So, we chatted last night with a college counselor (the wife of one of Paul's cousins) and it was a pretty eye-opening conversation. I have always considered Elizabeth an excellent student, however in our discussion last night, it seems as though the schools high on her list right now might all be 'reaches' (pretty disheartening for all of us, but good to have a realistic look at what we're doing). Some of the schools the counselor recommended we add to our list to look at (knowing that Elizabeth wants to be a drivable distance away) are:
Hobart & William Smith, Marist, Union, U of Delaware, St. Lawrence, University of Rochester, Holy Cross, WPI
Some schools she recommended as 'safer' are UNH, Fairfield, Sacred Heart, Quinnipiac and PC
She also recommended Mt Holyoke, but Elizabeth is pretty resistant to women-only. That being said, we'll likely still visit as it's where Paul's sister and our niece went, both having had excellent experiences there.
Elizabeth has a meeting with her guidance counselor this morning to also talk about where she should be looking, so it'll be interesting to see if the discussion lines up with the one we had last night.
Based upon my research to date, I agree with your counselor, it sucks, because I feel like my son is also similar to your daughter but I am not feeling optimistic that the smaller liberal arts schools will be easy to get into based upon the stats I see on college confidential, and fb. It seems like everyone wants to go to school up in the North East and has 1500 SAT's, 35 ACT's, 10 AP's, 4.2 or above, it is hard to set them apart and they might have the cash to go to these schools without any aid.
You listed a lot of the schools I also have on the list. I do believe Fairfield is getting more difficult to get into as well (just look into it-I do not think it is considered a safety school). I know you said she is resistant to all women but what about Smith? I think it will be similar to Mt. Holyoke and has a lot of schools around it.
At the school fair the other night I saw RI had some marine bio programs, at Salve regina. I was not convinced by the person I spoke to, but maybe something to look into?
It will all work itself out, it is great you are putting in the research now, so you can have a good list of options so there is not disappointment next year when she is applying. It might also help you decide what school to try for early decision on if you can get the details up front on cost, how many are accepted ED, potential to get in ED, etc.
We did not like holy cross, we thought PC was so much better: We visited twice and thought it was an extremely happy campus vs holy cross. At HC we saw no one walking together and no one saying high or acknowledging each other. We looked at 15 or so colleges and she ultimately picked PC. She also was accepted at Fairfield but she wanted more of a sports school for things to do. I'm no college counselor but I'd put PC and Fairfield as a but harder than the others.
Also, look at PA schools like Lehigh, mullenburg, dickinson, etc..
Thanks, both, for your input! We'll definitely be looking into early decision - that's definitely one way to demonstrate your interest!
I forgot about Salve - we'll likely add it to our RI tour. Good to get opinions on HC v PVD, as well! We were thinking of doing a PA tour, but I think we've put that on the back burner for now.
It's crazy to hear that kids are applying to 12-15 schools these days, but I guess the common app makes it so much easier (it's just still $$$).
The first visits with a college counselor can often be really shocking. The last few years have certainly changed college admissions and the process and general. Always happy to chat if you have questions. I also think putting reaches on a list is important. Its all about balance.
The schools you've listed are great. I think that U Rochester is a hidden gem. Union is also wonderful. What is Elizabeth thinking that she might want to do after college?
I would second Susan. Holy Cross is a good school but PC has a very different vibe and honestly a personal preference. I put it on several lists every year.
One of the big advantages to Mt.Holyoke is that it is part of the consortium so you can take classes at Smith, Hampshire, Amherst, and UMass Amherst.
Thanks, both, for your input! We'll definitely be looking into early decision - that's definitely one way to demonstrate your interest! I forgot about Salve - we'll likely add it to our RI tour. Good to get opinions on HC v PVD, as well! We were thinking of doing a PA tour, but I think we've put that on the back burner for now.
It's crazy to hear that kids are applying to 12-15 schools these days, but I guess the common app makes it so much easier (it's just still $$$).
You'll get a few free app codes (I know Fairfield and Layola were some for sara). You can always ask at the tour, I've heard they will give them if asked.
Oooh, good to know about the free app codes! Will keep that in mind going forward. I know it's free to apply to Colby, which certainly helps keep their acceptance rate down!
The first visits with a college counselor can often be really shocking. The last few years have certainly changed college admissions and the process and general. Always happy to chat if you have questions. I also think putting reaches on a list is important. Its all about balance.
The schools you've listed are great. I think that U Rochester is a hidden gem. Union is also wonderful. What is Elizabeth thinking that she might want to do after college?
I would second Susan. Holy Cross is a good school but PC has a very different vibe and honestly a personal preference. I put it on several lists every year.
One of the big advantages to Mt.Holyoke is that it is part of the consortium so you can take classes at Smith, Hampshire, Amherst, and UMass Amherst.
Be careful what you wish for Kaara - I will probably reach out but don't want to take advantage of your generosity! :)
So, she's thinking about marine biology, but that stems from her love of NESS (New England Science and Sailing), where she's been going to camp for the last 5 or 6 years, and JI'd at last year (and will this summer). She realizes that most small schools won't have a true marine bio program (aside from Bowdoin), and that she'll likely have to study biology and focus on marine bio for grad school.
And yes - we've heard that about Mt. Holyoke and the exposure to everything that it's that area.
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The CT Tribe -> College -> Does anyone have any insight into the following schools?
