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jocelynDAD
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Posted: Tue Jul 18th, 2006 04:58 pm |
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Pye:
D2 loved My Holyoke, the buildings, the Profs, had two friends in class of 2009, but when the Financial Aid package came - it was only loans and work - the differences between MHC and her other schools were 20K a year. Since MHC was one school among a few that D2 loved, it was a n easy decision for D2 to make.
Do you know if MHC is having $$$ problems?
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Chedva
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| Joined: | Sun Mar 5th, 2006 |
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| Posts: | 575 |
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Posted: Tue Jul 18th, 2006 05:43 pm |
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| Thanks, Carolyn, for the comment about my d's list. I've been on these boards for quite a while now, and we couldn't have come up with this type of balance without all of you! When I started, I knew nothing. Now at least I have a place to come when I know just enough to be dangerous!!
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CarolynLawrence
Administrator
| Joined: | Sun Mar 5th, 2006 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 3307 |
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Posted: Tue Jul 18th, 2006 08:27 pm |
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JocelynDad,
Pye, please correct me if I am wrong, but it is my understanding Mt. Holyoke uses "financial aid leveraging" quite a bit. While they do meet full need for all students, admitted students who are at the top of the admissions pile for one reason or another tend to get more favorably structured FA packages than those in the middle and bottom.
Mt. Holyoke is not alone in this enrollment management strategy which basically hinges on the assumption that some students will be happy to attend even if they are offered a less-than-desirable FA package, thus allowing a school to stretch its financial aid dollars and increase its revenues. I just posted some interesting links on my blog (http://www.admissionsadvice.com) that might interest you if you want to learn more about how colleges use these strategies.
Last edited on Tue Jul 18th, 2006 08:31 pm by CarolynLawrence
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limner
Member
| Joined: | Sun Jul 16th, 2006 |
| Location: | Tennessee USA |
| Posts: | 815 |
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Posted: Tue Jul 18th, 2006 09:27 pm |
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"And why the sea is boiling hot--/and whether pigs have wings." (Just to keep it going.)
This thread is great! Entomom, thanks for starting us off in such a thorough fashion. I have to check some of the details with my son when he gets home from my MIL's this evening.
Home State: Tennessee
Specific things looking for in a college (Entomom, I copied yours almost word for word, but no Portuguese isn't a deal breaker for us): Medium to large sized school (3k+); urban or suburban preferred, rural if not too isolated; good balance of academics and other activities; coed.
Preferred gegraphic location: Anywhere but here is the feeling I get, although, after flirting briefly with Reed College, he's concentrating on the Northeast and Midwest.
Academic Interests: History, political science, international relations, sociology.
Schools on his list: Penn, Cornell, Brown are favorites so far. He wants to see UofChicago, Northwestern, and Washington Unvi. in St. Louis. (obviously this list needs some work--you know, LOWER the musket a tad!)
Schools he's visited (H has been taking him since summer after 9th grade. We also have an 8-year-old, so who is, well, let's say high maintenance, so I stayed home with her. Besides, it's difficult to do a guys' road trip with two females along): Yale, Dartmouth, Williams, Haverford, Swarthmore, Amherst, MIT, Cornell, Penn, NYU, Davidson, Duke, Franklin & Marshall, Gettysburg, Brown, UVa, Vanderbilt, University of the South (Sewanee).
Application plans: This is yet to be winnowed down or built up, depending on one's perspective, but Penn, Cornell, and Brown are front runners.
Senior year course load (as I know it right now): AP English, , AP Calculus; AP Spanish 4; Journalism; AP Government; AP Human Geography.
Standardized testing: Done except for SAT IIs and senior year AP tests.
ECs: Model UN every year; Youth Legislature, 9th & 10th grades; school newspaper, 10th, 11th, 12th grades; Math Honor Society since 9th grade; Freshman Mentoring program at HS; has worked for local election commsision since 9th grade.Last edited on Sat Jul 22nd, 2006 05:41 pm by limner
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Pye
Member
| Joined: | Mon Mar 6th, 2006 |
| Location: | Germany |
| Posts: | 114 |
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Posted: Wed Jul 19th, 2006 02:17 pm |
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Having done alum interviews for MHC gives me no access to insider info about how they do their financial aid offers.
From what I have heard, I would assume they do "financial aid leveraging" . Also, they are very committed to admitting more URM students and these would likely use up a fair amount of financial resources.
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CarolynLawrence
Administrator
| Joined: | Sun Mar 5th, 2006 |
| Location: | USA |
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Posted: Wed Jul 19th, 2006 04:22 pm |
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Pye,
I do not have a problem at all with financial aid leveraging at private schools. I do think that colleges are businesses, and they have to keep finances in mind when they decide who to admit and how to dole out their limited financial resources. It allows them to serve the greatest number of students with the best programs possible, rather than trying to be all things to all people. Only very wealthy schools can do otherwise (and even then I suspect they still need to keep these issues in mind).
But, it is important for applicants and parents to understand how and why financial aid (and merit) packages may differ from school A to school B, and to plan their college lists accordingly.
Last edited on Wed Jul 19th, 2006 04:24 pm by CarolynLawrence
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mathmom
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| Joined: | Fri Apr 14th, 2006 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 260 |
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Posted: Fri Jul 21st, 2006 05:34 pm |
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I'll join the crowd, though probably most of this is in my intro?
Student: S attends a big public high school, probably top 1% of class, but definitely a few kids ahead of him GPA wise as he is a B+ student in honors English classes.
Preferred geographic location for college: He's a homebody so leans to East Coast, but he liked Caltech alot. Claims he might miss winter even though he never goes out in it.
Specific things looking for in a college: All he thinks he cares about is the computer science program. I think it's important that there be housing as I can't imagine him living on his own sooner than he needs to.
Possible academic interests: Computer science, physics.
Schools visited: Caltech, Stanford, Berkeley, Harvard (just at reunions).
Application plans: Current list - MIT (probably EA), Caltech (ditto), Stanford, Carnegie-Mellon, Rensselaer, Worcester Polytechnic.
Senior year course load (tentative): AP English or honors, AP Chemistry, AP Economics, Astrophysics, Differential Equations (post calculus course), AP Latin
Standardized testing: Should be be NMSF. SAT II's were all 800s (yay!) in Math2, Physics, US History. AP's in Biology and Computer Science AB were both 5s. Have yet to get this years scores in Physics, Calculus and US History. (Just got them all 5s too!) For the SAT he's got CR 800, M 760 and W690 on the SAT. He'll take it once more, but we do think the scores are good enough - just love to get the writing score up a bit and he'd love an 800 in math since that's what he's best at, but realizes it's not really critical.
EC's, summer activities, employment, etc: Science Olympiad (several medals at regional level, a couple of 4th places at States). Academic Team. Latin Honor Society. (Which does nothing.) He's taken High School Honors class (Quantum Mechanics) at Columbia and attended an invitational lecture series at IBM. He's done some computer consulting work for pay during both the summer and school year and some as a volunteer for various biology labs at a medical school. (I think there's a thank you on a couple of papers.) He's also volunteering in the computer lab at the senior center this summer.
Last edited on Sat Jul 22nd, 2006 08:40 pm by mathmom
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CarolynLawrence
Administrator
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Posted: Sun Jul 23rd, 2006 10:18 pm |
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Mathmom,
Not a safe bet, obviously, but has your son considered Rice at all? Seems like a good fit for him.
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mathmom
Member
| Joined: | Fri Apr 14th, 2006 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 260 |
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Posted: Sun Jul 23rd, 2006 10:53 pm |
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I haven't thought about Rice being somewhat Houston adverse, but we have a nephew starting there this fall. I've heard nothing but good things about Rice so probably shouldn't dismiss it. The nephew is quite similar to my son in interests and abilities though he wants to combine biology and engineering. (My kid hated biology.) We're looking forward to getting impressions once he's started. I think he was actually somewhat handicapped by coming from a well regarded prep school and didn't get into MIT or Caltech. But the same could happen to my son too - I know that at least one of the kids applying may have slightly better stats - is a year ahead in math and I think is doing Science Research - which means he could be in the running for Intel honors.
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limner
Member
| Joined: | Sun Jul 16th, 2006 |
| Location: | Tennessee USA |
| Posts: | 815 |
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Posted: Sun Aug 6th, 2006 04:39 pm |
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Once again, I'm unsure of the category to post this under--but I am sure that other "years" could benefit--so, Carolyn, feel free to move at will!
My Dad called this a.m. to tell me about Washington Monthly's college guide. He got it because he subscribes to that magazine. It apparently ranks schools on their benefit not just to the student but to the country and the world at large. I'm not exactly sure how they do this (Dad's promised to drop off the guide early this coming week), but I like getting different perspectives on colleges--not to mention more info.
Anyone seen this? I'll post more info when I get my sticky little hands on it!
On our home front, S (and H, for that matter) are being somewhat recalcitrant about the whole process. H is still pushing ED, even though we absolutely must have financial aid for the schools that S is looking at and the fact that S still doesn't have a clear favorite. Argh. H thinks the higher acceptance rate is worth the ED. Double argh.
As for S, I think ED appeals because he would have the whole awful thing over with (assuming he got accepted). And he still hasn't really broadened his search beyond most or highly selective schools. He's not averse to applying to other schools, but he hasn't done the research (IMHO) to pick other schools shrewdly. Triple argh.
So, how's it goin' with everyone else?
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limner
Member
| Joined: | Sun Jul 16th, 2006 |
| Location: | Tennessee USA |
| Posts: | 815 |
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Posted: Tue Aug 8th, 2006 01:57 pm |
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Here's an article well worth reading, about measuring colleges' ability to *teach*:
"Is Our Students Learning?"
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/features/2006/0609.carey.html
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mom61
Member
| Joined: | Fri Jun 23rd, 2006 |
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| Posts: | 247 |
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Posted: Tue Aug 8th, 2006 06:27 pm |
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I have waited to post on this thread thinking that my son would possibly go through some changes this summer. I expected a few small changes. I wasn't prepared for the huge changes.
Son- senior in a large public school. California
Preferred Geographic location- Western US
Specific things looking for in a school- 2000-5000 students. Rural or suburban. No large cities. Looking for a school with understanding professors, engaged and creative students. Looking for a school that will understand and support a LD/ADD student. And give some leeway for a late bloomer. Liberal student body. Access to outdoor activities. Rock climbing, mountain biking and would love snowboarding within a reasonable drive. Parents would like easy airport.
Possible academic interests- Here is where he has thrown us for a loop. Was math or engineering. Has now discovered he wants to explore something more creative. Is considering Art with a possible interest in design.
Schools visited- East coast with sister but he has no interest in east coast
Application plans- We are going back to the drawing board on this. Schools that will probably stay on the list. Willamette University, University of Redlands, Colorado College (looks great but an extreme reach). We will look at Univ of Puget Sound, Lewis and Clark, Sonoma State. He has applied to Northern Arizona as a safety. We need to find more small schools with art departments that fit his stats. No religious schools.
Senior year courseload- AP Stats, AP Calculus, English 12, Econ/government, Freehand Drawing, Drawing and Painting. Will take 2-D Color and Design, 3-D form and Shape at the local City College.
Standardized tests- SAT taken once, will take again in fall. Math 710, Reading 530, Writing 480. 3.2 GPA rank probably 30-40th percentile. Wide range of grade fluctuation due to ADD and trial and error with medication. He tends to do best in classes with clear expectations and motivated students. Some of his worst grades are in classes that should have been easy A's. (wood shop, auto). Documented LD and ADD student will use accommodations in college.
EC's- Weak. Counselor each summer for the past 6 years at a camp for 5 year olds teaching safety. Sports 9th and 10th grade. Bike mechanic 9th grade at private middle school. Various community service projects. Youth group at temple. NOLS outdoor ed. program-30 days backpacking in wilderness.
Hobbies- Mountain biking, skateboarding. Until this summer an avid computer gamer.
New plans- Explore different art forms. Would like to find a class in glassblowing. Plans to take a Wilderness First Aid course. Is planning on volunteering with an organization that takes at risk kids out into the wilderness.
He is definitely a late bloomer. After so many years of believing he was stupid he has had some great teachers and some good therapy and discovered he is a great person and has great gifts to offer the world. He is looking for a school where they think outside the box. Likes hands-on learning. Does not want a school where you sit and listen. We are open to ideas of schools that will look beyond his grades and scores and hopefully take a chance on him.
We are also considering spending a year or 2 at Landmark College. This will probably not happen but will considered.
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limner
Member
| Joined: | Sun Jul 16th, 2006 |
| Location: | Tennessee USA |
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Posted: Tue Aug 8th, 2006 06:38 pm |
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Hi Mom61--I think it's great that your S is *passionate* about some things. I think that that is so often lacking in kids--and I wonder how much our education system has bred it out of them.
When you said math and engineering but that he was interested in more creative endeavors, I immediately thought of architeture. At any rate, I hope he finds a glass-blowing course--more power to him.
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jocelynDAD
Member
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Posted: Tue Aug 8th, 2006 06:44 pm |
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Mom61:
EC's: this is not a weak area IMO, everyone cannot be captain of this team and president of that club. His activities are consistent, carried over a number of years and reflect his interests, that is more than enough for any teenager and as you stated with LD and ADD, these activities are IMO excellent.
I would be very prideful on this area when visiting and interviewing, Will give a good image and complete picture of your S. 
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DesperateDad
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| Joined: | Tue Mar 14th, 2006 |
| Location: | California USA |
| Posts: | 844 |
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Posted: Tue Aug 8th, 2006 06:50 pm |
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mom61:
I think most private colleges ignore shop classes and focus on academic gpa, so you might recalculate with that in mind. One western college that comes to mind is Univ of Pacific in Stockton. The town is coming back, and its a short drive to the moutains.
UoP offers a BFA (and Engineering, for that matter). I have no knowledge of their LD program, but a friend (who's D is in the music conservatory) is just shocked at how much hand-holding the school provides. May be worth checking out.
Also, (might be) worth a look at Chapman Univ in Orange, and up and coming college.
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mom61
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Posted: Tue Aug 8th, 2006 09:12 pm |
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U of Pacific was on the engineering list. I hadn't thought about it for art. I will have him look at the website again.
He is thinking about architecture but he knows that most programs are extremely competitive and he just doesn't have the stats. He also is concerned that it would not be creative enough. Though it is an area that he is going to try to explore this year.
One thing that has come out of the therapy is that tradition school and teaching has had a negative impact on him. The amazing thing is we came to this therapist not for therapy. He is both a PH.D in psychology and MD in psychiatry. We went to him at the urging of his regular Dr to try to find the right ADD med for him. We thought my son would meet him once and walk out with a new prescription. I am so glad that this Dr took the time to really get to know my son. The new kid in our home is so much happier.
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CalifCarolyn
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Posted: Tue Aug 8th, 2006 10:46 pm |
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My brother and his wife are both UoP grads and loved their experience there. There was a great deal of personal attention.
As for Chapman--I loved my dorm there and the experience there was great-in the 1970s-my husband is working on a 2nd grad degree there right now and will be applying for their PhD program in Spec Ed. Mike Drummey the Dean of Admissions is a friend and through many conversations has said that they are becoming more and more selective each year. It is really a gem.
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mom61
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Posted: Wed Aug 9th, 2006 06:50 pm |
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CalifCarolyn- I looked at Chapman's website and it looks like it might be interesting. I don't know how he feels about Orange County but it is worth a drive. Interestingly it looks like Chapman does not take the Common Application.
I am planning on having him visit a few of the Ca schools this fall once the hot weather has finished. We live in such a moderate climate zone that I don't want him to dismiss a school because it is hot and dusty and dry.
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WestrnMom
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| Joined: | Fri May 26th, 2006 |
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Posted: Thu Aug 10th, 2006 05:04 pm |
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Chapman was originally one of S's safety schools, but that has changed. They are moving from moderately selective to highly selective.
It's too late for the Class of 2011, but UoP offers a summer college readiness program for rising seniors. It's a chance to learn more about college and that school in particular. It sounds like an excellent resource.
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Lderochi
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Posted: Tue Aug 22nd, 2006 12:46 am |
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I guess most seniors have either started or are getting ready to. Good luck to all this year and in the admissions season.
Our first mini-crisis has occurred. At the end of last year, S had 4 teachers who he felt pretty good about asking for recs. One would give a really strong letter, and the 3 others would be pretty good backups/second letter writers.
They are all gone. All of them! Two decided to retire and two resigned, I assume for better positions elsewhere. Ya just have to laugh. S knows where one of them ended up, at a small private school in our area so it probably won't be a problem to track him down. Otherwise, he really doesn't feel comfortable asking anybody left at his HS, unless he immediately clicks with one of his teachers this year. Fortunately he only needs one rec for the schools on his list, but it is sort of a bizarre start to the year.
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