Dead End...

Parents Forum
1

<p>This will take some time to explain, but please bare with me.</p>

<p>I'll start with freshman year I suppose. Enrolled in mostly standard classes (the lowest tier offered by my school) and at most 2 honors classes, my grades were horrible (B B B B B B C; the C was in gym after I gave a friend a push which the teacher took for violence/horsing around). Sophomore year I was in all honors classes and my grades were fairly better (A A A B B B C; C in Spanish).</p>

<p>Then junior year started. I had some ridiculous notion in my puny noggin that I could handle a course of 3 AP's, a very large step in perspective with my previous course loads. I ended up garnering massive B's and C's again. However about half way through that year I unexpectedly left for Korea. I stayed there for 6 months and enrolled in a private school. I won't go into detail about the experience, but it was, to say the least, life-changing.</p>

<p>I came back to America and enrolled in:
AP English Language & Comp.
AP Computer Science
AP Economics
AP U.S. History
G/T Physics
Honors Tech. Ed. (required course to be coupled with physics)
G/T Precalculus
(I had to restart my junior year and make new friends). I salvaged my grades and received 6 As and 1 B (computer science). I didn't take the CS exam but got 2 5s and 1 4 (English)on the other tests.</p>

<p>That junior year summer I got an internship at the University of Maryland under Dr. Colin Stine studying the viral tendencies and distinctions between several strains of Vibrio Parahaemolyticus and cholera. Along with two peers, we were planning on submitting our research into the Siemens science competition but decided against it after realizing that our fruitions weren't up to par. On a side note, I'm not quite sure why I took this internship because I have always leaned towards economics/business (maybe it was cause one of my peers was a good friend).</p>

<p>I also juggled a summer course in health to finish the graduation requirement and another course at Hopkins in Calculus I to get up to par in math at my school (I got A's in both).</p>

<p>My senior year course load was:
AP English Literature
AP Calc III (I skipped Calc II by the way)
AP Chem
AP Statistics
AP Euro
Fundamentals of Art (I needed this to graduate -.-)
I self-studied for the AP Microecon exam. My grades for the first quarter were A A A A B B. My final grades are A A A B B B (senioritis was an extremely effective disease in my case)</p>

<p>Anyhow, I was awaiting my college acceptance/rejection letters like everyone else. I guess I'll post my stats here:</p>

<p>SAT M: 780
SAT C: 760
SAT W: 730</p>

<p>SAT U.S.: 780 (I took this a year after I had taken the class, so my memory wasn't pristine)
SAT Math II: 780</p>

<p>ECs:
Key Club: from sophomore to senior year; Board member junior year
FBLA(Future business leaders of America): Placed 3rd in the regional competition and then 4th in the State Leadership Conference under Business Procedures. I was invited to the national conference but I had my aforementioned summer classes. I also placed 2nd (regional) then 4th (state) in Economics.
Tae Kwon Do from 9th to the summer of 10th and quit after I broke my wrist
Church/Community Service (typical, I don't think I need to clarify)</p>

<p>My teacher/guidance recs were good I suppose. They all detailed my amazing growth and change in academic vitality after I came back from Korea. My guidance counselor also explained my "un-befitting" grades from 9th and 10th grade and explained how my class rank (which wasn't even in the top 25% at the time) and GPA (3.4something if I remember correctly) were not indicative of my true intelligence.</p>

<p>I applied to:
Upenn
UC Berkeley
UCLA
U of Chicago
Boston College
NYU Stern
Duke (cause my friend told me to.....don't chastise me)</p>

<p>When college letters came rolling around, my friends were getting into Yale, Stanford, Harvard, etc. My first rejection letter came from both UC Berkeley and UCLA. I was generally mortified because I had considered UCLA as one of my safety schools, although I was out of state, but I wasn't worried because I still had 5 more schools. Then eventually came the rest: Duke, NYU, UPenn, Chicago. All rejections, and I was waitlisted at BC, another school I had considered a safety. Ultimately I was 0/7 in my admissions game. When my friends asked me where I got in, not only could I not face them, I ended up joking about working at McDonalds instead of going for a degree. I guess this is the part of my story which I can't fully explain in words, but if I were to epitomize those couple of weeks in one word, I would have to use death. My dreams after coming back from Korea were entirely shattered. I wasn't sure what I had done wrong and what to do as a high school graduate with no future in college. Not only did I not get into college, but all of my friends were going to the top universities(not exaggerating, most are going to the Ivies), which made me feel all the more inferior. (As a matter of fact, my friend who did the internship with me is going to Princeton this fall). I finished out my senior year as best as I could, but senioritis already took its toll before my rejection letters came out.</p>

<p>So, here I am now writing this verbose explanation of my situation and I'm not sure of what to do. I applied to the City Year program after reading it on CC and I thought I'd give it a try, but watch me not get in (no surprise). I've gotten a job as a Vector sales rep. for the summer. All in all, I'm not sure what my immediate future is. People have told me to go to community college for a year, travel abroad, work for a year/get an internship, etc. But I don't feel like I can go on with the same enthusiasm as junior year. I need suggestions for this fall and for the next bout of college applications. I need suggestions to prevent this experience from becoming some miserable dead end....</p>

<p>Thanks for your time. I also posted this in the College Admissions subforum but I also posted it here because I would really appreciate any advice from parents. Thanks again.</p>

2

<p>First, I want to say that I am sorry for what you are going through. Very tough experience.</p>

<p>Second, I want to applaud you for weathering it as you have. </p>

<p>Next, I want to tell you how well-spoken and articulate you are and how impressed I am that you have shared this story without self-pity, without recriminations and in a very constructive vein.</p>

<p>Have you read the story of andi's son? It is precisely on target for you and I think you will find much in it: <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/192395-no-acceptances-one-kid-s-story-year-later.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/192395-no-acceptances-one-kid-s-story-year-later.html&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p>

<p>That is my best suggestion and I wish you well. Please come back here for more specific brain-storming after you look at that thread.</p>

<p>My primary piece of advice, gleaned from all of the thinking so many of us did about the andison saga: choose your next set of schools to apply to much differently from your previous set. Understand what truly is a safety for you. If you choose your schools well the next time around, and use your gap year productively, I don't see any reason why you can't have a very very successful outcome next year. And a valuable, though painful, life experience to accompany it.</p>

3

<p>0/7 - ouch. Can you tell us whether a counselor helped you with your list?</p>

<p>I can't help but think that some school, somewhere, would be willing to take you next fall.</p>

4

<p>With all of those AP credits, you probably could move to California, attend community college for only a year, and transfer as a junior to UCLA or UC Berkeley.</p>

5

<p>I think Jmmom's suggestion is excellent, and you should read the Andison story. It is entirely possible to get rejected from all of one's schools. That is why so many of us emphasize SAFETY, SAFETY, SAFETY. UCLA is not a safety. None of your choices are safeties even for kids who immaculate records, unless they have some UC guarantee which you did NOT have. You have a very mixed academic record, and despite the fact that you did well coming back from Korea, you still have a number of C's in there that other kids do not have. There are kids with PERFECT transcripts who do not get into the schools that you chose. When you are applying to schools, not only should you be applying to reaches, but making sure that you had schools that<br>
would accept the WORST part of your package which are the C's for grades. You also have the issue that you have 5 years of high school. </p>

<p>There are thousands of schools in the US that would have accepted you with open arms and merit awards. Even if you take this year as a gap year, and reapply next year, you should have a list of some of such schools. These are the most difficult schools to select since their names are not as known as the schools you picked. It takes research and time to get to know them. </p>

<p>Also, if you really feel you want to go to college this year, there is a list of schools that still have room. There are some great schools on that list including UPittsburgh (Honors Program still open), Goucher, College of Wooster, etc. Take a look at some of them. I know kids who have gone to the most select schools in the country for grad/prof school after having graduated from these schools, including one young lady I know who just graduated from a prestigious law school and is getting a top salary from a top law firm.</p>

6

<p>I agree that none of the schools on that list were really safeties... although obviously that news doesn't help you now. I'm quite surprised that your GC didn't pick up on that. </p>

<p>It sounds like you really turned yourself around and thus don't let this bump in the road throw you off course. You already essentially took a year out during high school so if you had to do something similar before starting college it wouldn't be a disaster.</p>

<p>I agree that you have several options including taking some classes at a CC this yeah. Alternatively if your finances allow you could try taking a year out for volunteering, travel or other work. Then, when you apply next year you can discuss it in your application. You don't have to say 'I didn't get accepted anywhere and thus I took a year out' instead you can present it all in a much more positive light and say that 'after high school I felt it was in my best interests to do X, Y and Z prior to taking the next step and entering college.'</p>

7

<p>The Andison story took quite some time to read but it was very inspiring. However, I'm not nearly as qualified as her son, nor am I extremely gifted at an instrument. Her son had many hooks which I feel that I don't possess. Nonetheless, reading about his failure and subsequent success is definitely better than simply wallowing in my own failure.</p>

<p>My GC thought that her explanation of my previous grades were at least "okay" enough for BC and UCLA. She thoroughly understood the difficulty of the reaches but still encouraged my decisions (she wasn't so hot about Chicago).</p>

<p>To kenf1234-By all means California seems very appealing, but my family's financial standing could in no way support me living over there in an apartment. But thanks for the suggestion.</p>

<p>cptofthehouse-Your post greatly put into perspective my chances at admissions, of which I'm truly thankful. Especially reading the Andison saga, I'm making sure that my college pool for next year will be revamped. However, I'm not sure if I explained this well in my story. The junior year I left also resulted in the deletion of those grades, so under the Common App, my high school career is "2003-2005" "2006-2008," or something of the sort. I'm duly aware that I needed many, many more safety schools. In fact, my "7" was an extremely low number of colleges to apply to given my high school environment, where the average is more around 15. </p>

<p>Although I'm still waiting for the BC waitlist, as a realist I know that my chances are very slim, especially since they already sent out their first wave of acceptance letters. However if I were to get off, should I still follow my City Year course or go to BC (or even potentially transfer).</p>

8

<p>If you would like to find a place for this fall that is not your local community college, take a list at the schools on the NACAC list:</p>

<p>NACAC</a> 2008 Space Availability Survey Results</p>

<p>There are plenty of decent "Not Ivy" colleges out there. Some even still have money. Some would give you a bunch of credits/advanced status for your AP results.</p>

<p>Your life is far from over.</p>

<p>Wishing you all the best.</p>

9

<p>Would it be better to apply to one of the schools listed or the CC? I honestly wouldn't mind going to the CC over the colleges in the survey. I'm also interested the most in schools in the northeast (MD, NJ, PA, VA, CT, DE).</p>

<p>There seems to be too many options to wisely whittle down by the time the fall semesters start. I'm guessing I should contact them by phone and ask them about their policies regarding applications at this time of year.</p>

10

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<p>I "second" all three of the above points. These schools that rejected you are missing out on a truly exceptional <em>person</em>, not just someone with good test taking skills and the like, but a truly exceptional <em>person</em>.</p>

<p>If you want, email me your name and a phone number for someone at admissions at BU and I will call them and let them know that as a completely unbiased person who only knows you from your sharing online, they would be wise to pull you off the wait list and move you to the admitted list. I've never offered to do this for anyone before. I'll let admissions know that, too.</p>

<p>But worst case and you don't want to go to any of the colleges you could still get into this fall, it is far from the end of the world. You'll certainly get in somewhere for fall 2009 as you'll know to pick some true safety schools (and I disagree that 7 schools is too few; pick even one true SAFETY school and one can do you and a few "match" and "reach" schools would still be 7 or less). You have many years of life ahead of you and should focus on the silver lining here - a year to chill from homework and exams and to learn as you wish, when you wish and to do have some experiences you wouldn't have the time to do were you having to take classes. You might find it far more educational and enjoyable than any of your years in formal education (college or otherwise).</p>

<p>Good luck to you.</p>

11

<p>There are some pretty good schools that still accept students.</p>

<p>Truman State (MO)
U Pittsburgh (PA)</p>

<p>I am sure there are many others... And yes, if you get into BC off the waitlist, go there!</p>

<p>I don't know what your GC was thinking...</p>

12

<p>Did you get the research professor to write a letter of recommendation? If not, do so now... and ask your guidance counselor to call BC and explain they are your only chance and you are dying to go there. </p>

<p>As far as schools still taking applications... Be aware that some of those schools may not have financial aid $ left. If you are interested in any of them, call the fa office and the admissions office.</p>

<p>I think if you were my son, I would advise you to take a gap year (doing something business-related or some meaningful volunteer activity) unless you would be happy at your instate. If you would be happy at your instate (where it looks like you didn't even apply), I would suggest community college and then transfer. You may be able to seriously knock some credits down with all those APs. And a state school may take you as early as January. </p>

<p>But if you don't want to go to your state school, I would suggest a gap year and reapplying in the fall. It looks like you favor big universities. I would suggest you build from the bottom up and maybe apply to BU, GW, UMd (instate I am guessing) and Indiana. Arizona and Perdue could be safeties. I wonder if Tulane, Clemsom or Fordham would find those high test scores attractive? (I don't know how Clemsom is about aid though.) If you want to go to the West Coast, what do you think of U Washington? I don't know enough about Pepperdine but it may be a reasonable choice. </p>

<p>Look, those test scores are <em>fantastic.</em> You may get a real favorable read at some admissions panels and you may get into a much more prestigious school-- but I wouldn't bet my whole college on it. If you were my son, I would suggest you look at some solid schools like the ones I listed and then add some new reaches. For reaches, I wonder how USC would see your application? (I'm thinking that you could use geographic diversity to your advantage.) Another school that came to mind was Lehigh. Vandy would probably be a high reach if you really want to apply to another prestigious school. </p>

<p>I think when you're trying to figure out where you can apply, you need to take the <em>weaker</em> of your scores or grades and see where that puts you. Your weakness is a 3.4 gpa. Where do kids with a 3.4 gpa from your school go? Look at those schools and aim a bit higher too-- but don't think that the top schools in the country are going to ignore a 3.4, a missing year of courses and few extracurriculars (except a research project in a field you don't want to study). If you can get that professor to write you a letter of recommendation, do it.</p>

13

<p>Come to California (I assume you are here already), enroll in a CC for a year (1 year if you overload and take classes during summers) or two, then transfer to Cal or UCLA. No shame in that. You save $$ and it's more practical.</p>

14

<p>OP--Realize that Ivies are not the be-all-end-all even if all of your friends are going. Don't be ashamed of your outcome or yourself even though it's disappointing. I think your GC failed you somewhat. You worked to turn things around for yourself. Be proud of that. Don't be discouraged. You still have options.</p>

<p>You may not get off of the BC waitlist for the Fall, but there are always spots open for the Spring. My first roommate left after one semester as did several students in my acquaintance for various reasons. </p>

<p>Don't feel badly about not getting in at BC--I know you thought it was a safety--but realize that they now get upwards of 28,000 applications.</p>

<p>If you are still interested, call BC Admissions and ask about applying for the Spring. Until then, you might be able to take classes at the local CC just to keep your study skills sharp.</p>

<p>Or, as others suggested, look into other schools that have openings. </p>

<p>If you do well, you could probably apply almost anywhere as a transfer, if that is what you still want. (Send out a lot of apps if this is what you choose.)</p>

<p>Keep your chin up. </p>

<p>Keep us posted.</p>

15

<p>I know you prefer schools in the Northeast, but you might also want to check out Eckerd in St. Petersburg, FL. (They are on the space available list and also show fin aid available.)</p>

<p>Even if you transferred out after a year, I think this would be a place where you could continue to do research with professors and otherwise pursue your interests.</p>

16

<p>Think about College of Wooster in Ohio. You would love their Indep. Study senior year project. They still have space.</p>

17

<p>Goucher in MD is listed as still having space and $$. This looked like a very good school to us. It has a strong international flavor--it's the only school that requires some time abroad for every student, and they give stipends to make it affordable. Eckerd is another good option.</p>

18

<p>I second Goucher. And from Goucher, you are allowed to take a limited number of courses at Johns Hopkins.</p>

19

<p>I'm from MD.</p>

<p>If I were to get into City Year, I don't think applying for BC in the spring would be a viable option since there is a two week acceptance period for the City Year program. </p>

<p>Goucher seems prospective if I don't make it into City Year, and the limited courses at Hopkins are also very appealing (not to mention it's hardly 25 minutes from my house)</p>

<p>LazyBum201-I didn't apply to BU (: but thanks anyways! This has already been quite the memorable experience thus far...</p>

20

<p>Inh41, I am impressed how you are handling this. Good luck to you. I am sure that you will find a way to spend your year fruitfully. I am not familiar with City Year, but if that is what you want, I hope you get in there. Otherwise Goucher sound like a good bet. I think you will like it there, and if you have a successful year or two academically, transfer is certainly possible. </p>

<p>I really do blame your GC in part for this debacle as safety schools are paramount for everyone. THere is no way a GC can be assured that admissions committees are going to accept her explanations, and even if they all did, and you were left with a perfect app, it does not guarantee admissions by a long shot at those schools you chose. It's ridiculous that you did not apply EA to BC or early to UMD and get an accept in hand. You would have known you had an issue had BC deferred your app instead of accepting you early, and possibly revised your list. I always say that safety school is the most important and difficult pick.</p>