Helping your less directed child through the process

<p>Definitely something to consider. Even if he just wants to come home for a break it’s nice if you don’t have to get on a plane</p>

<p>It’s one of his top picks but his grades might be below their standards. It was actually in my top 3 when I was deciding!</p>

<p>He simply loves to ski and knows it’s good for his mental health. No car for him at least not for a long while. </p>

<p>Mine is the same way. He’s captain of his ski team but does it because he enjoys it, not because he’s super competitive. We will look into Colby. I love teh Elon idea but NC will be a tough sell (even though I went to school there and loved it).</p>

<p>Nothing at all wrong with working as long as it’s hopefully related to something he is interested in, not just delivering pizzas and living in our basement. He has been working construction this summer - grueling hours, super hot, horrible commute. Perfect summer job to make you wonder if that’s what you want to do! </p>

<p>I liked St Michael’s very much for him. He was smitten with UVM. Besides the smaller classes I think he’d have a better chance of getting some merit money at StM. Every $ helps!</p>

<p>I don’t hover now so that’s not an issue. He needs academic support from time to time, that’s all. He’s a pretty level-headed kid and self-sufficient in all other regards. Just trying to help him find his way. I can see how the whole thing can be very over whelming for some students./</p>

<p>Is Farmington the main campus? A good friend’s son is there and loves it. I know the price is better than say UNH or UVM for OOS students also. </p>

<p>Possibly Drew University in NJ?</p>

<p>The “main” University of Maine campus is in Orono. University of Maine, Farmington has a Nordic and Alpine ski team. Here is a link: <a href=“http://www.umf.maine.edu/campus-life/sports-recreation/”>http://www.umf.maine.edu/campus-life/sports-recreation/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>How about Castleton in VT? When I go to college fairs they are next to my booth and they sound perfect for the not as motivated wanting to ski kids.</p>

<p>Also total cost instate: Total Cost: $21,828 (in-state)</p>

<p>A gap year is really a good thing for a kid who is burned out or a kid who is directionless. There are gap year programs to help kids find their interests. I met the guy who runs one and could probably find his name if you are interested. There are other groups that generally help you put together gap years. But, I think working at a ski area might be just the thing. How about teaching there? </p>

<p>My son was not directionless but was burnt out. He was very grateful for the gap year. He didn’t do an organized program – worked in a psychology lab at a local university, campaigned in New Hampshire for Obama (before the first term), wrote a draft of a novel, and a few other things. Plus, he took SAT/ACTs and applied for college during his gap year. Took a lot of pressure of senior year (when he was having health problems.</p>

<p>How far away does your child want to go? We had been looking at University of Maine Presque Isle Campus. It is WAY up there about 15 minutes from the Canadian border. starting this fall they are offering a discount to all OOS students. Total tuition for the year is 9900 and their room and board is about 8,000 for the year. They offer a lot of merit aid (for an average student). The school is very, very small with about 1500 students but only about 300 actually live in the dorms. Skiing is not too far away! They are the first university in the state to offer proficiency based learning! </p>

<p>My advice would be to have a conversation with him about what he is thinking in terms of next year. Other than skiing, what are his interests? I would explore his goals with him and ask him to weigh his options and analyze how each one would further his goals. Good luck!</p>

<p>I second the suggestion of Colby Sawyer for three reasons. One, the skiing. Free tickets (and shuttle vans) to sunapee. Two, small well established school with lots of support and friendly kids. Three, LA progaming, so he can explore different areas of interest. And, C-S offers some sports centered majors if decides to turn his passion for snow sports into a career. </p>

<p>My D applied on the advice of her HS GC, not realling knowing much about the school. Five weeks later a large envelope and with an extra large scholarship arrived. So she visited. And she loved the “vibe”, the other non-prentious kids, all the out door activities, and small classes and accessible teachers. </p>

<p>New england college (henniker, NH) sits at the bottom of Pat’s Peak.<br>
Middleburry has it’s very own “mibbleburry ski bowl”.
St Micheals in VT
Champlain, next door neighbors with UVM.</p>

<p>Look of kids pick schools for sillier reasons than skiing – like prestige. If your son likes to ski than more poser to him! </p>

<p>UVM is nice, I love Burlington. As for those who say “SKIING IS EXPENSIVE” there are usually lift tickets available for cheap for students and likely many trips to ski on weekends.</p>

<p>I would not discount that at a larger school, he might find it easier to find friends he can relate with.</p>

<p>As for a gap year - my son was considering it, and will think about it if he doesn’t get into his top choices. </p>

<p>You could just ask your son - if you took a year off before you went to college, what would you want to do?</p>