choosing where to apply

Pre-College Issues Home Schooling and College
1

<p>Hi all,</p>

<p>My 2 (homeschooled) girls will be applying in the fall, and I'm trying to guide them as best I can.</p>

<p>They are thinking of applying to Yale, Princeton & Cornell. They also may be applying to Washington & Lee. They each have 4 or 5 safeties, which I think is too many, and only 1 that's in what I would consider the middle (academically as well as in regard to selectivity). </p>

<p>Should I try to have them focus on the 2 safeties they like the best, and get them to add 2 more schools that are in the "middle"? It's really hard to figure out those middle-type schools! </p>

<p>They very well may end up at a Christian safety, as they love the overall environment & vibe there, but I'm pressing them to keep their options open at this point.</p>

<p>Their stats: ACT30, ACT 32; Both have a 4.0 GPA; Both play Varsity soccer & run Varsity track. Both love writing and music. One also has an interest in Biology. </p>

<p>Any suggestions would be welcome! TIA.</p>

2

<p>My biggest suggestion is outside verification. If they already have CC or HS classes, that’s great. </p>

<p>Not all people share this opinion, but: Otherwise, IMO, they need to take SAT Subject tests to support those 4.0 GPAs. </p>

<p>I agree with keeping their options open. Treat thoughts of Yale, Princeton, & Cornell as bonus, or lottery, schools.</p>

<p>What do they want to major in?</p>

3

<p>Hi turtlefence,</p>

<p>I agree with GeekMom, as usual. :slight_smile: I’d say they need a minimum of three SAT II exams and other outside validation. Is that 4.0 GPA from mommy grades only, or is it from any college classes, AP online classes, etc?</p>

<p>I’m sure we need more info before we can give you suggestions on schools. </p>

<p>What level of achievement do they have in their ECs? Local? State? National? Top schools are looking for tippy top students.</p>

<p>Is money a factor? Are you looking at merit scholarships? Are they NMSF? </p>

<p>My son had seven “reaches” ranging in acceptance rate from 8% to about 19% and had three “safeties” (accepted 50% or more of students) that offered full rides for top students.</p>

<p>I think it’s ok not to have “middle” schools. I couldn’t find any that offered enough aid, either need-based or merit.</p>