Parents of College Class of 2018 (A.K.A., "Is this the line to the poor house?")

[momto3gr8boys]

I'm curious about how many credits your junior has and if having a large difference will help or hurt them when applying.

My daughter homeschooled until 8th grade, however she started taking high school classes in 6th grade at a private homeschool place, and I taught her classes. When I enrolled her into high school they skipped her 9th grade. She just finished 11th and got her grades. She has 29.5 credits and only needed 24 to graduate. They told her last year that she had missed one required class gov/economics (she did take a gov class but they counted it as elective and not as a core class) and if she took it this past year she would be required to graduate. She chose to put that one class off as she was already graduating 1 year early and wasn't ready to go off to college.

Anyway when she graduates next year she will end up having 12.5 credits over required. I've had people telling me that a few extra is fine, but having that many may hurt her on college applications. I can't possibly understand why. Does anyone know any more about this? How can graduating a year early and still have 12.5 extra credits hurt her? Not like they were filler classes. Only filler class she has taken was a pottery class last year that she loved. Rest have been maths, sciences (mainly sciences), and other academic courses.

I'm not 100% sure on this, but I do remember at one college visit they said if you had beyond a certain number of credits you needed to apply as a transfer student instead of a freshman. It may have impacted housing? I don't think 12.5 credits is enough...but perhaps they would be considering her a second semester freshman. I would probably ask at the specific schools she is looking at.

 

[momto3gr8boys]

Strange question: does anyone else's school mail their report cards after school lets out? My daughter got out on June 19 and I'm still waiting for a final report card. I'm sure it's been like this in the past, but this is getting ridiculous with everything taking so long. Maybe if they didn't schedule final exams through June 14, they might have had report cards ready on June 19.

Our school posts them online. It is assumed the parents will look them over and discuss them with their children...no signing anything or letting the school know you saw them.

 

[momto3gr8boys]

Hoping you can all provide me with some guidance. DD wants to study marine science/biology. She's always said so, in addition to forensic science. In her mind she wants to work with dolphins, etc. From what I've been able to find out, that's about a 1 in a million shot and she will need much more schooling after college. I almost positive once she gets to college and starts to take the required classes, she will change her mind. And math and science are not her best classes.

So what do I do? Try to steer her away from marine science and crush her dreams or let her go for it and make the decision herself? We're only looking at schools that offer marine science but I'm making sure there are other subjects I think she might like as well. But I'm afraid we might be missing out on some good schools because we're not looking at those schools.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

As a few others have suggested, look for a school with a large number of majors and marine biology. My DS17 wants to study pharmacy. We are already limited with the number of schools with pharmD programs and it is advisable to go straight through at the same school (6-7 year program with the first 3-4 being the same as a pre-med program). There are three schools he initially looked into, but they were all medical specialty schools. I quickly encouraged him to cross those off the list because if he struggles half way through organic chemistry, I don't want him to have to look at changing schools. I want him to be able to just switch into a different major. As for missing out on other schools, that may just be the chance she has to take. She can always transfer.

Another option may be to see if she can take a science or math class that would be required in a summer session or evening in the fall at a local college. This will give her a head's up as to whether she really wants to go into a major where the main subjects are ones she is not as comfortable with. My sister swore she was going to be a doctor, and she had the grades, brains and dedication to do it. One summer in HS she did a program at Georgetown for HS students wanting to go into medicine. By the end of her first day in the hospital she was done - she realized this was not the career for her and never looked back. Trying to explore something like that ahead of time will help your daughter make an informed decision.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions and comments. It's great to have somewhere to bounce my thoughts around.

 

[TLuvsD]

One thing I learned when D was a senior (Class of 2012) was to have a stock response for the "where is she considering/going?". People we barely knew asked all kinds of questions. A friend warned me it would happen, but I was sort of shocked. So my suggestion is prepare a brief, non-responsive answer for casual questions. I went with "She's still considering her options, it's such an exciting time"...followed by asking about their kids/family/dog/whatever.

I am not suggesting you answer everyone this way, but the person who rarely spoke to you the whole time the kids where in elementary may suddenly want your child's life story, gpa, test scores, etc. It can be helpful to have a response prepared. I had mentioned this to a friend with a Class of 14 grad, she called today to thank me...someone who really doesn't like her son had all kinds of questions at the market today. Fortunately, she had a response in mind.

 

[Gina]

Another option may be to see if she can take a science or math class that would be required in a summer session or evening in the fall at a local college. This will give her a head's up as to whether she really wants to go into a major where the main subjects are ones she is not as comfortable with. My sister swore she was going to be a doctor, and she had the grades, brains and dedication to do it. One summer in HS she did a program at Georgetown for HS students wanting to go into medicine. By the end of her first day in the hospital she was done - she realized this was not the career for her and never looked back. Trying to explore something like that ahead of time will help your daughter make an informed decision.

I whole-heartedly second this recommendation! I know it's kind of late in the game for summer stuff at this point, but there might still be some programs open. Last summer my DS went to Sea Camp at A&M-Galveston, a week-long program just for G/T high schoolers interested in Marine Engineering. They also have sessions on Marine Biology, Coastal Ecology, Oceanagraphy, etc. Really cool stuff. They sleep in the dorms, eat in the cafeteria, everything. That week not only cemented in his head beyond a shadow of a doubt his desire to be a Marine Engineer, but also helped him be sure that TAMUG is the only place he wants to be.

People's plans change and they cancel out of stuff -- check and see if there are any summer programs that might suddenly have space available!

 

[PrincessKsMom]

I'm disgusted and disappointed. DD just got her AP English and History scores. A 2 in both subjects. No college credits. I'm beginning to realize our school is a joke. How can a child take AP course and only get a 2? It's a farce that she has a 93.9 average. And she's number 24 of 557 kids. She's only scored a 1750 (1130 M&CR) on her SATs and has basically "failed" her AP exams. I'm done. I'm disappointed and disheartened. Her lack of taking things seriously is really beginning to anger me. So much for a great weekend. Now disappointed in the school and her.

 

[Chelley00]

Just home from vacation and got DS's ACT and SAT scores. I think he's going to have to take them again. He didn't do bad, but they aren't great and I know he could do better. Part of it was because of his car accident we did no prep classes or anything and he just jumped in and took them, even though his 504 plan said no timed testing. He's going to hate me if I make him do it again

We have senior days coming up where we have to go in and pick up paperwork, take his laptop in to have software installed, pick up locker assignments and schedules etc. It's going to make it seem very real.

 

[IDoDis]

I'm disgusted and disappointed. DD just got her AP English and History scores. A 2 in both subjects. No college credits. I'm beginning to realize our school is a joke. How can a child take AP course and only get a 2? It's a farce that she has a 93.9 average. And she's number 24 of 557 kids. She's only scored a 1750 (1130 M&CR) on her SATs and has basically "failed" her AP exams. I'm done. I'm disappointed and disheartened. Her lack of taking things seriously is really beginning to anger me. So much for a great weekend. Now disappointed in the school and her.

I'm sorry you are disappointed. DD won't get her score until Sunday. Many kids do not pass, especially the history test which is why DD said she didn't want to take the AP history test. It's all memorization of countless dates and facts that she just didn't have time to deal with without losing focus of her core subjects.

Your state was ranked 12th in the nation in 2011 with regards to percentage of students passing AP tests with a score of 3, 4, or 5 (19.9%). Compared to my state where only 11.1% passed, your state is roses and diamonds! Here's a link to the report. You have to scroll down to page 13 to see the graphs. There are also links to individual states and those reports look like they are from 2012.
http://apreport.collegeboard.org/download-press-center

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

I'm disgusted and disappointed. DD just got her AP English and History scores. A 2 in both subjects. No college credits. I'm beginning to realize our school is a joke. How can a child take AP course and only get a 2? It's a farce that she has a 93.9 average. And she's number 24 of 557 kids. She's only scored a 1750 (1130 M&CR) on her SATs and has basically "failed" her AP exams. I'm done. I'm disappointed and disheartened. Her lack of taking things seriously is really beginning to anger me. So much for a great weekend. Now disappointed in the school and her.

DS got his today too, also got a 2. But got an A on the regular final exam.

Got DS's proofs today for his senior pics too, holy cow. $300-500 for most photo packages. They are good pics and I'd really like to have some but that's ridiculous.
I do plan to go out and take my own photos when it gets a little cooler but I'd like some of these too.

 

[scrapquitler]

My DD has started her summer calculus class at the local community college. She's there for her third class today (3 hours 15 minutes per day, four days a week for 5 weeks), and she loves it so far. I think that she is going to be on board with the idea of attending this community college for a year or two after graduation after this experience (that was my ulterior motive in encouraging her to take this class ).

She's still not showing any initative about even considering where she wants to apply to colleges, and if she decides this community college is a good place to be, I will be very satisfied for the first two years.

We got her AP scores the other day, she got a 4 for AP Government, so that worked out pretty nicely. I think her grade for her Early College Experience class was either a B+ or A-, so she now has 7 college credits, if the 4 in AP government will be accepted whereever she ends up.

I need to work on scheduling senior pictures. She wants to keep it simple, just a yearbook shot and a couple others.

 

[madge]

whew ... summer sort of got in the way of my keeping up with this thread. I went to look up something on College Confidential and immediately got myself back over here

we're 23 days away from the first day of school. yikes. DS spent the month of June at Murray State University as part of the Commonwealth Honors Academy. For anyone in the quad state area with a rising junior this year ... I highly recommend this program! Finished the program with 6 hours of credit (that will transfer anywhere) and will take 2 more classes this year, one in the fall & one in the spring. for free.

I think DS is relieved he opted out of the APUSH exam. He didn't feel prepared for the test & didn't want to waste the money. He's taking 2 AP classes this year -- AP Stats & AP Chem. Better him than me.

One college visit down ... DS loved Murray State. Several other schools on the agenda in the next few months. Mostly in-state, I think.

The next 10 months are going to fly. I hate it.

 

[coinkc]

Joining in here! I still can't believe my "baby" is about to start her senior year!

We've visited several colleges so far and she has fallen in love with one - the most expensive one of course! I have been trying to prepare her for the idea that more than likely, I just won't be able to afford to send her there but I think she's in denial.

So we'll see...I am going to make her go look at some smaller state schools to see if any of them catch her interest as they will be MUCH more affordable.

Her ACT score was great but unfortunately her GPA is not as high as most of the schools want for their highest scholarship levels due to her taking almost all honors/AP courses and some poor choices she made her freshman year. UGH!

This should be an interesting year!

 

[PrincessKsMom]

I contacted Texas A&M and they had two programs available. DD was extremely excited, until she found out she'd have to fly by herself to Texas. So it's a no go. DD has only flown 5 or 6 times, always with me. Besides being nervous about navigating an airport by herself (which was the least of her worries), she's afraid of flying so there's no way she'll get on a plane by herself at this point. I tried to encourage her but that's what's standing in her way, and I just can't afford to fly to Texas/vacation there while she's at the program. So I guess we'll just have to play it by ear and see how this year goes for her and if she finds any schools that she loves that don't offer marine science.

 

[JeannieNM]

I second the summer getting in the way with keeping up....

DD is at her dance intensive, she is now having some doubts about pursuing dance and theatre. This has been a very enlightening summer between the intense Theatre festival and now 3 weeks of intense dance. It would be nice if she decided to pursue something a little less competative though we shall see. It could totaly change her college choices though and the prospect of starting from scratch is a little daunting but doable...we will see after she returns home. She will be home in 10 days and schools starts 10 days after that.

Hope everyone is enjoying thier summer

 

[Mom21]

Happy with dd's test scores. Act a 30 and 31. Sat I think was in 1950s. Ap classes: She had Human something-geography maybe and got a 4, a 4 in Chemistry (she was really disappointed-she wanted a 5), and a 5 in Psychology.

We were more gung-ho in the spring. Now I just realized the colleges will be opening their applications in a few weeks. UGH. I dread forcing her to get through those. She has a camp to attend for volunteering for the first week of August. Yes I had to pay for her to get 45 hours of volunteer hours.

Just got her a car on Sunday, a few minutes ago I had to put money down for her senior portraits which was 65 just to take the pics but 30 can go towards the pics if I decide to buy any.

I can only imagine how much the applications will be.

 

[Gina]

Just got the proofs back for DS' Senior portraits -- They came out really really good, but just like BernardandMissBianca reported, ours are $300-500 too!! Most packages closer to $500. I almost swallowed my tongue! Needless to say, I will not be going that route.

I can pre-order the photo CD before our cruise in February for like $225... Unlimited shots. He'll have his tux anyway, so we'll take a bunch of those of just him instead of the two of us like usual. He's already planning on bringing his guitar as a carryon, so we're going to recreate the guitar shots the photographer did with him in his tux minus the jacket, and barefoot -- those were the best shots. I'm going to bring the proofs with me and just ask the photographers to do something like that. Then when we get back we can choose the best pic(s) for his graduation announcements and I can have those made myself for a fraction of the cost. $500... Seriously, they are on crack.

Can't believe application day is 2 weeks from tomorrow... that's just surreal! DS is off work today and tomorrow so he's working on getting his essays closer to being complete.

PrincessKsMom ~ Sorry she won't get to go to Sea Camp. :-( I hope y'all find something else that you're both comfortable with.

CoinKC ~ Welcome!!



-gina-

 

[lisamac]

My ds is 17 and is a senior. He would love to go to Saint Louis University but we will need to come up with some serious financial assistance to be able to that. Otherwise he will need to go to a state school. He has a solid ACT score and GPA but it may not be enough to make up the difference in public vs private tuition

 

[coinkc]

My ds is 17 and is a senior. He would love to go to Saint Louis University but we will need to come up with some serious financial assistance to be able to that. Otherwise he will need to go to a state school. He has a solid ACT score and GPA but it may not be enough to make up the difference in public vs private tuition

SLU is on my daughter's short list too! I've heard they give really good scholarships but I'm like you in thinking that it most likely won't be enough. Creighton is where she has her heart set on but...

We are going to visit some small state schools this fall and hope she likes them!

 

[tyedye]

DS got his today too, also got a 2. But got an A on the regular final exam.

Got DS's proofs today for his senior pics too, holy cow. $300-500 for most photo packages. They are good pics and I'd really like to have some but that's ridiculous.
I do plan to go out and take my own photos when it gets a little cooler but I'd like some of these too.

What company are you portraits with? I was not expecting that high. DS was suppose to have his taken last week, but I called to have them rescheduled as we went on a college tour that day. We went on 2 tours last week and have been on 4 total. We have 2 more scheduled later this month and then there are 2 others he'd like to see.