My Poor Son...

[AshleyW]

how are they choosing who gets in? I guess I am very confused as to how academics doesn't play a role. Meeting the requirements doesn't automatically get you into any college (not cc's). So they have 20 slots for incoming freshman, are they not choosing based on the best qualifications? Due to budget cuts they can't accept as many students prior?

It depends on how late he applied and everything.. if they had 20 slots available, and they had 100 very qualified people apply in October, but OP's son didn't apply until let's say .. January, then chances are that their 20 slots are already full, even if he is 100x more qualified than the 20 people the school picked. They admit people as applications come in, and not all at once.. I remember our guidance counselors telling us to start applying the summer before senior year so that we could get accepted before the majority of students applied.

 

[dairyou]

My son applied in October. They wouldn't let us apply any sooner as CSU mentor is how you apply to all colleges here in California. I tried to get him to apply for early admission but he wasn't ready at the time. Just having too much senioritis. Oh well lesson learned.

When I called Fresno State they told me he didn't make it because they are accepting their areas that are closest to the colleges. We are in Sacramento so we don't fit into that catagory

Deb

 

[lillygator]

I would think they would be heavy on the out of state students if anything. Why on earth would they accept you based on where you live? Is that really a criteria? I mean, when college's put out statistics, do they want them to show oh..100% of our freshman class is from right in the area? Wouldn't they want it to be diverse and a mix of the best student applications they receive?

 

[Trish Bessette]

I work for a K-8 school district in CA. The board hasn't voted on the budget cuts yet, but they've posted their list of proposed cuts. They want to increase 3rd grade class size from 20 to 30, cut all district psychologists, cut elementary music and performing arts, decrease the custodial staff and other things I can't remember right now. The good news is that we have an educational foundation that was able to save the librarians. I work in special ed and so far, they haven't mentioned cutting any of our classes. I've been there for 8 years so I'm pretty high on the seniority list. If they cut any special ed aides, I would most likely still have a job. The other aide in my class is only in her 3rd year and she's a little nervous. It stinks all over the state!

Oh my 30 to a class???

My DD who is in 7th grade has 12 kids in her grade. When my oldest graduated 8th grade she had 14.

 

[tink_n_pooh]

I didn't get into a state school here but I was accepted to Princeton and I was offered a full ride to USC so go figure.

OP - has your son applied to any out of state or private schools?

 

[golfgal]

CA has had some of the lowest tuition rates, particularly from CCs, in the entire country. It is no shock that they are now hurting. I have often said that they really needed to raise CC tuition rates. It seemed to me, since it was SO cheap, people would just go and drop out or go and drop classes last min., etc....when it really should be for more serious students.

I worked in CA schools for almost 17 years. I miss it terribly, but when I hear the stories from my friends, I am often glad I am not there dealing with it all. I am upset that I gave up my tenure though. I would have been one of the last fired and really wasn't worried about job security. But I have been gone too long to get that back easily. Fortunately, I have several credentials though and if nothing else, I could use my ESL credential and get a job.

Sorry this is happening. As much as I miss CA, I think now would not be the time to go back.

Dawn

Even with the tuition increases California is seeing this year their state college tuition is still lower then pretty much everywhere else in the country. I agree with others, he needs to start applying outstate and FAST. I know in MN, most colleges close applications Feb 1st but that might not be the case everywhere.

 

[dairyou]

Yes, most states are not taking applications anymore. We were lucky to apply to UNR.

I called them today. They said they're not impacted in engineering which is his major. We will send in his transcripts on Monday and hopefully we will hear within 3 weeks. That's about how far out they are on decisions.

I asked him about Wyoming and he didn't look that interested. He said he may just work here in town and go to Jr. College. I'm just worried that he won't take it as seriously because that is just the type of boy he is

Thanks for all the input. He was so down that he just isn't smart enough. At least for a state college.

Deb

 

[golfgal]

Yes, most states are not taking applications anymore. We were lucky to apply to UNR.

I called them today. They said they're not impacted in engineering which is his major. We will send in his transcripts on Monday and hopefully we will hear within 3 weeks. That's about how far out they are on decisions.

I asked him about Wyoming and he didn't look that interested. He said he may just work here in town and go to Jr. College. I'm just worried that he won't take it as seriously because that is just the type of boy he is

Thanks for all the input. He was so down that he just isn't smart enough. At least for a state college.

Deb

Aren't the junior colleges having the same financial troubles though?

 

[dairyou]

From what I've heard on this post, I guess yes.

Maybe DS will just be a bum til the recession is over

The sad part is with all the schools cutting, it makes me wonder if it will ever get back to the way it was. It's almost like they raise taxes for a certain reason and then they never lower it again

Worrisome I know.