The college fairs at our son’s school were definitely targeted to juniors. The seniors were already applying to their already-chosen colleges; the juniors were in the list-crafting stage, so they would talk to reps from all the colleges they were interested in. By the time the reps were on campus, our son and his GC had formed the list of schools and reps to talk to.
Your child’s CC office should be guiding and advising your child through this process. If you have questions, you should be talking to your child’s GC. This is what you are paying for,
@ChoatieMom thanks. Oh, so far no contact with GC? Should I call the GC. I met the counsellor who is assigned from last three years. He told me that daughter is extremely capable and very intelligent kid. When I asked him about daughter very hard junior schedule, he told me that all daughter’s previous teachers told that she can handle the course load. Nothing to worry, Daughter updated her summer activities which counsellor was very pleased to know. Maybe I should send an email as how to select school, we do not want to under sell our selves but do not want to be pretentious.
How do I do it without steeping on someone’s toes? Any suggestions?
Most boarding schools start the college process in earnest just before or after winter break of junior year, but they generally have newsletters and parent communications about the college app timeline well before that. If your child’s school has not communicated this to you or you are not receiving the newsletter, you could contact your child’s advisor/counselor and inquire as to the timeline.
I agree (as always!) with @ChoatieMom . Our school had programs via Web cast and on Parents Weekend for junior parents about the college process, timelines, expectations. Some schools post a time line on their websites. At BS, this is not a DIY process, and they have figured out how to get parent input and involvement as needed while basically running the process at their end.
Most CCs at BS now are primarily focused on getting the seniors dealt with. After winter break, their focus shifts to the juniors. Our school did not allow juniors to miss class to meet with reps, btw, but this depends on the school.
@infinityprep1234 At this stage of the game, I wouldn’t worry about pinning down a list too closely. A broad list is fine for now. It can be winnowed down in the spring. College counselors are super busy helping seniors get their lists finalized, applications out the door, and writing their reports for the applications right now. At the beginning of the calendar year, they switch their efforts over to the juniors.
As far as College reps on campus, some do come on campus in the fall to interview seniors. If it is a more open visit, it is fine for your child to go talk to any college she is interested in. Remember, a student needs a range of safeties, matches, and reaches, so all colleges are potentials. If your daughter has questions about a rep coming to campus, I suggest she go talk to the college counseling administrative assistant. They are great resources and helpful people to develop a rapport with. The one at my kids’ school also has candy.
Ok so will wait for winter break for the list as daughter is still not sure about majoring in college. She can go for math, CS, engineering, pre med or economics route. Can you apply to college as undecided
Some schools allow you to apply undecided. Some do not. And some, especially LACs, don’t allow you to declare a major before the end of your first year/completion of certain prerequisites in the department, etc.
If your D is still exploring, even within a general area (STEM), she will have plenty of options to choose from. There are lots of kids who don’t have their lives mapped out at 16 and lots of schools who recognize that and cater to it.
In many schools/universities, one has to decide whether to apply to the College of (Arts and) Science or to the College of Engineering. Computer Science is a very competitive major, and most students apply directly to the major.
@infinityprep1234 if she wants to go to med school she can major in almost anything. Yes a few schools have a pre-med track, but many have an advisor to make sure the required classes are taken.
Engineering is different - classes are very structured and you have to commit to this from day 1 (some schools allow you to change out of engineering but it is very hard to switch in).
And a few universities ask you to apply to specific programs.
Other than that most schools don’t require you to declare a major until the end of freshman or sophomore year. A lot of kids change their mind after taking some clssses - sometimes trying something new.
@infinityprep1234 DS attended a 5 day intro to engineering program at UConn. It was after junior year but I think they expanded it to include sophomores too. There is a similar one at Michigan State and probably some others. Each day they had lectures in one of 12 kinds of engineering and in the evening they worked on a project.
Just signed up for fall conferences and all the trip details are in order - flights, car rental, and hotels. :x
DS2 takes his first SAT during the family weekend and PSAT right after he returns to school. @-) X_X
The “looking for a college” process has officially begun. Every time, I think about it I get nauseous. Why is that? It can’t be because he is leaving home for the first time…it’s probably because it makes me feel old.
Clicking ‘Helpful’ for {{HUGS}} >:D< :x
Today I was awwing at a photo facebook brought up from 7 years ago. DS19 was smiling at me while happily whittling wood at a cubscout camporee. :x
To our surprise, we received a great news from daughter, she got an award on national level. In addition, she also successfully published her first write up in a reputable magazine.
