Juniors: Possible good bets for next year?

Parents Forum
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<p>Every year, the National Association of College Admissions Counseling (NACAC) issues a list of schools that still have room for more students for next year. If anyone is still looking for a spot, or is thinking about transferring, this is a good place to start.</p>

<p>Juniors and junior parents might want to take a look as well. I've noticed in the past that whenever a school is on this list, the following year the school tends to either be a bit less selective or throw more merit money at accepted students in order to make sure they fill their class. Therefore, I've gotten into the habit of checking out the survey for possible "good admissions values" for the following year's class. </p>

<p>As usual, this year, there are some surprises on the list. Here are just a few schools still looking to fill seats for next year: The University of Arizona, the University of Oregon, the University of New Mexico, Goucher college, Hood College, Hendrix College, Hiram College, New College of Florida, Mercer College, Mt. St. Mary's (MD), College of the Atlantic, Alma, Calvin, Catawba, U of New Mexico, College of Mt. St. Vincent (NY), Marmount Manhattan (NY), SUNY Purchase, Albright, Virginia Wesleyan.</p>

<p>The list is not complete yet - full list will be up around May 9th. But, these schools may make good "safeties" for next year's qualified juniors. Or, at least, if you're interested in one of these schools for next year, showing strong demonstrated interest may make a big difference in your chances of getting in and getting some merit money from them. </p>

<p>List is at <a href="http://www.nacac.com/survey/results.cfm%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.nacac.com/survey/results.cfm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

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<p>Hmm, I wonder if Andi is reading this because I am thinking just for back up, JUST in case a waitlist does not come through, her son could consider applying to a school like Goucher (I know a valedictorian who was an avid dancer who chose Goucher....) and attend for a year and then think of transferring. Normally I don't advocate for picking a college with the intent to transfer but in a case such as her son's where there is a chance that a school he wants does not turn out (though I still am pretty confident one WILL), I am wondering if attending a school such as one above that would have been a safety school for him had he had safety schools, might be a way to go for one year and then transfer and at least have one year of college under his belt. Some of the s chools listed are quite good. Just a thought. </p>

<p>Also, thanks Carolyn for providing this list or this idea for readers here....you are very knowledgeable and resourceful and many have gained from your sharing!
Susan</p>

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<p>Excellent pointer, carolyn, thanks! My '07-graduating S has a few of those on his "maybe" list already, which is <em>very</em> reassuring! Do they update this list as the schools close their enrollments?</p>

<p>(PS: Your PM box is full.)</p>

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<p>Susan, That was my thought also. If not Goucher, certainly the University of Arizona or the University of Oregon wouldn't be bad places to spend a year, or, for that matter, 4 years. I was certainly surprised to see both of them on the list. I do think these schools are good starting points for kids who will need safeties for next year - excellent schools that simply aren't as selective as the more "Brand name" schools. </p>

<p>What I have noticed is that this year, the list has started earlier. Schools started posting last week, and here it is not even May 1 and these schools already know that they may have openings for next year. </p>

<p>Mootmom, thanks for the tip on the PM --- hadn't noticed.</p>

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<p>Thanks for posting this, Carolyn. I've passed it on to my son, who is "between schools" right now -- I know he recently wrote to a college asking about transfer possiblities and was told it was too late for this coming year. The NACAC list has some good options for him, and may get him thinking in some different directions. There are a lot of colleges on that list that are intriguing for other reasons, as well - some are not the ones that show up on the usual lists of top colleges, but appear to offer interesting options for students looking for something unusual.</p>

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<p>Great post Carolyn, I'm going to send the complete list to some senior HS parents in case they know any unplaced kids.</p>

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<p>Great idea to post this information for those in the lurch now and as food for thought for this year's juniors. I wonder, though, about financial aid at any of these schools for kids that do get in now but hadn't applied originally. I guess it's done on a case by case basis, but you've done a great service by pointing out to people that there are more options than they might have originally felt. Thanks.</p>

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<p>When D went for her audition (granted it was 4 years ago) for the School of Music at ASU we shared a shuttle ride with admissions reps from U of New Mexico who were attending some function at ASU. They mentioned they were seriously trying to upgrade the School of MUsic at UNM and attract more nationally distributed enrollee's. They hinted at great merit $$ opportunities and gave D their cards for herself and friends. Wonder whats happened in the years since and if its a worthwhile place for music kids to consider?</p>

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<p>Financial aid is a big issue for late apps, though the list may have some schools that meet demonstrated need for all students they accept. However, they may not accept too many late-applying students with low EFCs.</p>

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<p>carolyn thanks for posting that list. I'm a high school junior with a B/B+ average looking to find some more match schools to apply to next fall.I checked out a couple of those schools and was thrilled to find Marymount Manhattan(never heard of it before) and it looks like a school I would love!</p>

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<p>Hi Carolyn,</p>

<p>Thanks for posting this list. Interesting that Hendrix is on there. S2 is looking at Hendrix, along with Beloit, Earlham and Redlands, at least that is his list now. We know three students at Hendrix right now, all very different kids, who have had a wonderful experience.</p>

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<p>One of daughter's possibles for this year was UNM, as a D1 recruit, out-of-state. They offered her a full academic (Amigo+additional funds) vs. all athletic money. Had her academic major (arch) and have been EXTREMELY helpful in so many ways. Just wanted to echo Carolyn's info about some really nice schools still being on the list for available spots.</p>

<p>And as far as kids in limbo, some of these schools would be great as stepping stones if not wanted/needed for all 4 years.</p>

<p>Kat</p>

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<p>By the way, the COMPLETE list won't be up until May 9. It seems to me that schools are posting earlier than usual this year. </p>

<p>Momofthree, Hendrix has been on the list two times in the past three years. That is why I caught on to the idea that these schools are good admissions values ---- the year after Hendrix was on the list the last time, their merit scholarship offerings seemed to skyrocket and I noticed that they accepted more kids than usual. I've since kept an eye on other schools and, sure enough, it happens often enough to make me believe that they really do pay greater attention to yield the following year. </p>

<p>I've never seen Beloit, Earlham or Redlands on there. By the way, my D. told me this morning that she is definitely adding Hendrix to her applications pile too next year. She loves everything they've sent her and the fact that some people at Earlham had friends there and talked positively about Hendrix made her pay closer attention.</p>

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<p>Carolyn,</p>

<p>Woo HOO! We might get them together yet!</p>

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<p>It sounds like there is a VERY good shot of that momofthree. Especially because she might add Redlands as her "california school"</p>

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<p>Carolyn, that is amazing! </p>

<p>Have you ever seen College of Wooster on this list? S2 said he really liked their presentation at the recent BIG college fair he attended. Has your D ever looked there? Pope really loves it.</p>

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<p>Thank you for the link, Carolyn. It will be interesting to see how the list fills out.</p>

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<p>No, I have never seen the College of Wooster on this list. They seem to do a good job of filling their class, partially because they really pay attention to demonstrated interest in making admissions decisions. It's a terrific school --- just not one my daughter would look at because she doesn't like the name.
(Apparently, this is her new "sniff" test for potential schools: do I like the name?)</p>

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<p>Wow, I was shocked to see Fordham on that list. I'm applying there in the fall and was worried I wouldn't get in. I'm trying to understand this list, can someone explain. Is there not enough kids applying to these schools? Are kids on the waitlist not accepting? Did they reject to many and now are stuck?</p>

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<p>Redlands, did I hear Redlands? Would be a nice to run into someone from CC at Redlands. Redlands is great to add as a California school. Son finished his first year two weeks ago. He is doing peer theather for his Mayterm. One class during May which will also satisfy the community service requirement. Son would be more than happy to answer any questions.</p>