<p>I know a kid who was hockey crazy in HS but also a virginia resident. Travelled to all the great hockey states including MN and WI for schools…where did he end up? Virginia tech because he loved the atmosphere; he thought he was going to miss hockey so he got a spot on their club team and traveled around northeast playing other club teams…Got tired of it and now, no more hockey, but really into intramural sports of various types and loves the love of sports that Tech students have–both the football, basket, etc. In state tuition has paid off since now accepted to 2 med schools with no undergrad debt burden. Make sure your S applies to one in state school…he may be surprised when he visits that being a “hockey” school is not sufficient to satisfy his sports craving…it is sometimes more about school spirit than the sport itself. I made my son apply to two virginia schools to serve as financial and academic safeties and it wouldn’t surprise me if he chooses one after doing some spring visits.</p>
<p>Definitely go with the ACT. The ACT Math score of 25 is equivalent to a 570 SAT math score, much better than the 460. I think your son has a good shot at all the schools you mentioned except for UCONN.</p>
<p>I agree. However, we have seen some of the VA schools and he is adamant about going north. He goes to the largest HS in Va and he says that he wants to get away (we have family in New England). Yes, the hockey may fade as well, but again, he sees it his way…I can “force” the issue of applying in-state and maybe that’s what I need to do…</p>
<p>I personally think that closer is better for a lot of reasons. One can certainly “get away” for a lot less with a two-week or summer vacation. He could always take a bunch of summer courses up here in one of the many colleges that offer housing and then go to college locally.</p>
<p>I played my favorite sport in college and I just got back from it at lunchtime so it’s something that I’ve done for a lifetime - sports can be important through your lifetime. Of course many people play sports and then move on to other things in their lives. There are sports that I participated in heavily when young that I haven’t touched in decades.</p>