<p>Thanks, everyone. I appreciate all replies. Lots to think about. My spreadsheet is much bigger now! 
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<p>So something to think about is whether the LAC would be YOUR preference, or his preference. And I say that as the parent of one kid who attended a LAC, and one who goes to a more STEM oriented school. If his loves are science/math/CS/engineering, then consider a school that is more focused on those. He may really bloom in an environment where everyone is geeking out over the same things he does. 
Another school to think about would be Rose-Hulman. Iâd take him to see a few schools that vary in size and type (say Michigan Tech, Luther, and Iowa State). See what appeals to him, and then maybe visit a few more schools of the type he seems most attracted to.</p>
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<p>what is a pricey school to you? How much can you pay each year? $20k per year? more? less? We need to know how much so we can recommend the right merit schools. A $10k a year award wonât cut it at a $60k school if you wonât pay the other $50k.</p>
<p>RE: MeritâŠ</p>
<p>there is a huge pool of kids with high GPAs (so many kids these days with 3.75+ GPAs!!! )</p>
<p>there is a smaller pool of kids with high test scores.</p>
<p>there is an even smaller pool of kids with BOTH high test scores and high GPAs <=== these are the kids that get the merit scholarships.</p>
<p>But, there are some schools that will used weighted GPAsâŠwhat is his weighted GPA? </p>
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<p>What is his weighted GPA?</p>
<p>Schools like Carleton wonât accept him and many/most donât give merit. The ones in that category would only give merit for higher test scores and HIGH GPAs. </p>
<p>Has he been tested for ADHD? When we see strong testing ability yet mediocre GPAs, it looks like he has the ability to have a strong GPA, but something is hindering him.</p>
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Iâm thinking Liberal Arts might be best, or at least a college that has the requirement or the ability to take a wide sampling of classes, would be preferable. He loves learning and it would be a shame if he went head first into all math/science classes without continuing to learn about history, psychology, all those fun things.
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<p>you mentioned that engineering might be a possibility. If so, then going to a LAC wouldnât likely be best. </p>
<p>Most colleges have Gen Ed or Core Reqâts that students take their first couple of yearsâŠsome history, psychology, sociology, Freshman Composition, Literature, and so forth. It wouldnât be STEM 24/7! :)</p>
<p>I second Case Western but it is quite rigorous for EngineeringâŠ</p>
<p>All engineering is quite rigorous.</p>
<p>Engineering wouldnât be the best path for someone who wants to take classes in a myriad subjects such as history or psychology. The academic path is very prescribed and while there are classes for general education purpose, thereâs very little leeway in exploring since students must take specific classes each semester and not fall out of sequence. And, indeed, all engineering is rigourous if theyâre ABET accredited, with students being weeded out in the less selective universities. </p>