<p>Hi parents, I am hoping that I can get some advice in helping my younger brother select colleges (I am a sophomore at Scripps College in Claremont and do the best I can, but his situation is a lot different than mine). His main problem is that he's very intelligent but applies himself very little. His stats are:</p>
<p>ACT: 30 (34 R, 27 M, 26 E, 31 S)
GPA: "C" average with some honors/APs and some standard "regular" courses
Extracurriculars:
Downhill Ski Team (since 7th grade)
Ski School Instructor (about 12-16 hours a week)
Physics/Science Club
Extreme Biking (on his own time, after school)
and of course, playing video games</p>
<p>He's looking at applying to University of Minnesota-Duluth (and maybe Twin Cities), University of Wisconsin (River Falls, Stout, and maybe some others), Winona State University, and Western Washington University.</p>
<p>Does anyone have any other suggestions for places that might be a good fit? He excels in classes/subjects that interest him and is likely to blow off other classes that don't interest him much, part of his problem in high school (as well as having more than his fair share of uninspiring teachers), so a school with minimal or very open general ed. requirements would probably be a good fit. He is mostly interested in the sciences or something where he can use his hands (really enjoys building/creating/fixing things). He enjoys skiing, so anywhere where that might be an option would probably be greatly appreciated as well. He's not really into partying and would much rather hang out with his friends and play computer/video games. He's a neat kid with a lot to offer, but needs somewhere where he can fully tap into his potential.</p>
<p>Thanks for any and all suggestions!</p>
<p>P.S. I used to post under the name zuesviolin, so some may know me from other posts (mainly Scripps related).</p>
<p>U Maine, Orono is well-located for kids who ski and, in general, for outdoor enthusiasts of all types. If his science/fix things interests mean he might like Engineering, that is a very strong program there. It fits his stats. And has an Honors College if he decides, once there, to ramp up his GPA once he's taking things which interest him.</p>
<p>Gustavus Adolphus - This might be a tough acceptance for a C student but the ACT is solid and they ski competitively there, so if he is a strong skier that might help his app.n If his times/skills compare well to what they have he should contact the coach. Very likeable group of kids there and I think they would model some good behavior for him.</p>
<p>UM-Morris - This is my favorite in the UM system and I'm told they have some inspirational math and science people there.</p>
<p>University of Denver! Skiing heaven. Relatively small classes. Lots of international study and internship options. Nice town. Undergoing a big resurgence - lots of new money has come in.</p>
<p>Western State College at Gunnison, CO. My brother went there, and has a temperament very similar to what you described. It has several advantages. First, it's smaller as state uni/colleges go, and the faculty & staff is involved with the students--less chance to fall through the cracks. Second, just about everyone there is mountain-outdoorsy type (we used to tease my brother that he was going to the Colorado School of Mountain Activities :)) I'd be floored if they don't have a ski team, and probably intramural/club skiing too. Third, the education is solid without being overly time-consuming--they know they aren't likely to graduate Nobel astrophysicists, but the opportunity is there if your brother "catches fire" with some subject.</p>
<p>Frankly, I suspect that DU would be a stretch with his stats, and CSMines is probably not in the cards at all for him as an out of state student for a fairly selective tech school. CSU is a large state university in Fort Collins; I'm just not sure it would offer much he couldn't get in MN except for decent mountains ;) and would be harder to get accepted and more expensive.
Don't know anything about Maine, Orino except you can be sure the snow is better at Crested Butte (sorry jmmom, but it's true!)</p>