Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums
This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
College Admissions Questions (3 Viewers)
- Thread starter NewlyRetired
- Start date
Binky The Doormat
Footballguy
how much are you guys looking at "out-of-state" colleges vs "in-state"?
the costs are ridiculously high to send a kid out of state ...
the costs are ridiculously high to send a kid out of state ...
Peak
Footballguy
My daughter is half in-state (2), half out-of-state (2). She's been accepted to all four, and we're now comparing the costs. Out of state tuition is ridiculous! We haven't seen all of the Financial Aid packages yet. Tuition is ridiculously over-priced for out-of-state colleges. I'm trying to impress upon her some financial responsibility. However, she fell in love with Tennessee. She doesn't want to go to Cincinnati, only because many of her classmates will be going there and she wants to get away from them. I tried to get her to go for OSU, but they didn't offer the same courses for her major as the other schools do.
bigbottom
Footballguy
Some state schools have programs where they offer in state tuition to students from certain surrounding states, or significant tuition reductions for out of state applicants with certain credentials. It’s worth looking into.
Here’s an example: https://www.wiche.edu/tuition-savings/wue/
scorchy
Footballguy
My son is only looking OOS. The only two in-state schools that would fit his interests are less than 45 min from home (and one of them is private anyway). I totally understand wanting to get away, as I went to UF despite being from Maryland, so can't really see pushing him towards UMD. But everyone's situation is different, obviously.
St. Louis Bob
Footballguy
:bd:
Personally hoping Musk puts an academy on Mars in the next couple of years.
Personally hoping Musk puts an academy on Mars in the next couple of years.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Dumb question, but do private schools also charge less for in-state students?
NY state universities (SUNY) are currently free, under a certain income level...but likely below the level 8th grade floppinho is currently striving for (understood...a looong ways between now and then).
Binky The Doormat
Footballguy
we are cool with the possibility of her moving to a more prestigious school and/or more suited to what she wants to major in (when she decides) after the first year or two. But not just to "get away" ...2- 3 hrs away will do just fine while she remains in-state.
scorchy
Footballguy
Binky The Doormat
Footballguy
I don't know ...just getting into this.
we had our fingers crossed that our daughter would get a debate scholarship to a big time place ...she was completely into it and kicking ###.
but ...she got burned out, and is no longer competing - she won 2 "speaker of the tournament" awards at national events this Fall ...
we have not pushed her and her happiness is more important - still hate it for her ...and our pocketbook.
she's only a junior so maybe she'll get re-energized ...but we won't be pushing her.
Binky The Doormat
Footballguy
Has anyone here used a college entrance consultant or some kind of service?
We are really at a loss as to how to get started.
The other big question we have is - how realistic is it to transfer to a different school after you determine what you really want to major in?
We would love to have her go in-state and then go somewhere that is known for whatever she ends up majoring in.
We are really at a loss as to how to get started.
The other big question we have is - how realistic is it to transfer to a different school after you determine what you really want to major in?
We would love to have her go in-state and then go somewhere that is known for whatever she ends up majoring in.
SFBayDuck
Footballguy
My daughter fired off applications 8, 9, and 10 yesterday, and is all done now. She started Zoom school again today for her final semester in high school, and afterward came out and said, "I feel like I should be doing application stuff now," as it's been so consuming at times.
And she got her first admission today! It's to U of Oregon, which is one of her "safety schools", and the only out of state school she applied to. They threw in a $40,000 "Summit Scholarship" ($10K per year), which it looks like they give to applicants with over a 3.9 gpa. So that would cut into that out of state tuition a little, which is >$50K total cost of attendance. It's probably 8th or 9th in order of preference of the 10 she's applying to, so it's highly unlikely she'll be headed to my alma mater, but I'm really happy for her to get that first one.
And she got her first admission today! It's to U of Oregon, which is one of her "safety schools", and the only out of state school she applied to. They threw in a $40,000 "Summit Scholarship" ($10K per year), which it looks like they give to applicants with over a 3.9 gpa. So that would cut into that out of state tuition a little, which is >$50K total cost of attendance. It's probably 8th or 9th in order of preference of the 10 she's applying to, so it's highly unlikely she'll be headed to my alma mater, but I'm really happy for her to get that first one.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
MindCrime
Footballguy
I’ve been following this thread for years, and now I’m starting to feel the reality of it. Son is a Junior in HS, and trying to figure out what he’d like to pursue as a major in college. Electrical Engineering holds some of his interest, but he loves his biology courses as well- and now has come across biomedical engineering as a possibility. Hoping to start visiting some campuses this spring just to get some ideas of what type of campus he’s interested in. Financially, a state university here in Florida would be a great start as an undergraduate, as he’s on the path to getting a”Bright Futures” scholarship which gives him a full tuition to any state U. But, i do not want him to narrow his sights.
Here we go....
(and stand by for a million questions from me over the next year or so)
Here we go....
(and stand by for a million questions from me over the next year or so)
Last edited by a moderator:
bigbottom
Footballguy
Yes, we used a consultant. Primarily, she worked with our son to develop a target list of schools and to help him with the essay writing process (there were probably close to 30 essays he had to write). Every kid is different, but it worked great for our family. She had a wealth of knowledge about a whole bunch of schools that weren’t on our radar, but were really good fits for him. And based on her background in admissions, she was able to help him better stratify his safety, target and reach schools. And she helped him hone his essay themes to increase their impact and effectiveness while still ensuring they were authentic and in his own voice. More importantly, she kept him accountable to a writing schedule that ensured he didn’t fall behind and had plenty of time for review and revision before submission. This worked particularly well for our family because his mom and I stepped aside and let him drive the process. He was the one who researched and chose the schools to which he applied. We didn’t have to nag him about getting his essays done. And most importantly, we were completely uninvolved in what he wrote about. I sort of write for a living, so I had all sorts of ideas about what would be a great personal statement for my son. But me working with him on his essays would have been a disaster, and my involvement at any level would have diluted his voice. Having an independent consultant to help keep him focused and on track was totally worth it for us.
Last edited by a moderator:
bigbottom
Footballguy
That is awesome, congrats! One of my best friend’s son is attending Oregon now and absolutely loves it.
Instinctive
Footballguy
Would recommend checking out American if Georgetown is top of list. I found I actually liked the campus, people, professors I met, and general vibe at American. Not nearly the reputation, but also a really high State dept placement (at least as of 2010 LOL). Of course, I can't say more than that because I went to OU ($$$), but I crossed of Georgetown once admits came from both.
⚡DEADHEAD⚡
Footballguy
Congratulations! Presume she's applied to CA schools for the rest. Mind sharing where? Tough to get into UC Berkeley, UCSD, UC Davis, UCLA these days without a stellar application and a 4.0+ GPA.
SFBayDuck
Footballguy
Thanks! UC Davis is her first choice, and yes that’s a bit of a stretch even with her 4.19 gpa. Also UCI and UCSC, along with St Mary’s, Santa Clara, LMU, Pepperdine, Chapman, and USD.
⚡DEADHEAD⚡
Footballguy
I'm a Davis grad. Didn't know how good I had it when I was there. I'd give my left arm if you told me both of my kids could go there. Good luck!
SFBayDuck
Footballguy
When I graduated U of O in '96 I moved to Sacramento for awhile (I couldn't afford SF yet). I went out in Davis a lot back then, loved the college town feel. I still have to hit Woodstock's Pizza if I'm in the area around lunch time.
All the fingers are crossed that she somehow gets in there!
Bull Dozier
Footballguy
Fortunately we are right next to Wisconsin, who we get reciprocity with. Their colleges and universities (public anyway) are far more affordable than their equal counterparts in Minnesota for Minnesota residents.
Nigel
Footballguy
That's a good deal, you know if this is a common thing among neighboring states elsewhere? Didn't know states buddied-up like this.
The Flying Turtle
Footballguy
We walked through Duke and UNC this fall and loved them both. They are probably 2 of the top 3 campuses we have visited (Stanford is the other, but way too far away).
The Flying Turtle
Footballguy
We walked through Duke and UNC this fall and loved them both. They are probably 2 of the top 3 campuses we have visited (Stanford is the other, but way too far away).
Last edited by a moderator:
SFBayDuck
Footballguy
Anybody have experience with the CSS Profile for Financial Aid? We already filled out the FAFSA, but I just came across this and it turns out one of my daughter's choices indicates on their financial aid page that "First-year students should complete the CSS PROFILE in order to be considered for the full range of Santa Clara University scholarships and grants." Googling isn't giving me much info, other than some indication that it may particularly benefit lower-income applicants.
Any thoughts?
Any thoughts?
Bull Dozier
Footballguy
I know we do not get reciprocity with Iowa, so it is certainly not a universal concept.Nigel said:
Not sure where you are, but here's a summary link. If you hit one of these categories, it may be worth looking in to.
https://www.nasfaa.org/State_Regional_Tuition_Exchanges
jhib
Footballguy
We were/are counting on significant financial aid for our two kids (college Senior and Freshman now) and were required to fill that out for some of the schools they applied to, including the one they are both at now. It's a lot more in-depth and time consuming compared to the FAFSA. I remember finishing the FAFSA the first time and thinking, "Well, that wasn't so bad," and then being hit by the CSS and wondering why everyone seems to complain about the FAFSA.
Another thing to know is that there is a main section with the bulk of questions that you fill out once and that goes to all your schools that request it, but then each school can request their own additional information. For example, I remember one school asking about credit card debt in their additional required questions, while others didn't seem to take that into their calculations.
Fear The Turtle
Footballguy
The CSS is more in depth and time consuming than the FAFSA. It goes into deeper detail concerning assets, expenses, etc. It's used to determine eligibility for non-governmental aid, especially the institutions own aid programs. My daughter's school, Duke, required it, as do many others. It was definitely worth our while as she received very generous aid from the school, lending credence to your benefiting lower-income applicants statement, which we most certainly are when compared to the rest of Duke's student body.
As jhib pointed out, each school can ask for additional info on top of the base CSS. Ours did.
SteelCurtain
Footballguy
CSS Profile is used by some private schools. I don't think any publics require it.
It digs deeper into your home equity, business (if you own one), divorce (if you are) among other items.
The FAFSA and CSS Profile each put out an EFC (Expected Family Contribution). Schools that require both forms will typically take the higher EFC and develop their financial aid package off that number.
Hope that helps.
SFBayDuck
Footballguy
It does, a bit, and thanks to all that weighed in. The wording on their website makes it sound optional
My ex filled out the FAFSA since she's remarried and her stepson is at a JC, so it cuts the EFC in half as long as he's enrolled. From what you and others are saying it sounds like the CSS might dig into my finances as well, which we were able to leave out of the FAFSA, and would then likely raise our EFC for Santa Clara. But it might also open up other financial aid opportunities. So I'm still not clear if it would be beneficial or actually a negative to have her fill it out.
tonysmiles
Footballguy
I am still bitter at the whole admissions process and my son is 2 years into University. I feel being from Florida and a white male with 2 college graduate parents severely handicapped his admissons to out of state schools. Top 5 in class, National AP scholar, perfect ACT score, All County Athlete and Musician. He was denied from every IVY and Out of State school. The heartbreak of him finding out he was waitlisted or flat out denied still bothers me today. His girlfriend at the time who did not do as well academically and was of another ethnic bacground got into an IVY.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Is he enjoying where he is now? Do you think his college experience has suffered because of this?
tonysmiles
Footballguy
He would not trade his experience yet these first two years.
Discussing going to IVY or out of state for post grad degree.
SteelCurtain
Footballguy
Yes, fill the CSS out.
At Santa Clara -- they will use FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal grants and loans. What the CSS determines will have no impact on federal eligibility.
The CSS will impact your eligibility for Santa Clara money which will be your more likely range to get money. And it is unlikely the FAFSA will impact your eligibility for SC money.
bigbottom
Footballguy
I can imagine how heartbreaking that must have been for your son. Unfortunately most Ivys are reach schools for everyone, even those with perfect ACT scores and an amazing resume like your son. At that level of selectivity, the decisions seem almost arbitrary. I’m sorry it was such a negative process, but it sounds like your son is having a great college experience and that’s really the most important thing. He could have gone to Brown and been miserable.
El Floppo
Footballguy
I've mentioned Floppinho will be going to HS next year.
Any thoughts on weighted vs non weighted grading in HS and how college admissions view each? We have to rank the public high schools here in NYC as part of the application process...trying to figure out pros and cons as much as possible without being able to tour any of these schools
Any thoughts on weighted vs non weighted grading in HS and how college admissions view each? We have to rank the public high schools here in NYC as part of the application process...trying to figure out pros and cons as much as possible without being able to tour any of these schools
El Floppo
Footballguy
scorchy
Footballguy
Definitely folks here with a lot more expertise than me, but as long as the actual classes are comparable, whether a high school weights its students' GPAs shouldn't matter. Most colleges take whatever transcript is sent by the HS and do their own weighting.
My son goes to a pretty well-respected private school and they not only don't weight grades, they don't even offer official AP classes. Plenty of kids still take AP tests after finishing a particular class and tend to do well, but there won't be a "Joe had a 4.8 GPA and took 12 AP classes" anywhere on the transcript. None of this appears to have hurt the students as admissions officers tend to get a feel for particular high schools based on previous experiences. I'm sure that the student profile and academic reputation of most NYC public schools is pretty well known, at least among competitive colleges.
Question on this process. Some schools conduct interviews with applicants, either with current students or alumni doing the interviews (over zoom these days). Obviously it would make sense for the applicant to send a timely "thank you" after these interviews.
The question is - if the applicant didn't know to do this, and just now realized they never sent a "thank you" email to the alumni who interviewed them 13 days ago - is it better/worse to send a "thank you" now or just forget it? Could sending a thank you this late be worse than doing nothing, as it might call more attention to the tardiness?
The question is - if the applicant didn't know to do this, and just now realized they never sent a "thank you" email to the alumni who interviewed them 13 days ago - is it better/worse to send a "thank you" now or just forget it? Could sending a thank you this late be worse than doing nothing, as it might call more attention to the tardiness?
fatguyinalittlecoat
Footballguy
In all likelihood it will make no difference to his admission. I briefly did alumni interviews for my school and I always would have sent in my recommendation in the few days after the interview so it's still fresh. I'd assume most alumni interviewers are the same.
El Floppo
Footballguy
I do interviews for my alma mater. Absolutely send a thank you...even if late. I usually try to get my reports in within a week after the interview, so might miss it...but sometimes I'll wait- especially if I haven't gotten that thank you. I've only had one kid not send me a thank you at all, and it obviously has stood out to me.
El Floppo
Footballguy
I don't think ANYTHING I wrote made a difference with the kids I've interviewed. Even with the kids I love and give glowing praise to, most don't get in.
fatguyinalittlecoat
Footballguy
Yeah, that too. Alumni interviews seem to have almost no impact on the admissions process to begin with.
Nigel
Footballguy
My sense is that their only purpose is to red flag kids who are obviously a-holes or psychopaths, a quick sniff test to get them into the pool of candidates but no influence beyond that.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Eh, I think I bombed one and I didn't get in. I crushed another and got into that school.fatguyinalittlecoat said:
Didn't attend either.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
SteelCurtain
Footballguy
This is accurate. Choose the best HS for him. HS grading scales are all over the map. There is no advantage or disadvantage of one grading scale over another so it shouldn’t drive where you rank the schools.
SteelCurtain
Footballguy
I’m going to say this and i mean it in the kindest way.
Your kid should write the thank you note. Why? Because it’s the right thing to do. The lesson of sending the thank you note is important. And late is better than never. Also, I don’t think it will harm them.....but if it does, I’d vouch the lesson is more important.
Similar threads
