<p>Out of curiosity, and a practical view of helping someone (a 17 - 18 yr old) who despite the condemnations, may have gotten themselves into a very nasty place out of lack of understanding/parental guidance or lack thereof:</p>
<p>What happens in these cases if the person enrolls and then after a semester or year attempts to transfer? He or she has met his or her initial comitment and has the benefit of seeking transfer from a very good school. If he or she has done well, the chances would seem very good for going to another school, especially one that may have accepted them the year before. Whether he tells them I can' afford to stay where I am or don't like it or want to be in another environment, all seem acceptable reasons for leaving.</p>
<p>Surely ED can't also bind a person to stay for 4 years, anymore than it would prevent the school from tossing him for bad grades.</p>
<p>Then it would seem, given potential the list of horribles to the student and his HS, attending for a semester/year and then transferring would be a much better alternative for anyone in that spot. Besides, if one does well perhaps when he or she reapplies for aid the next year, the award might be larger.</p>
<p>Not to mention the possibility that all the reasons which originally impelled someone to apply ED might, once there, impell them to do whatever was needed to stay.</p>
<p>"My friends even think it's a bit kooky to pick Union over some better ranked schools, but after a visit...I was sold. It was comfortable, but different than the Northwest. It seemed challenging academically, while students and faculty were very friendly and laidback.:</p>
<p>Union was walking distance from my house, and my mom had a minor administrative position there when I was in h.s. I love Union, and think that it offers a lot including a lovely campus, caring faculty, and a solid academic curriculum.</p>
<p>The only negative is that it's in Schenectady. Heck, I love big cities. But if you like small cities, lovely scenery within an easy drive, 4 seasons, outdoor sports, it's a nice place to be.</p>
<p>I thought so too, but you'll be surprised by all the flack I've been getting from my parents, friends, etc...</p>
<p>I'm near Portland, OR...although I live in Washington....and I like the city. Portland does has the feel of a laidback town....I guess because it is a relatively Catholic-y city. The sidewalks do roll up early on weekends. :)</p>
<p>Also while visiting Union, the people I met both on campus and in town were a bit nicer than some of the other places I visited. Strange, but it felt like a mix between the Midwest and New England. I liked Union, and I was treated better than at some Midwestern and Northwest colleges as well.</p>
<p>Thank you for the insight. I'm glad for the support. I really needed to hear that. :)</p>
<p>IsleBoy, you are right. The people in Schenectady (and in Upstate NY in general) are very friendly.</p>
<p>Why not take another visit to Union to make sure it's the one for you? That might be a way to reassure your parents that you're making a thoughtful decision.</p>
<p>Remember, if for some reason, you don't like it, you always can transfer. You also can go to grad school elsewhere.</p>
<p>If you also like big cities, Union is only about a 3 hour drive from NYC and 2.5 hours from Boston. If you won't have a car, you can always catch a ride with friends.</p>
<p>I was surprised at how different...say Vassar was from Union. Just by the way I was treated on the phone at the former made me cross it off my list.</p>
<p>I actually just got back from another visit, and it only reinforced my impressions. Unfortunately, I found out I got waitlisted at Union. I'm going to stay on the waitlist, although I will have to make a choice between Hamilton, Trinity, and Haverford for the fall. I still have not heard from Dartmouth which is very similar to Union, so that might be an option. </p>
<p>As of right now, I think I'm in a kind of shock. My admissions pattern was all over the place. Schools that I thought were relatively safe waitlisted me, while many of my reaches accepted me. Some of what I would consider safeties denyed me as well. I'm not sure what that says about my applications (I used the Common Application).</p>
<p>I'm not upset because I have some great choices, but I'm still trying to make sense of it all. :)</p>
<p>IsleBoy, I would imagine that you have decent chances of getting off the waitlist if you update them about any achievements, let them know that they are your first choice and that you'd even turn down Haverford to go there. Also have your GC call on your behalf. Perhaps you were waitlisted because Union wants to know how serious you are about going there particularly since you're from Washington State (which isn't exactly noted for sending students to Schenectady), and have the stats strong enough to get into Haverford.</p>
<p>Here's what the US News Premium edition says about Union's waitlist. Consequently, I'm guessing that as long as you provide Union with the strong follow-up that I suggest, you'll get accepted. Best of luck!</p>
<p>Qualified applicants placed on waiting list: 681
Applicants accepting a place on waiting list: 211
Students enrolled from waiting list: 105</p>
<p>Thank you for the advice. I was a little unsure about Union's waitlist.</p>
<p>I will keep them updated with my progress during the upcoming months. My parents were surprised, and it gave them pause. That was a positive in an odd way. I think it made them more willing to listen to why I wanted to go to Union versus the other schools I applied to. That I got into a couple of Ivies at the same time made for a bit of confusion, and I think my parents realized that admissions can be erratic, you know?!. It was good confusion, at least in my book. :)</p>
<p>Again, thank you for the support. Mostly, I get the standard: why are you upset...you got into schools that are ranked better (from friends and teachers) or you should just go to 'x' ???!! I try and tell them that rankings are not everything, that fit is. I mean, if you love the college, you'll be more involved and usually do better. I went from public middle school, which was a bit large, to a private day school. And, I did far better at the latter, even though it was harder and my parents had to make tuition payments.</p>
<p>Again, I appreciate your positiveness. It's amazing how much stronger I feel with encouragement. Utimately, everything will work out the way it should. And I'm glad that you and Sybbie are here to help us. Sometimes it is easier to work out how we feel about college admissions and make decisions when we get reasoned, objective, and/or different views from those who know better. :)</p>
<p>What I've learned: sometimes parents and teachers can also have a lot vested in where we get into college. Strange but true.</p>