

 

[princesspumpkin]

.....

 

[luvavacation]

DD applied to IU-Bloomington a couple of weeks ago, and paid the application fee. What arrives in the mail yesterday? Drumroll please........

A flyer that welcomes her to apply and they are waiving the application fee!!! Why they couldn't send this a few weeks ago, I just don't know. Oh the irony.

By the way, I just have to say, that while I know our children aren't little and helpless anymore, and this is the road our children have chosen to go on to start their lives, eventually handling life on their own, the whole family is a part of the journey, and it is so nice to read the experiences the rest of you are having (what a run-on sentence)!

Whether our kids are stellar students or not, motivated or not, academic or artistic, it is nice to have a group of people to bounce ideas and experiences off of. My life is pretty much a rural suburban existence, and my friends are all the same. Getting opinions and reading the path other families take outside of the experiences I have here certainly does help open my eyes a bit, and in turn, helps me help my Senior navigate this sometimes overwhelming and anxious, yet highly anticipated, time in her life. So you all just keep talking, and I am taking notes!

 

[marcyinPA]

Is there a "process" to how your schools send transcripts?

My DS's HS has college folders. You have a folder with paperwork to fill out for each college you apply to. You need to provide the self-addressed stamped envelopes for the transcripts and any recommendation letters you might need. Parents need to fill out what they call a "brag sheet", which helps teachers/guidance counselors when writing a recommendation letter.

My DS brought home two folders yesterday. I guess it is time for me to get cracking on my part of the process.

This whole thing is just surreal!

 

[marcyinPA]

DD applied to IU-Bloomington a couple of weeks ago, and paid the application fee. What arrives in the mail yesterday? Drumroll please........

A flyer that welcomes her to apply and they are waiving the application fee!!! Why they couldn't send this a few weeks ago, I just don't know. Oh the irony.

That is maddening, isn't it?! The private schools my DS is interested in both waived the fee until November 1. They have that info listed on the on-line app. The state schools, however, never seem to waive anything. Gotta ante up for those!

 

[violetrose]

To be honest, getting admitted to the Ivys or highly selctive schools may be a challenge for someone who although has great SAT scores, has unstellar GPA AND who has not taken the most challenging classes in high school after meeting their requirements. Colleges, and especially more selective ones, do want a child who has drive and challenges themselves.

There are so many kids with stellar SAT scores that all of them can't get into all of the selective schools, so remember that schools do look at other things and lately, a student's high school course rigor as well as GPA are being given more weight (generally) than SAT scores.

Of course, there are exceptions that I'm sure everyone has heard of, but in general, college admissions are moving in this direction (ie: schools that don't even require standardized test scores because of the controversy with their validity and ability to assess a student's potential in college).

Ok, off soap box (can't help it - just finished my classes towards a certificate in college counseling and we learned a ton about the college admissions process.)

And UgAdog99, DD has a passion for both, but at this time (she is a junior), she wants to major in theatre (acting concentration) with a minor in music performance. We have visited a few schools and she has a favorite, but this will be the year that we really pound the pavement, taking in school productions and having her sit in on more classes.)

I shouldn't downplay his GPA, it's in the 3.8 unweighted range, with a heavy load in AP classes. Most of his classmates that are being accepted into the Ivys have a higher GPA. When I say not stellar I mean he could have done better had he chosen to dedicate his whole life to schoolwork. He didn't, and therefore I think he'd do better at a college that could accomodate his need for a social life.

 

[SydSim]

Ugadog99, DD 's number one choice this week, is Shenandoah U, with American and Desales right on it's heals.

We visited Drew, Muhlenberg (briefly, have to go back to the Jr. open house in the spring), James Madison and Wagner. Have this year all planned out on my calendar.

That being said, DD just came back from the acting coach and coach had a "come to Jesus (as Oprah would say) talk with her. For years, DD has been asking me to get her headshots and allow her to go on auditions. She has said that she wants to be on Disney or Nickelodeon. I have hesitated because I knew that once she was bitten, there would be no turning back and she may not want to go to college because heck, if she's already getting gigs, what would she need to go to college for?

Well that's exactly what she portrayed to me today, after her coach said that she needs to rethink everything. DD doesn't feel the need to study theatre in order to have a good foundation if she's already getting parts. UGH!! She said that she knows that I want her to go to college, but if she's working on a show (or movie, etc.), there wouldn't be time for college. UGH x2!

Now don't get me wrong, I absolutely know that you don't need a theatre degree to be an actor, but I did explain to her the college experience itself would give her so much more to prepare her for life, especially if she wants to be an actress and would want to be marketable to do other things during the down times.

Well, I'll be getting her pics done and send her on some auditions and either 1. - she'll book stuff and I'll see that she's better than I thought at this stage or 2. - she won't book stuff and will realize she needs more training or 3 - she'll forget the whole things and decide to be a veterinary technician (like she wanted to be years ago).

Ah, the drama, pun intended!