First generation, URM male, First plan messed up needs your helP!

<p>I am not as experienced with the schools on your list as many of the other parent posters are, so I don't intend to do many comparisons among them.</p>

<p>However, I would like to follow up on Faline's comments about Vanderbilt, where my son is a freshman. I have been on VU's campus numerous times over the last 8 or 9 months, in most cases at events that relied heavily on student-led information sessions, or student-led groups that helped orient new students, or give information to accepted students who were giving the school a look-over. In every case I have noticed the large number of African American students involved in the programs; my feeling is that their representation in the tour/info/orientation programs exceeded the percentage of African-American students enrolled in the school. Needless to say, they were all enthusiastic about what VU has to offer (that is a given for any student chosen for those kinds of programs), but I also came away with the impression that a big effort is being made by the university to spread the word that Vanderbilt is serious about diversifying its campus. One other observation: A-A females far outnumber males in those groups, leading me to think your application would be very favorably reviewed.</p>

<p>I also concur with Faline's comments about the extent to which full professors are involved with students and student life on the campus. My son has gotten to know several professors pretty well already, and is actively doing research with his adviser, first semester of freshman year. He doesn't even have a class with this prof, but son has gone in to speak to the adviser so many times about his program that the adviser got to know him and what his interests are, and invited him to work with him.</p>

<p>Next year an entirely new freshman Residential Campus is opening. Not only are the dorms very appealing, but the philosophy that accompanies the new living arrangements emphasizes community among students from different backgrounds and community between faculty and undergraduates.</p>

<p>Finally, I am somewhat familiar with Washington Univ, as I grew up in St. Louis and my son applied and was accepted there. I have nothing bad to say about the school at all, but Vanderbilt may be easier for you to get accepted to, and possibly may be a better bet for merit awards. </p>

<p>Perhaps a down side to Vanderbilt for you: following on NSM's comments about visiting with your family during the course of the school year, VU does place a heavy emphasis on keeping families involved with their students, so many students (not all) do have family visiting for family weekend, many (not all) do leave campus for the very short October break, and the school is out of session the entire week of Thanksgiving, so many students leave at that time. This year the winter break is extremely short, but I understand that is an aberration and most years it is a good deal longer. </p>

<p>With regard to Amherst College. I lived in the Amherst area for fifteen years, and I loved it. However, if your preferences are for an urban environment, I think you would much prefer Vanderbilt or some of the others.</p>

<p>A final plug for considering Vanderbilt over (or in addition to) some of the other schools on your list: VU makes a big effort to get its students involved in the Nashville community, including in the schools in the city. Many of the participating students are in the Peabody College of Education at VU, but by no means are all of them education majors. If you are looking for a college experience that encourages community participation as part of undergraduate education, you could do a lot worse.</p>

<p>Best of luck to you.</p>

<p>Oh sorry, Michael. I see Morehouse is already on your list.</p>

<p>Most of the previous suggestions are well-founded. As for my own advice to Mr. T., try to ensure that the balance of the reasons for which you apply and attend a college are because you'll be comfortable ON CAMPUS. The surrounding environment can be a respite away from the things we don't like about school, but remember the majority of your time will be spent in the classroom, in the cafeteria, on the quad, etc. So ask yourself, does X college provide what I'm interested in and can I open "new" doors at X college to help me grow by experiencing an activity, relationship or any other endeavor that I've not been exposed to before. That being said, consider...</p>

<p>Lewis and Clark College, OR
Occidental College
Stanford University
Loyola University of Chicago
Northwestern University, IL
Saint Louis University
Washington University, MO
Ohio Wesleyan University
Georgetown University, DC
Michigan State University
U of Virginia
Rice University
Davidson College
Duke University
As for HBCUs, I like North Carolina Central University. Pretty good American History department and it's cross-registration with Duke is a plus.</p>

<p>Quick update: First acceptance- USC, Presidential Scholarship Finalist...To God be the glory! Yess!</p>

<p>Hey, congrats! Thanks for keeping us updated!</p>

<p>That is great news! Congratulations. I'm sure there will be more good news to come in the next few weeks, or at least within a couple of months.</p>

<p>congrats on your well earned admission offer, and do fill us in on the big picture of your choices over time.<br>
Remember..this is like dating several great people. Speak well of all of them during the next months, and remember them all with appreciation and admiration. Each institution that will admit you has a history of some great people who made a difference.
Don't choose the flashiest name or the most fun atmosphere...or even the best monetary offer. Choose where you know you will grow up in an evironment with just the right mix of challenge and companionship along the way. Lots of ups and downs in college years ahead of you...go where you know you be strong, get supported, and where your heart feels lightest. Go somewhere you look forward to returning to as an adult, and where you know you will make life long friends and meet great mentors.</p>

<p>I don't know what else to add to all the great advice so far, but I wanted to say I REALLY liked your essay. And I wish you the best. I'm not at all surprised you got into USC and I will imagine a lot of other fantastic opportunities will be coming your way soon. You are delightful proof that this college app thing isn't just, or at all, a numbers game. You seem like a really special, determined, and very interesting kid.</p>

<p>CONGRATULATIONS!
Thanks for updating us. Best of luck with getting the presidential scholarship.</p>

<p>Congratulations. I hope you get the scholarship ... and more, so you have a choice! Keep us posted. Your essay is so wonderful. I am hoping for lots of great news in your future.</p>

<p>Congratulations, Mr. Tubbz! That's great news. Thanks for letting us know.</p>

<p>Congrats to you Mr. Tubbz. I know that more good news will be coming.</p>

<p>Mr. Tubbz:</p>

<p>This is only the first in a long list of acceptances! Way to go!</p>

<p>As a Trojan Parent, I would hope that you would attend USC should the financial stuff work out for you.</p>

<p>Fantastic job, Mr. Tubbz! You're on your way.</p>

<p>Congrats on USC!!! you're an inspiration to so many people, especially other minorities! I hope I get accepted at USC too. LoL. Congrats on this success which is probably the beginning of many others.</p>

<p>Congratulations!! My son and I both <em>loved</em> your essay - and your attitude! I hope you get a great scholarship!</p>

<p>Another Update on Acceptances )( for those that care lol) </p>

<p>Morehouse- tuition+room and board paid for
UVA
American University </p>

<p>made Ron Brown semi's, but wasn't able to make finalist!</p>

<p>Thanks for updating. You have some great options coming in! The hard part will be making a decision. :)</p>

<p>keep the updates coming...we are happy for you! if you want some thoughts on UVa......let me know...and don't miss their Accepted student day.... On their boards, I would definitely be reading Globalist's posts....</p>