College Admissions Questions (3 Viewers)

[The_Man]

I know it's been discussed, but reopening the discussion on people's take on kid being asked to interview.

I don't think it reflects much.. but curious.

For general admission to a regular undergraduate program, it genuinely means almost next to nothing. It's more of an Alumni engagement tool than an Admissions one. If the interview is for a scholarship or some highly selective program, it could mean something - especially if it's with an admissions rep or an administrator from the specific program. But if it's with some random alumnus, then it's really not important at all. I guess turning down an interview appointment could be construed as lack of demonstrated interest but even that is unlikely

Thanks, that was my less informed take too after doing interviews for my alma mater for a few years (and not a single kid getting in!).

At the same time, I have to figure it means at least a pass through the initial cut? Or why bother interviewing the kid?

Good point - yes, an interview offer is a sign that a kid has not been eliminated. But NOT getting an offer doesn't mean they have been eliminated, just like getting an offer doesn't mean they're going to be admitted.

 

[El Floppo]

I think we hear about USC and UMiami in a week or two

We hear about UMiami in a week, I think.

In the meantime..




IN at USC!!

Just found out.
The kid is soooo excitedly relieved. Although not his top choice, it's definitely his top choice of the non ivyish school. And more importantly, If he didn't get in anywhere else, he'd be psyched to go (which wasnt the case with some of the others). And he's in the running for all the scholarships, which would've been lost if they deferred him like we were expecting. I couldn't be happier for him to be a magnum. I mean trojan.

 

[bigbottom]

I think we hear about USC and UMiami in a week or two

We hear about UMiami in a week, I think.

In the meantime..




IN at USC!!

Just found out.
The kid is soooo excitedly relieved. Although not his top choice, it's definitely his top choice of the non ivyish school. And more importantly, If he didn't get in anywhere else, he'd be psyched to go (which wasnt the case with some of the others). And he's in the running for all the scholarships, which would've been lost if they deferred him like we were expecting. I couldn't be happier for him to be a magnum. I mean trojan.

Awesome! Son just spent four fun years there and did some stuff with music students. Happy to provide my thoughts as a parent (good and bad) and what I know about his experience if your son ends up leaning that direction.

 

[The Dreaded Marco]

I think we hear about USC and UMiami in a week or two

We hear about UMiami in a week, I think.

In the meantime..




IN at USC!!

Just found out.
The kid is soooo excitedly relieved. Although not his top choice, it's definitely his top choice of the non ivyish school. And more importantly, If he didn't get in anywhere else, he'd be psyched to go (which wasnt the case with some of the others). And he's in the running for all the scholarships, which would've been lost if they deferred him like we were expecting. I couldn't be happier for him to be a magnum. I mean trojan.

Awesome! Son just spent four fun years there and did some stuff with music students. Happy to provide my thoughts as a parent (good and bad) and what I know about his experience if your son ends up leaning that direction.

Congrats to your son!

Obviously different than the undergrad experience but my daughter recently graduated from USC law school and loved it there. So much so that I doubt she’ll ever leave LA.

 

[TennesseeJed]

I think we hear about USC and UMiami in a week or two

We hear about UMiami in a week, I think.

In the meantime..




IN at USC!!

Just found out.
The kid is soooo excitedly relieved. Although not his top choice, it's definitely his top choice of the non ivyish school. And more importantly, If he didn't get in anywhere else, he'd be psyched to go (which wasnt the case with some of the others). And he's in the running for all the scholarships, which would've been lost if they deferred him like we were expecting. I couldn't be happier for him to be a magnum. I mean trojan.

That is great news! Congrats to Flopinho!

 

[The Z Machine]

I think we hear about USC and UMiami in a week or two

We hear about UMiami in a week, I think.

In the meantime..




IN at USC!!

Just found out.
The kid is soooo excitedly relieved. Although not his top choice, it's definitely his top choice of the non ivyish school. And more importantly, If he didn't get in anywhere else, he'd be psyched to go (which wasnt the case with some of the others). And he's in the running for all the scholarships, which would've been lost if they deferred him like we were expecting. I couldn't be happier for him to be a magnum. I mean trojan.

Awesome! Son just spent four fun years there and did some stuff with music students. Happy to provide my thoughts as a parent (good and bad) and what I know about his experience if your son ends up leaning that direction.

Congrats to your son!

Obviously different than the undergrad experience but my daughter recently graduated from USC law school and loved it there. So much so that I doubt she’ll ever leave LA.

Tough times for the city but they will rebound. Best of luck to her. Has she taken the CA bar exam?

 

[Fruitbat]

My kid (senior) had moved on from his dream of playing college sports (no solid offers), and instead has become excited to go to a large school in a large city. 2 weeks ago finally gets an offer to play soccer at a nearby school (3 hour drive). Small school, small town. Solid school with solid sports program.

Kid has trouble making decisions, procrastinates, etc.

My stance is: go play soccer for a year. if you hate it (either soccer or the school) then transfer to your big-city choice.

How do I "convince" a hard-headed procrastinator?

 

[scorchy]

IN at USC!!

Just found out.
The kid is soooo excitedly relieved. Although not his top choice, it's definitely his top choice of the non ivyish school. And more importantly, If he didn't get in anywhere else, he'd be psyched to go (which wasnt the case with some of the others). And he's in the running for all the scholarships, which would've been lost if they deferred him like we were expecting. I couldn't be happier for him to be a magnum. I mean trojan.

Congrats! We were really impressed by USC during our visit. The tour guide was also by far the best of any we encountered - maybe not surprising given the school. And as a Gator, I would definitely pick it over the stinkin' U.

 

[scorchy]

Thanks, that was my less informed take too after doing interviews for my alma mater for a few years (and not a single kid getting in!).

At the same time, I have to figure it means at least a pass through the initial cut? Or why bother interviewing the kid?

Had a friend just ask me the same thing about Stanford when his daughter got an interview. My son didn't get one a few years back and was shocked to get in, but all things being equal, I would still rather be selected for an interview than not.

 

[El Floppo]

My kid (senior) had moved on from his dream of playing college sports (no solid offers), and instead has become excited to go to a large school in a large city. 2 weeks ago finally gets an offer to play soccer at a nearby school (3 hour drive). Small school, small town. Solid school with solid sports program.

Kid has trouble making decisions, procrastinates, etc.

My stance is: go play soccer for a year. if you hate it (either soccer or the school) then transfer to your big-city choice.

How do I "convince" a hard-headed procrastinator?

Does he have to commit before he hears from the other city schools?

Fwiw, I played college soccer at a big city school. Granted, a looong time ago, so different eras completely and all, but happy to discuss more if you'd like.

And my only regret is not giving soccer more of a real try outside of college. So I'm with you. That said, a cousins kid was a great HS soccer player and turned down offers at other achools to go to big college (Ohio) and not play. He ended up playing club and then semipro after.. still playing into his 30s. So... different ways to go.

 

[The Dreaded Marco]

I think we hear about USC and UMiami in a week or two

We hear about UMiami in a week, I think.

In the meantime..




IN at USC!!

Just found out.
The kid is soooo excitedly relieved. Although not his top choice, it's definitely his top choice of the non ivyish school. And more importantly, If he didn't get in anywhere else, he'd be psyched to go (which wasnt the case with some of the others). And he's in the running for all the scholarships, which would've been lost if they deferred him like we were expecting. I couldn't be happier for him to be a magnum. I mean trojan.

Awesome! Son just spent four fun years there and did some stuff with music students. Happy to provide my thoughts as a parent (good and bad) and what I know about his experience if your son ends up leaning that direction.

Congrats to your son!

Obviously different than the undergrad experience but my daughter recently graduated from USC law school and loved it there. So much so that I doubt she’ll ever leave LA.

Tough times for the city but they will rebound. Best of luck to her. Has she taken the CA bar exam?

Thanks.

Yes, she passed the CA Bar. She’s a 2nd year associate at a large LA firm.

 

[Fruitbat]

My kid (senior) had moved on from his dream of playing college sports (no solid offers), and instead has become excited to go to a large school in a large city. 2 weeks ago finally gets an offer to play soccer at a nearby school (3 hour drive). Small school, small town. Solid school with solid sports program.

Kid has trouble making decisions, procrastinates, etc.

My stance is: go play soccer for a year. if you hate it (either soccer or the school) then transfer to your big-city choice.

How do I "convince" a hard-headed procrastinator?

Does he have to commit before he hears from the other city schools?

Fwiw, I played college soccer at a big city school. Granted, a looong time ago, so different eras completely and all, but happy to discuss more if you'd like.

And my only regret is not giving soccer more of a real try outside of college. So I'm with you. That said, a cousins kid was a great HS soccer player and turned down offers at other achools to go to big college (Ohio) and not play. He ended up playing club and then semipro after.. still playing into his 30s. So... different ways to go.

He's already accepted at his #1 non-soccer choice. Coach is reasonable, but wants to hear soon if possible. It's D3, so non binding commitment. I told kid don't procrastinate this , make a choice and let him know. Dont want his spot to disappear.

 

[El Floppo]

My kid (senior) had moved on from his dream of playing college sports (no solid offers), and instead has become excited to go to a large school in a large city. 2 weeks ago finally gets an offer to play soccer at a nearby school (3 hour drive). Small school, small town. Solid school with solid sports program.

Kid has trouble making decisions, procrastinates, etc.

My stance is: go play soccer for a year. if you hate it (either soccer or the school) then transfer to your big-city choice.

How do I "convince" a hard-headed procrastinator?

Does he have to commit before he hears from the other city schools?

Fwiw, I played college soccer at a big city school. Granted, a looong time ago, so different eras completely and all, but happy to discuss more if you'd like.

And my only regret is not giving soccer more of a real try outside of college. So I'm with you. That said, a cousins kid was a great HS soccer player and turned down offers at other achools to go to big college (Ohio) and not play. He ended up playing club and then semipro after.. still playing into his 30s. So... different ways to go.

He's already accepted at his #1 non-soccer choice. Coach is reasonable, but wants to hear soon if possible. It's D3, so non binding commitment. I told kid don't procrastinate this , make a choice and let him know. Dont want his spot to disappear.

Ah... I misread, sorry. Thought he was still deliberating.

 

[Fruitbat]

My kid (senior) had moved on from his dream of playing college sports (no solid offers), and instead has become excited to go to a large school in a large city. 2 weeks ago finally gets an offer to play soccer at a nearby school (3 hour drive). Small school, small town. Solid school with solid sports program.

Kid has trouble making decisions, procrastinates, etc.

My stance is: go play soccer for a year. if you hate it (either soccer or the school) then transfer to your big-city choice.

How do I "convince" a hard-headed procrastinator?

Does he have to commit before he hears from the other city schools?

Fwiw, I played college soccer at a big city school. Granted, a looong time ago, so different eras completely and all, but happy to discuss more if you'd like.

And my only regret is not giving soccer more of a real try outside of college. So I'm with you. That said, a cousins kid was a great HS soccer player and turned down offers at other achools to go to big college (Ohio) and not play. He ended up playing club and then semipro after.. still playing into his 30s. So... different ways to go.

He's already accepted at his #1 non-soccer choice. Coach is reasonable, but wants to hear soon if possible. It's D3, so non binding commitment. I told kid don't procrastinate this , make a choice and let him know. Dont want his spot to disappear.

Ah... I misread, sorry. Thought he was still deliberating.

Yeah he is. My wording is bad. He has been accepted at multiple schools, including his top. Has not responded to any yet.

 

[El Floppo]

My kid (senior) had moved on from his dream of playing college sports (no solid offers), and instead has become excited to go to a large school in a large city. 2 weeks ago finally gets an offer to play soccer at a nearby school (3 hour drive). Small school, small town. Solid school with solid sports program.

Kid has trouble making decisions, procrastinates, etc.

My stance is: go play soccer for a year. if you hate it (either soccer or the school) then transfer to your big-city choice.

How do I "convince" a hard-headed procrastinator?

Does he have to commit before he hears from the other city schools?

Fwiw, I played college soccer at a big city school. Granted, a looong time ago, so different eras completely and all, but happy to discuss more if you'd like.

And my only regret is not giving soccer more of a real try outside of college. So I'm with you. That said, a cousins kid was a great HS soccer player and turned down offers at other achools to go to big college (Ohio) and not play. He ended up playing club and then semipro after.. still playing into his 30s. So... different ways to go.

He's already accepted at his #1 non-soccer choice. Coach is reasonable, but wants to hear soon if possible. It's D3, so non binding commitment. I told kid don't procrastinate this , make a choice and let him know. Dont want his spot to disappear.

Ah... I misread, sorry. Thought he was still deliberating.

Yeah he is. My wording is bad. He has been accepted at multiple schools, including his top. Has not responded to any yet.

Has until May though, no?

 

[bigbottom]

My kid (senior) had moved on from his dream of playing college sports (no solid offers), and instead has become excited to go to a large school in a large city. 2 weeks ago finally gets an offer to play soccer at a nearby school (3 hour drive). Small school, small town. Solid school with solid sports program.

Kid has trouble making decisions, procrastinates, etc.

My stance is: go play soccer for a year. if you hate it (either soccer or the school) then transfer to your big-city choice.

How do I "convince" a hard-headed procrastinator?

Is it a school that he thinks he would be happy at if he stopped playing soccer there?

 

[Fruitbat]

My kid (senior) had moved on from his dream of playing college sports (no solid offers), and instead has become excited to go to a large school in a large city. 2 weeks ago finally gets an offer to play soccer at a nearby school (3 hour drive). Small school, small town. Solid school with solid sports program.

Kid has trouble making decisions, procrastinates, etc.

My stance is: go play soccer for a year. if you hate it (either soccer or the school) then transfer to your big-city choice.

How do I "convince" a hard-headed procrastinator?

Does he have to commit before he hears from the other city schools?

Fwiw, I played college soccer at a big city school. Granted, a looong time ago, so different eras completely and all, but happy to discuss more if you'd like.

And my only regret is not giving soccer more of a real try outside of college. So I'm with you. That said, a cousins kid was a great HS soccer player and turned down offers at other achools to go to big college (Ohio) and not play. He ended up playing club and then semipro after.. still playing into his 30s. So... different ways to go.

He's already accepted at his #1 non-soccer choice. Coach is reasonable, but wants to hear soon if possible. It's D3, so non binding commitment. I told kid don't procrastinate this , make a choice and let him know. Dont want his spot to disappear.

Ah... I misread, sorry. Thought he was still deliberating.

Yeah he is. My wording is bad. He has been accepted at multiple schools, including his top. Has not responded to any yet.

Has until May though, no?

To attend a school, yes. To assure himself a varsity soccer roster spot, no.

 

[Fruitbat]

My kid (senior) had moved on from his dream of playing college sports (no solid offers), and instead has become excited to go to a large school in a large city. 2 weeks ago finally gets an offer to play soccer at a nearby school (3 hour drive). Small school, small town. Solid school with solid sports program.

Kid has trouble making decisions, procrastinates, etc.

My stance is: go play soccer for a year. if you hate it (either soccer or the school) then transfer to your big-city choice.

How do I "convince" a hard-headed procrastinator?

Is it a school that he thinks he would be happy at if he stopped playing soccer there?

He likes it, but wouldnt go there if it wasn't for soccer.

 

[thecatch]

My kid (senior) had moved on from his dream of playing college sports (no solid offers), and instead has become excited to go to a large school in a large city. 2 weeks ago finally gets an offer to play soccer at a nearby school (3 hour drive). Small school, small town. Solid school with solid sports program.

Kid has trouble making decisions, procrastinates, etc.

My stance is: go play soccer for a year. if you hate it (either soccer or the school) then transfer to your big-city choice.

How do I "convince" a hard-headed procrastinator?

Depends on the reputations of the schools involved. I’d rather go to a school that’s going to set me up better in the job market than a small school that one has ever heard of to play d2 or d3. Especially if you want a big city college experience. If the long term outcomes are similar then it’s a closer call, but he should still do what’s going to make him happy.

 

[bigbottom]

My kid (senior) had moved on from his dream of playing college sports (no solid offers), and instead has become excited to go to a large school in a large city. 2 weeks ago finally gets an offer to play soccer at a nearby school (3 hour drive). Small school, small town. Solid school with solid sports program.

Kid has trouble making decisions, procrastinates, etc.

My stance is: go play soccer for a year. if you hate it (either soccer or the school) then transfer to your big-city choice.

How do I "convince" a hard-headed procrastinator?

Is it a school that he thinks he would be happy at if he stopped playing soccer there?

He likes it, but wouldnt go there if it wasn't for soccer.

I think those are two different questions though. And I think it’s important for him to ask himself both.

 

[El Floppo]

My kid (senior) had moved on from his dream of playing college sports (no solid offers), and instead has become excited to go to a large school in a large city. 2 weeks ago finally gets an offer to play soccer at a nearby school (3 hour drive). Small school, small town. Solid school with solid sports program.

Kid has trouble making decisions, procrastinates, etc.

My stance is: go play soccer for a year. if you hate it (either soccer or the school) then transfer to your big-city choice.

How do I "convince" a hard-headed procrastinator?

Does he have to commit before he hears from the other city schools?

Fwiw, I played college soccer at a big city school. Granted, a looong time ago, so different eras completely and all, but happy to discuss more if you'd like.

And my only regret is not giving soccer more of a real try outside of college. So I'm with you. That said, a cousins kid was a great HS soccer player and turned down offers at other achools to go to big college (Ohio) and not play. He ended up playing club and then semipro after.. still playing into his 30s. So... different ways to go.

He's already accepted at his #1 non-soccer choice. Coach is reasonable, but wants to hear soon if possible. It's D3, so non binding commitment. I told kid don't procrastinate this , make a choice and let him know. Dont want his spot to disappear.

Ah... I misread, sorry. Thought he was still deliberating.

Yeah he is. My wording is bad. He has been accepted at multiple schools, including his top. Has not responded to any yet.

Has until May though, no?

To attend a school, yes. To assure himself a varsity soccer roster spot, no.

Ok... Since this is an area that's changed from my day when only one of the schools that recruited me actually accepted me prior to that later acceptance day (the other couldn't)...

If he explained his situation to the coach- still really interested, but I need to wait to see where the chips fall with his dream school before committing- does that automatically mean he wouldn't be on the team if he ultimately picked the soccer school? I wonder if D3 are used to that kind of situation?

And I'll throw out there again- club sports have really taken off at the bigger D1 schools where a kid might be really good, but not good enough or interested enough to commit that much energy and time in college to their sport. I mentioned my cousins kid, and My wife's niece was a basketball recruit at a bunch of D1, D2. Decided in her senior year of HS that there was a school she wanted to go to, and didn't care about playing varsity. Went there, managed the bball team, and plays club ball- travelling for games and tourneys as much as I did in my day. She had a blast.

 

[Fruitbat]

Thanks for the comments. I'm more looking just to chat/share/think out loud so thanks for allowing me that.

More random thoughts:

This kid is unsure about his whole college experience, not sure about his major, and has never been super-engaged in classes in general. That said, he's been grinding last 2 years and pulled 3.5+ in AP-heavy coursework at a college prep high school. He's excited to go, but a nose-to-the-grindstone super-scholar he is not.

I share that only because I think its more important for him to have an experience that is engaging to him, vs going to a school that maybe could eek out 1-3% higher chance of "success", whatever that means. That said all the schools in the running I trust to give him the opportunities he needs to succeed.

As far as a "deadline". This coach is in his first year at this school (his alma mater) , after being a success at a similar school. He's coming in with a mantra of building up this program into an annual contender. My son is a GK...and this school just graduated their 5-year all-american starter at goalie. Get the feeling that its kinda a blank slate at GK and he is recruiting hard. He has told my son that he really wants to have the roster set by sometime February, and was honest that if my kid didn't grab a spot that he'd have to continue recruiting GKs. Sooo....long story short, I advised my kid that the sooner he can decide, the better. Don't rush it, but don't procrastinate either (which he is great at).

Like I said at beginning, this offer came out of almost nowhere. We spent the last year trying to grab attention of coaches to no avail. (We are in a rural-ish area of the state, don't play at a big school, not on an elite "name brand" club team). So his mindset had slowly changed as he let go of his goal of playing soccer in college -- something he really wanted.

Club and intramurals are certainly on his radar if he doesn't accept the offer for the soccer school.

His current non-soccer top choice is Loyola Chicago. I wouldn't call it his "dream school" -- more like it is the most impressive candidate that meets his initial (vague) non-soccer school criteria: bigger city, large student population, warmer weather than where we live (yep, warmer), doesn't suck academically. We haven't visited, but done extensive online research/tours/videos. I have given him a deadline of tomorrow to decide if an in-person visit to Loyola is necessary to make his decision to accept the soccer offer or not. It's a couple states over, last minute flight prices, at least one hotel night, etc...so it wouldn't be cheap, heh.

His other timeline factor is...the soccer school still needs to process his application and come back with a financial package. Not sure when that will get back to us. So that's sort of a built-in reason to not give an answer yet.

When I went to college, I just went to the state school 1 state over where several of my friends went. Easy. Done. When my older son went to college, he knew he wanted engineering and not too far from home. We hit 4 candidates that met that criteria, and he picked his favorite (happened to be my alma mater). Easy Done.

OK I will stop rambling now.

 

[bigbottom]

Thanks for the comments. I'm more looking just to chat/share/think out loud so thanks for allowing me that.

More random thoughts:

This kid is unsure about his whole college experience, not sure about his major, and has never been super-engaged in classes in general. That said, he's been grinding last 2 years and pulled 3.5+ in AP-heavy coursework at a college prep high school. He's excited to go, but a nose-to-the-grindstone super-scholar he is not.

I share that only because I think its more important for him to have an experience that is engaging to him, vs going to a school that maybe could eek out 1-3% higher chance of "success", whatever that means. That said all the schools in the running I trust to give him the opportunities he needs to succeed.

As far as a "deadline". This coach is in his first year at this school (his alma mater) , after being a success at a similar school. He's coming in with a mantra of building up this program into an annual contender. My son is a GK...and this school just graduated their 5-year all-american starter at goalie. Get the feeling that its kinda a blank slate at GK and he is recruiting hard. He has told my son that he really wants to have the roster set by sometime February, and was honest that if my kid didn't grab a spot that he'd have to continue recruiting GKs. Sooo....long story short, I advised my kid that the sooner he can decide, the better. Don't rush it, but don't procrastinate either (which he is great at).

Like I said at beginning, this offer came out of almost nowhere. We spent the last year trying to grab attention of coaches to no avail. (We are in a rural-ish area of the state, don't play at a big school, not on an elite "name brand" club team). So his mindset had slowly changed as he let go of his goal of playing soccer in college -- something he really wanted.

Club and intramurals are certainly on his radar if he doesn't accept the offer for the soccer school.

His current non-soccer top choice is Loyola Chicago. I wouldn't call it his "dream school" -- more like it is the most impressive candidate that meets his initial (vague) non-soccer school criteria: bigger city, large student population, warmer weather than where we live (yep, warmer), doesn't suck academically. We haven't visited, but done extensive online research/tours/videos. I have given him a deadline of tomorrow to decide if an in-person visit to Loyola is necessary to make his decision to accept the soccer offer or not. It's a couple states over, last minute flight prices, at least one hotel night, etc...so it wouldn't be cheap, heh.

His other timeline factor is...the soccer school still needs to process his application and come back with a financial package. Not sure when that will get back to us. So that's sort of a built-in reason to not give an answer yet.

When I went to college, I just went to the state school 1 state over where several of my friends went. Easy. Done. When my older son went to college, he knew he wanted engineering and not too far from home. We hit 4 candidates that met that criteria, and he picked his favorite (happened to be my alma mater). Easy Done.

OK I will stop rambling now.

Ramble away. This is a complicated process with lots of factors at play. You’ll get a lot of good varied perspectives by posting in this thread.

The bolded is why I asked the question that I did upthread. Would he be happy at the soccer school if he wasn’t playing soccer there? Because he needs to understand that there is a very good chance that he is not on the team after 1-2 years. That’s not a dig on your son as I have no insight into his situation. But among my extended social circle, I know parents of about 10 kids who have gone to play college sports at D2 or D3 schools (baseball, soccer, lacrosse, volleyball). Other than one girl who is in her second year as a beach volleyball player, every single other kid we know ended up dropping out of their sport after 1-2 years. The reasons were varied - injuries, got cut, or just got tired of the sport robbing them of their chance at a typical college experience. Of those kids, I think most or maybe even all of them ended up transferring to another school, and that can been really disruptive as they have to break into social groups with new classmates who have been bonding since freshman year. And not all of the credits may transfer, which could cause either delays in graduating or more challenging courseloads in later years when you are taking upper division courses.

This is why I think the question of whether he would be happy there if he wasn’t playing soccer is an important one. It doesn’t have to be his first choice if soccer was not in the picture. But it’s worth understanding that if things go wrong with soccer, would he be okay staying there, or would he be looking to transfer.

Now, I will say that the few kids I know who went to play D1 sports, they played all four+ years. But I think those athletes get a lot more support from the university.

 

[The Z Machine]

My kid (senior) had moved on from his dream of playing college sports (no solid offers), and instead has become excited to go to a large school in a large city. 2 weeks ago finally gets an offer to play soccer at a nearby school (3 hour drive). Small school, small town. Solid school with solid sports program.

Kid has trouble making decisions, procrastinates, etc.

My stance is: go play soccer for a year. if you hate it (either soccer or the school) then transfer to your big-city choice.

How do I "convince" a hard-headed procrastinator?

Does he have to commit before he hears from the other city schools?

Fwiw, I played college soccer at a big city school. Granted, a looong time ago, so different eras completely and all, but happy to discuss more if you'd like.

And my only regret is not giving soccer more of a real try outside of college. So I'm with you. That said, a cousins kid was a great HS soccer player and turned down offers at other achools to go to big college (Ohio) and not play. He ended up playing club and then semipro after.. still playing into his 30s. So... different ways to go.

He's already accepted at his #1 non-soccer choice. Coach is reasonable, but wants to hear soon if possible. It's D3, so non binding commitment. I told kid don't procrastinate this , make a choice and let him know. Dont want his spot to disappear.

Ah... I misread, sorry. Thought he was still deliberating.

Yeah he is. My wording is bad. He has been accepted at multiple schools, including his top. Has not responded to any yet.

Has until May though, no?

To attend a school, yes. To assure himself a varsity soccer roster spot, no.

Ok... Since this is an area that's changed from my day when only one of the schools that recruited me actually accepted me prior to that later acceptance day (the other couldn't)...

If he explained his situation to the coach- still really interested, but I need to wait to see where the chips fall with his dream school before committing- does that automatically mean he wouldn't be on the team if he ultimately picked the soccer school? I wonder if D3 are used to that kind of situation?

And I'll throw out there again- club sports have really taken off at the bigger D1 schools where a kid might be really good, but not good enough or interested enough to commit that much energy and time in college to their sport. I mentioned my cousins kid, and My wife's niece was a basketball recruit at a bunch of D1, D2. Decided in her senior year of HS that there was a school she wanted to go to, and didn't care about playing varsity. Went there, managed the bball team, and plays club ball- travelling for games and tourneys as much as I did in my day. She had a blast.

Also there are many universities that have cut men's soccer (and other non-revenue men's sports) from their D1 lists. Lots of those schools have very active and competitive club sports. Sure the kids don't get scholarship money and they might not get access to the elite gyms, trainers, or other perks that D1 athletes get, but the level of play can be excellent and likely as good as a D3 school.

 

[jabarony]

jabarony jr went 0 for 2 today. Deferred at his top choice and rejected at the Ivy. Bummer. Doesn't make me hopeful for his 2nd choice (January), either. The ivy wasn't a surprise, but he was at the top/above the ACT/SAT ranges for his top choice, with a 4.0 and a bunch of APs. I guess that's not enough these days.

Frustrating that there was so much time spent on this and he'll likely end up going to a state school that he was going to get into regardless.

Kid was deferred at Notre Dame last month, but still felt pretty good about Michigan. Michigan deferred him yesterday. Now he's really bummed. 4.0 unweighted at a very good HS + 35 ACT/1560 SAT single attempt - thought that would suffice. He filled up the extracurricular list (though he wasn't President of any clubs or anything like that), but his essays were weak. He didn't want to BS on them about how he's planning on changing the world or dramatize some trauma he's encountered.

I guess he should have.

Also he probably should have worked less (to save for college!!!) and played less soccer to focus more on padding the admissions resume.

Now he'll probably just go to a local/commuter school. Says he could have screwed around the last 4 years and ended up in the same spot. Obviously he'll be much more prepared for college with all of the information now-stored in his noggin. He should do well wherever he goes, and he's not the only kid to get such a gut-punch. But he doesn't want to hear that today.

 

[El Floppo]

jabarony jr went 0 for 2 today. Deferred at his top choice and rejected at the Ivy. Bummer. Doesn't make me hopeful for his 2nd choice (January), either. The ivy wasn't a surprise, but he was at the top/above the ACT/SAT ranges for his top choice, with a 4.0 and a bunch of APs. I guess that's not enough these days.

Frustrating that there was so much time spent on this and he'll likely end up going to a state school that he was going to get into regardless.

Kid was deferred at Notre Dame last month, but still felt pretty good about Michigan. Michigan deferred him yesterday. Now he's really bummed. 4.0 unweighted at a very good HS + 35 ACT/1560 SAT single attempt - thought that would suffice. He filled up the extracurricular list (though he wasn't President of any clubs or anything like that), but his essays were weak. He didn't want to BS on them about how he's planning on changing the world or dramatize some trauma he's encountered.

I guess he should have.

Also he probably should have worked less (to save for college!!!) and played less soccer to focus more on padding the admissions resume.

Now he'll probably just go to a local/commuter school. Says he could have screwed around the last 4 years and ended up in the same spot. Obviously he'll be much more prepared for college with all of the information now-stored in his noggin. He should do well wherever he goes, and he's not the only kid to get such a gut-punch. But he doesn't want to hear that today.

Sorry, man.

What we're seeing from early to top schools like MI is that the spots are going to the kids with other things, not necessarily great grades and test scores like your son- donors, legacies, recruited athletes... Kids like that who may look worse on paper for grades/scores than your kid.

But deferral still means he has shot. And given how imoressively he's done, I'm feeling hopeful for you guys for regular admissions.

 

[El Floppo]

But it sucks seeing these earlies not come back positive.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Missed this thread for my oldest. Might need it for my youngest. Oldest got in all 7 places she applied to, including her top choice of NC State.
Good luck to other parents with a Class of 25 child.

 

[jabarony]

jabarony jr went 0 for 2 today. Deferred at his top choice and rejected at the Ivy. Bummer. Doesn't make me hopeful for his 2nd choice (January), either. The ivy wasn't a surprise, but he was at the top/above the ACT/SAT ranges for his top choice, with a 4.0 and a bunch of APs. I guess that's not enough these days.

Frustrating that there was so much time spent on this and he'll likely end up going to a state school that he was going to get into regardless.

Kid was deferred at Notre Dame last month, but still felt pretty good about Michigan. Michigan deferred him yesterday. Now he's really bummed. 4.0 unweighted at a very good HS + 35 ACT/1560 SAT single attempt - thought that would suffice. He filled up the extracurricular list (though he wasn't President of any clubs or anything like that), but his essays were weak. He didn't want to BS on them about how he's planning on changing the world or dramatize some trauma he's encountered.

I guess he should have.

Also he probably should have worked less (to save for college!!!) and played less soccer to focus more on padding the admissions resume.

Now he'll probably just go to a local/commuter school. Says he could have screwed around the last 4 years and ended up in the same spot. Obviously he'll be much more prepared for college with all of the information now-stored in his noggin. He should do well wherever he goes, and he's not the only kid to get such a gut-punch. But he doesn't want to hear that today.

Sorry, man.

What we're seeing from early to top schools like MI is that the spots are going to the kids with other things, not necessarily great grades and test scores like your son- donors, legacies, recruited athletes... Kids like that who may look worse on paper for grades/scores than your kid.

But deferral still means he has shot. And given how imoressively he's done, I'm feeling hopeful for you guys for regular admissions.

Thanks. He’ll be fine in a week or so. But it’s a crappy weekend for sure.

ND deferral probably saved dear old dad a decent chunk of change. Not to mention loans for the boy. But UofM would have been relatively cheap with in-state tuition. That’s the one I wanted him to get into.

A long time ago I got into Michigan (didn’t go) and so did a bunch of average classmates of mine. Times sure have changed.

 

[El Floppo]

jabarony jr went 0 for 2 today. Deferred at his top choice and rejected at the Ivy. Bummer. Doesn't make me hopeful for his 2nd choice (January), either. The ivy wasn't a surprise, but he was at the top/above the ACT/SAT ranges for his top choice, with a 4.0 and a bunch of APs. I guess that's not enough these days.

Frustrating that there was so much time spent on this and he'll likely end up going to a state school that he was going to get into regardless.

Kid was deferred at Notre Dame last month, but still felt pretty good about Michigan. Michigan deferred him yesterday. Now he's really bummed. 4.0 unweighted at a very good HS + 35 ACT/1560 SAT single attempt - thought that would suffice. He filled up the extracurricular list (though he wasn't President of any clubs or anything like that), but his essays were weak. He didn't want to BS on them about how he's planning on changing the world or dramatize some trauma he's encountered.

I guess he should have.

Also he probably should have worked less (to save for college!!!) and played less soccer to focus more on padding the admissions resume.

Now he'll probably just go to a local/commuter school. Says he could have screwed around the last 4 years and ended up in the same spot. Obviously he'll be much more prepared for college with all of the information now-stored in his noggin. He should do well wherever he goes, and he's not the only kid to get such a gut-punch. But he doesn't want to hear that today.

Sorry, man.

What we're seeing from early to top schools like MI is that the spots are going to the kids with other things, not necessarily great grades and test scores like your son- donors, legacies, recruited athletes... Kids like that who may look worse on paper for grades/scores than your kid.

But deferral still means he has shot. And given how imoressively he's done, I'm feeling hopeful for you guys for regular admissions.

Thanks. He’ll be fine in a week or so. But it’s a crappy weekend for sure.

ND deferral probably saved dear old dad a decent chunk of change. Not to mention loans for the boy. But UofM would have been relatively cheap with in-state tuition. That’s the one I wanted him to get into.

A long time ago I got into Michigan (didn’t go) and so did a bunch of average classmates of mine. Times sure have changed.

I hear you- id never now get in to any of the schools I got into back then.

We've had to let go of the heartbreak over floppinhos early deferral, just seeing who was chosen instead. But we're still hopeful for general and my son has similar grades/scores as yours. From the sound of it, your kid has had an awesome time in HS, doing the things he wanted to- not that he felt compelled to to build a resume- and doing fantastically in school. have to figure colleges will see that.

And fwiw...MI is a super hot school for early admissions because it's one of those that can be applied to early along with the ivies. Most of my sons NYC private school applied there- so I'd bet their early acceptance rate is insanely low.

 

[bigbottom]

jabarony jr went 0 for 2 today. Deferred at his top choice and rejected at the Ivy. Bummer. Doesn't make me hopeful for his 2nd choice (January), either. The ivy wasn't a surprise, but he was at the top/above the ACT/SAT ranges for his top choice, with a 4.0 and a bunch of APs. I guess that's not enough these days.

Frustrating that there was so much time spent on this and he'll likely end up going to a state school that he was going to get into regardless.

Kid was deferred at Notre Dame last month, but still felt pretty good about Michigan. Michigan deferred him yesterday. Now he's really bummed. 4.0 unweighted at a very good HS + 35 ACT/1560 SAT single attempt - thought that would suffice. He filled up the extracurricular list (though he wasn't President of any clubs or anything like that), but his essays were weak. He didn't want to BS on them about how he's planning on changing the world or dramatize some trauma he's encountered.

I guess he should have.

Also he probably should have worked less (to save for college!!!) and played less soccer to focus more on padding the admissions resume.

Now he'll probably just go to a local/commuter school. Says he could have screwed around the last 4 years and ended up in the same spot. Obviously he'll be much more prepared for college with all of the information now-stored in his noggin. He should do well wherever he goes, and he's not the only kid to get such a gut-punch. But he doesn't want to hear that today.

My son was deferred early admission at Notre Dame and then later admitted at regular admission. So there are reasons to stay positive.

 

[stbugs]

Missed this thread for my oldest. Might need it for my youngest. Oldest got in all 7 places she applied to, including her top choice of NC State.
Good luck to other parents with a Class of 25 child.

Nice. My youngest got into 6 of 7. He got waitlisted at UNC like my oldest (who got deferred there and then waitlisted) which means he’ll accept somewhere else. Doesn’t look good as it’s pretty rare to get off the waitlist. It was his top choice and his grades, SATs and extracurriculars (3 year Varsity lacrosse starter, job, internship he got himself, etc.) were all above the average at UNC but they only take so many from our county/school and are well known to want a diverse class over academics since they have so many good applicants. Just like with my oldest, my youngest is already aware of people that got in that weren’t close academically.

Oh well, I think he’ll be deciding between South Carolina (he got full instate+, so he’ll hopefully get into the Honors College) and NC State. He got scholarships elsewhere but not nearly as good and he’s interested in International Business where USC excels.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Missed this thread for my oldest. Might need it for my youngest. Oldest got in all 7 places she applied to, including her top choice of NC State.
Good luck to other parents with a Class of 25 child.

Nice. My youngest got into 6 of 7. He got waitlisted at UNC like my oldest (who got deferred there and then waitlisted) which means he’ll accept somewhere else. Doesn’t look good as it’s pretty rare to get off the waitlist. It was his top choice and his grades, SATs and extracurriculars (3 year Varsity lacrosse starter, job, internship he got himself, etc.) were all above the average at UNC but they only take so many from our county/school and are well known to want a diverse class over academics since they have so many good applicants. Just like with my oldest, my youngest is already aware of people that got in that weren’t close academically.

Oh well, I think he’ll be deciding between South Carolina (he got full instate+, so he’ll hopefully get into the Honors College) and NC State. He got scholarships elsewhere but not nearly as good and he’s interested in International Business where USC excels.

Nice, have heard South Carolina is good for Intl Business. That was her second choice actually. She got in UNC but wants to do Forensics/Criminology and UNC doesn't really offer that. I guess when you apply to UNC they ask if you'll accept spending your first semester abroad. A good friend's son chose that option and was accepted as long as he does his first semester in Scotland. He's still deciding if he wants to do that.

 

[El Floppo]

Floppinho in at U Miami!

With Presidential scholarship and admitted into PRISM (stem honors program) and Da Vinci (interdisciplinary honors program).

 

[stbugs]

Missed this thread for my oldest. Might need it for my youngest. Oldest got in all 7 places she applied to, including her top choice of NC State.
Good luck to other parents with a Class of 25 child.

Nice. My youngest got into 6 of 7. He got waitlisted at UNC like my oldest (who got deferred there and then waitlisted) which means he’ll accept somewhere else. Doesn’t look good as it’s pretty rare to get off the waitlist. It was his top choice and his grades, SATs and extracurriculars (3 year Varsity lacrosse starter, job, internship he got himself, etc.) were all above the average at UNC but they only take so many from our county/school and are well known to want a diverse class over academics since they have so many good applicants. Just like with my oldest, my youngest is already aware of people that got in that weren’t close academically.

Oh well, I think he’ll be deciding between South Carolina (he got full instate+, so he’ll hopefully get into the Honors College) and NC State. He got scholarships elsewhere but not nearly as good and he’s interested in International Business where USC excels.

Nice, have heard South Carolina is good for Intl Business. That was her second choice actually. She got in UNC but wants to do Forensics/Criminology and UNC doesn't really offer that. I guess when you apply to UNC they ask if you'll accept spending your first semester abroad. A good friend's son chose that option and was accepted as long as he does his first semester in Scotland. He's still deciding if he wants to do that.

Yeah, pretty sure my son wasn’t going to do that. It sucks because it was his top choice and I don’t know what he could have done differently. His scores and stuff were above the average for accepted students. Reminds me of my oldest who was the same way except didn’t have as strong extracurricular as my youngest. He’ll be fine but he still sees the same thing, other people getting in that aren’t as academically strong.

 

[zoobird]

jabarony jr went 0 for 2 today. Deferred at his top choice and rejected at the Ivy. Bummer. Doesn't make me hopeful for his 2nd choice (January), either. The ivy wasn't a surprise, but he was at the top/above the ACT/SAT ranges for his top choice, with a 4.0 and a bunch of APs. I guess that's not enough these days.

Frustrating that there was so much time spent on this and he'll likely end up going to a state school that he was going to get into regardless.

Kid was deferred at Notre Dame last month, but still felt pretty good about Michigan. Michigan deferred him yesterday. Now he's really bummed. 4.0 unweighted at a very good HS + 35 ACT/1560 SAT single attempt - thought that would suffice. He filled up the extracurricular list (though he wasn't President of any clubs or anything like that), but his essays were weak. He didn't want to BS on them about how he's planning on changing the world or dramatize some trauma he's encountered.

I guess he should have.

Also he probably should have worked less (to save for college!!!) and played less soccer to focus more on padding the admissions resume.

Now he'll probably just go to a local/commuter school. Says he could have screwed around the last 4 years and ended up in the same spot. Obviously he'll be much more prepared for college with all of the information now-stored in his noggin. He should do well wherever he goes, and he's not the only kid to get such a gut-punch. But he doesn't want to hear that today.

Sorry, man.

What we're seeing from early to top schools like MI is that the spots are going to the kids with other things, not necessarily great grades and test scores like your son- donors, legacies, recruited athletes... Kids like that who may look worse on paper for grades/scores than your kid.

But deferral still means he has shot. And given how imoressively he's done, I'm feeling hopeful for you guys for regular admissions.

I agree with El Floppo that other than the huge stress of still not knowing, deferral isn't a bad outcome as it basically means he's still under consideration. I would NOT view it as being the same as waitlist, where the odds at many schools aren't great.

I also realize that this advice is too late to be of any use to you, but am posting it for the potential benefit of anyone whose kids aren't seniors yet...for kids applying to top schools, I don't think they can get away with a mediocre essay, no matter how good their grades and SATs are. Entry has gotten SO competitive for kids who don't have the unfair advantages El Floppo mentioned, that students need to have the numbers AND have a good story that gets the admissions officers excited. The essays are the opportunity to tell that story and to tie all the other stuff in the application into a cohesive picture that captures their (the admissions people) imagination. In most cases, I don't think there's really any substitute for that.

 

[El Floppo]

I think we hear about USC and UMiami in a week or two

We hear about UMiami in a week, I think.

In the meantime..




IN at USC!!

Just found out.
The kid is soooo excitedly relieved. Although not his top choice, it's definitely his top choice of the non ivyish school. And more importantly, If he didn't get in anywhere else, he'd be psyched to go (which wasnt the case with some of the others). And he's in the running for all the scholarships, which would've been lost if they deferred him like we were expecting. I couldn't be happier for him to be a magnum. I mean trojan.

Found out he's officially in the running for USC's scholarships- will have an interview soon.

 

[Fruitbat]

Thanks for the comments. I'm more looking just to chat/share/think out loud so thanks for allowing me that.

More random thoughts:

This kid is unsure about his whole college experience, not sure about his major, and has never been super-engaged in classes in general. That said, he's been grinding last 2 years and pulled 3.5+ in AP-heavy coursework at a college prep high school. He's excited to go, but a nose-to-the-grindstone super-scholar he is not.

I share that only because I think its more important for him to have an experience that is engaging to him, vs going to a school that maybe could eek out 1-3% higher chance of "success", whatever that means. That said all the schools in the running I trust to give him the opportunities he needs to succeed.

As far as a "deadline". This coach is in his first year at this school (his alma mater) , after being a success at a similar school. He's coming in with a mantra of building up this program into an annual contender. My son is a GK...and this school just graduated their 5-year all-american starter at goalie. Get the feeling that its kinda a blank slate at GK and he is recruiting hard. He has told my son that he really wants to have the roster set by sometime February, and was honest that if my kid didn't grab a spot that he'd have to continue recruiting GKs. Sooo....long story short, I advised my kid that the sooner he can decide, the better. Don't rush it, but don't procrastinate either (which he is great at).

Like I said at beginning, this offer came out of almost nowhere. We spent the last year trying to grab attention of coaches to no avail. (We are in a rural-ish area of the state, don't play at a big school, not on an elite "name brand" club team). So his mindset had slowly changed as he let go of his goal of playing soccer in college -- something he really wanted.

Club and intramurals are certainly on his radar if he doesn't accept the offer for the soccer school.

His current non-soccer top choice is Loyola Chicago. I wouldn't call it his "dream school" -- more like it is the most impressive candidate that meets his initial (vague) non-soccer school criteria: bigger city, large student population, warmer weather than where we live (yep, warmer), doesn't suck academically. We haven't visited, but done extensive online research/tours/videos. I have given him a deadline of tomorrow to decide if an in-person visit to Loyola is necessary to make his decision to accept the soccer offer or not. It's a couple states over, last minute flight prices, at least one hotel night, etc...so it wouldn't be cheap, heh.

His other timeline factor is...the soccer school still needs to process his application and come back with a financial package. Not sure when that will get back to us. So that's sort of a built-in reason to not give an answer yet.

When I went to college, I just went to the state school 1 state over where several of my friends went. Easy. Done. When my older son went to college, he knew he wanted engineering and not too far from home. We hit 4 candidates that met that criteria, and he picked his favorite (happened to be my alma mater). Easy Done.

OK I will stop rambling now.

So.....
1. Kid gets more and more excited every day to keep playing soccer
2. Keeps in contact with coach. Coach tells my kid that it's open competition, but from what's he's seen my kid has slight edge and highest ceiling
3. Tours school, gets accepted, best financial package of all schools so far.
4. Commits!

Everyone's happy. School search done, varsity soccer, only 3 hrs drive.

 

[El Floppo]

Thanks for the comments. I'm more looking just to chat/share/think out loud so thanks for allowing me that.

More random thoughts:

This kid is unsure about his whole college experience, not sure about his major, and has never been super-engaged in classes in general. That said, he's been grinding last 2 years and pulled 3.5+ in AP-heavy coursework at a college prep high school. He's excited to go, but a nose-to-the-grindstone super-scholar he is not.

I share that only because I think its more important for him to have an experience that is engaging to him, vs going to a school that maybe could eek out 1-3% higher chance of "success", whatever that means. That said all the schools in the running I trust to give him the opportunities he needs to succeed.

As far as a "deadline". This coach is in his first year at this school (his alma mater) , after being a success at a similar school. He's coming in with a mantra of building up this program into an annual contender. My son is a GK...and this school just graduated their 5-year all-american starter at goalie. Get the feeling that its kinda a blank slate at GK and he is recruiting hard. He has told my son that he really wants to have the roster set by sometime February, and was honest that if my kid didn't grab a spot that he'd have to continue recruiting GKs. Sooo....long story short, I advised my kid that the sooner he can decide, the better. Don't rush it, but don't procrastinate either (which he is great at).

Like I said at beginning, this offer came out of almost nowhere. We spent the last year trying to grab attention of coaches to no avail. (We are in a rural-ish area of the state, don't play at a big school, not on an elite "name brand" club team). So his mindset had slowly changed as he let go of his goal of playing soccer in college -- something he really wanted.

Club and intramurals are certainly on his radar if he doesn't accept the offer for the soccer school.

His current non-soccer top choice is Loyola Chicago. I wouldn't call it his "dream school" -- more like it is the most impressive candidate that meets his initial (vague) non-soccer school criteria: bigger city, large student population, warmer weather than where we live (yep, warmer), doesn't suck academically. We haven't visited, but done extensive online research/tours/videos. I have given him a deadline of tomorrow to decide if an in-person visit to Loyola is necessary to make his decision to accept the soccer offer or not. It's a couple states over, last minute flight prices, at least one hotel night, etc...so it wouldn't be cheap, heh.

His other timeline factor is...the soccer school still needs to process his application and come back with a financial package. Not sure when that will get back to us. So that's sort of a built-in reason to not give an answer yet.

When I went to college, I just went to the state school 1 state over where several of my friends went. Easy. Done. When my older son went to college, he knew he wanted engineering and not too far from home. We hit 4 candidates that met that criteria, and he picked his favorite (happened to be my alma mater). Easy Done.

OK I will stop rambling now.

So.....
1. Kid gets more and more excited every day to keep playing soccer
2. Keeps in contact with coach. Coach tells my kid that it's open competition, but from what's he's seen my kid has slight edge and highest ceiling
3. Tours school, gets accepted, best financial package of all schools so far.
4. Commits!

Everyone's happy. School search done, varsity soccer, only 3 hrs drive.

Fantastic!!! Congrats to both of you- amazing!

 

[El Floppo]

Rejected at: MIT and NorthEastern (expected the former, a bit surprised by the latter)
Waitlisted at Carnegie Mellon.

This doesn't make the boy or us feel jumpy&quo about Mar 27 when the rest are released.

 

[TennesseeJed]

College decisions are always difficult to decipher imo.

Is Floppinho (and Mrs Floppo) happy with Miami and/or USC? Or is he still really wanting more choices?

 

[El Floppo]

College decisions are always difficult to decipher imo.

Is Floppinho (and Mrs Floppo) happy with Miami and/or USC? Or is he still really wanting more choices?

USC yes, to a degree. Hard to turn down Miami's scholarship offers, but USC always felt a better fit.

But the expectations hes had and that he la worked towards, and supported from his school advisors, was something else. While USC would ultimately be a solid school for him, he's always been working towards other opportunities.

Nobody from his school has gotten into MIT for the last 5 years, so that was understandable. And Northeastern is need aware...so our FA needs may have come into play. But he prefers USC to NE and Carnegie Mellon regardless, so no harm.

We'll see at the end of March. Like all parents, I just want him to have as many opportunities available for this choice.

 

[Nigel]

Boston College acceptance came last night for my daughter after ED deferral. She had some good options (Northeastern, Wisco, Bucknell) in the bag but BC is now the clear leader in the clubhouse, Michigan being the only pending decision that could land her elsewhere.

So happy and relieved for her...and for me and my wife. A stressful, awful process for all involved - best of luck to all still grinding.

 

[El Floppo]

Boston College acceptance came last night for my daughter after ED deferral. She had some good options (Northeastern, Wisco, Bucknell) in the bag but BC is now the clear leader in the clubhouse, Michigan being the only pending decision that could land her elsewhere.

So happy and relieved for her...and for me and my wife. A stressful, awful process for all involved - best of luck to all still grinding.

Congrats!!

Our niece is a senior there.. loves it. And graduating with a good job

 

[Orange&Blue]

how much is BC?

 

[bigbottom]

College decisions are always difficult to decipher imo.

Is Floppinho (and Mrs Floppo) happy with Miami and/or USC? Or is he still really wanting more choices?

USC yes, to a degree. Hard to turn down Miami's scholarship offers, but USC always felt a better fit.

But the expectations hes had and that he la worked towards, and supported from his school advisors, was something else. While USC would ultimately be a solid school for him, he's always been working towards other opportunities.

Nobody from his school has gotten into MIT for the last 5 years, so that was understandable. And Northeastern is need aware...so our FA needs may have come into play. But he prefers USC to NE and Carnegie Mellon regardless, so no harm.

We'll see at the end of March. Like all parents, I just want him to have as many opportunities available for this choice.

If he ends up at USC, is he wanting to do a dual degree in the School of Music, or just take classes and perform in ensembles? Also, what kind of percussion is he focused on? Symphonic? Jazz?

 

[El Floppo]

College decisions are always difficult to decipher imo.

Is Floppinho (and Mrs Floppo) happy with Miami and/or USC? Or is he still really wanting more choices?

USC yes, to a degree. Hard to turn down Miami's scholarship offers, but USC always felt a better fit.

But the expectations hes had and that he la worked towards, and supported from his school advisors, was something else. While USC would ultimately be a solid school for him, he's always been working towards other opportunities.

Nobody from his school has gotten into MIT for the last 5 years, so that was understandable. And Northeastern is need aware...so our FA needs may have come into play. But he prefers USC to NE and Carnegie Mellon regardless, so no harm.

We'll see at the end of March. Like all parents, I just want him to have as many opportunities available for this choice.

If he ends up at USC, is he wanting to do a dual degree in the School of Music, or just take classes and perform in ensembles? Also, what kind of percussion is he focused on? Symphonic? Jazz?

The latter, not dual degree. He's been playing symphonic at Juilliard and will probably want to play in the orchestra, but he also plays rock and jazz (mostly rock/pop) and will want to play in bands.

 

[Nigel]

how much is BC?

Hurts to type…$88,632

 

[bigbottom]

College decisions are always difficult to decipher imo.

Is Floppinho (and Mrs Floppo) happy with Miami and/or USC? Or is he still really wanting more choices?

USC yes, to a degree. Hard to turn down Miami's scholarship offers, but USC always felt a better fit.

But the expectations hes had and that he la worked towards, and supported from his school advisors, was something else. While USC would ultimately be a solid school for him, he's always been working towards other opportunities.

Nobody from his school has gotten into MIT for the last 5 years, so that was understandable. And Northeastern is need aware...so our FA needs may have come into play. But he prefers USC to NE and Carnegie Mellon regardless, so no harm.

We'll see at the end of March. Like all parents, I just want him to have as many opportunities available for this choice.

If he ends up at USC, is he wanting to do a dual degree in the School of Music, or just take classes and perform in ensembles? Also, what kind of percussion is he focused on? Symphonic? Jazz?

The latter, not dual degree. He's been playing symphonic at Juilliard and will probably want to play in the orchestra, but he also plays rock and jazz (mostly rock/pop) and will want to play in bands.

Okay, let’s talk if USC is still in the mix at the end of March. I’d be happy to put your son in touch with mine to answer any questions. He played in multiple bands while getting his engineering degree there.

 

[GenX fan]

My Oregon resident kid just got accepted to Oregon State University.
With living expenses, it will cost $30K a year. We just got our FAFSA info. The government is only going to loan us $5k/year to pay these costs. Are you kidding me??
Help! What do I do, I don't have that kind of money.