<p>Welcome 89wahoo! We want to welcome parents whose kids don’t necessarily have high stats, but have high potential! I started this thread because I don’t see a lot of posts on CC from families of kids like mine.</p>
<p>H, D, and I chose to limit the difficulty in HS classes in order to get her GPA up as high as possible over the next 2-3 years. She, too, started with a 3.2 in a very rigorous 9th grade middle school, but has moved it up to a 3.6 with nearly perfect grades in HS. By only taking one AP and one honors/college level class each year, we have a much happier child who can continue to excel in her sport and also do many hours of after-school coaching, teaching, and practicing. </p>
<p>Although D’s test scores will not get her into any elite schools, even with re-taking and improvement, we know that her ECs and dedication will, hopefully, make an impression on an adcom that can look beyond just stats and see the potential that’s there.</p>
<p>5boys…wow!! Thanks for sharing your son’s success story! It’s reassuring to hear that you don’t necessarily need to go to the “top” school with the “top” program and the biggest price tag to be happy and successful. You just have to be willing to work really hard. I’m going to buy that game for my son Just thinking…maybe one thing you could ask your son’s opionion on when you speak to him…does he really think it’s imperative to be on the west coast in this field? As I said, we are in NJ. Just want to know that there may be opportunities closer for internships/work experience/jobs…Thanks!!!</p>
<p>Hello, I’m new here. My D2 is class of 2014 and we just found out she’s on the autism spectrum. She has a 3.4 UW and lately it’s been looking like a downward spiral. I’m just worried because this was not the case of my D1 who is at Stanford pushing a BS in mech engineering. The biggest problem is that I’m not sure how the functional autism plays into college admissions. D2’s guidance counselor at her school told us she should target mainly 3.5-3.7 schools. For her safeties, D2 has UCSC (we are in California), university of Pittsburgh (good neuroscience). However in my view these are not the safest “safeties” D2’s test scores are in the range, at 2240 one sitting. On top of that, financial aid would be great (U Alabama Birmingham was recommended for generous merit scholarship) as I have a son who is HS '19 and who knows how high the cost will rise by then? </p>
<p>This is just really scary! I never expected things to be so different between D1 and D2. Their dream schools are the same though. D1 wanted to go to MIT but we were not able to support this choice financially. D2 also wants to go to MIT, but not as an engineering major. D2 is interested in neuroscience. Super reach, yes.</p>
<p>If you can financially afford it, Pittsburgh could be a good safety with her scores. The good thing is you’d know early. They have rolling admissions. If you want another match/low reach school with neuro - you could consider U Rochester. That’s where my middle son is and he thoroughly loves it. Pitt was his second choice.</p>
<p>Welcome, StanfordMom! I have an S’14 similar to your D1 and a 4th grade son similar to your D2, so I keep an eye out for information that will help S’21 down the road. </p>
<p>There was a poster with a freshman in college that went through this last year and here is an update post from her:</p>
<p>I checked with the EFC calculator, and UPitt should be affordable. The only problem I foresee is that it’s a large school - D2 does not feel comfortable in crowds. The reason she is interested in this school is because of the neuroscience opportunities. She’s read a lot of research papers from UPitt professors, and a few even responded to her questions! </p>
<p>D2 is pretty interested in University of Rochester - after MIT, it is her second choice. She had Brown on her list before, but crossed it off because the people from her school who are going next year (current seniors) are very “stuck-up” So luckily, she has only one super reach.</p>
<p>Stanfordmom - my guy chose U Rochester over Pitt due to size and liking the campus better. I can fully understand. ;)</p>
<p>Pitt, however, is easier to get into - so useful as a safety. Should my guy have ended up there, he’d have done ok. It would just be a matter of finding his group of peers.</p>
<p>Where we live the joke is “You know you’re from (where we live) when your safety is (insert out of state public university such as UPitt, U of Alabama, UW)”</p>
<p>Most of it is because our area is full of very US News influenced individuals, who refuse to apply to the “bad UCs” such as UC Merced, Riverside, Irvine, Santa Cruz, and even sometimes UC Santa Barbara. Hence, the UCs they apply to are not very safe. Plus, for a lot of families(but not mine) are quite rich, so money is not a factor for them. </p>
<p>Also, UCs are now known internationally as well as nationally for educational opportunities, so as applications increase, they are becoming less and less safe. They are also amassing debt which means less scholarship $$s. So for some, it isn’t economically viable to go to one. This last point doesn’t apply to our area, because there are scarcely any low income families.</p>
<p>Stanfordmom - we definitely don’t live in an area like you describe. I once told one of our guidance counselors that my guy was using Pitt (main campus) as a safety and he stopped and said, “What?” I repeated it. He then replied, “Wow, I never heard of anyone using Pitt as a safety before!” At our school, he’s correct… I’ve since learned to be more tactful about what I said there. However, with your D’s stats…</p>
<p>We also used UA, but they don’t offer neuro and didn’t come in as our least expensive option, so they didn’t stay in the top considerations. At the start though, it made sense to have them.</p>
<p>I used to not live in such an area… Back when my D1 was in 6th grade, we moved to our current area. There, most people didn’t talk about college so I think the main safeties were local community college. It’s really amazing how different two cities that are ~40 miles apart are. In our current area, people use schools that others may consider reaches as safeties, such as USC. So our guidance counselors are rarely surprised at people’s safety schools. </p>
<p>My D is actually going to use UAB, which has neuroscience as a major. However, I am not too sure she’d like it - we’d have to visit; however my husband and I + D1 agree that we should wait until acceptances come out. The reason is that D2 tends to go for what may not be attainable, and We would rather not have to crush her hopes. </p>
<p>I guess her in-state safety is UC Santa Cruz. They accept many students from our school that are similar to my D. Plus, though it’s a public school, 10 residential colleges have personal attention, which I think would be helpful to her. Because we are in-state, it is not expensive for us. The good thing is, we visited (not a terrible drive) and she enjoyed it, so it’s a true safety. </p>
<p>We do not know if she will actually like Pittsburgh and Birmingham. But especially Birmingham because of less diversity (mostly African-Americans and Whites).</p>
<p>Both UAB and Pitt are city campuses (UAB a little moreso, but both are). My guy did not care for UAB at all (drive by - didn’t stop) and would have gone with a microbio major had he ended up at UA. But yes, if neuro is a must, then UAB has it and UA doesn’t. ;)</p>
<p>I actually think many of us on this “average student” thread could use Pitt if the college is attractive to their students and if it hits the affordability range. They have a 56% admit rate with scores per section in the 550 - 680s as that average 50%. Since they are a rolling admissions school, you’d know fairly quickly if it didn’t work and could then target other places.</p>
<p>My D doesn’t care for urban campuses. For example, she hates the idea of NYU and Boston University because she says they are “just buildings on busy streets.” </p>
<p>Pitt is rolling admissions - so does this mean if a kid applies earlier, he/she will have a better chance? My D has to turn in a packet with colleges she is applyings to by mid October to be on time for MIT’s EA deadline. So she could submit the app as early as November 1st.</p>
<p>Joining in - my S is a B- student due to possible ADD (we’re evaluating now) and I don’t think the block scheduling in his HS helps. But he’s great at testing and has a very respectable ACT score. We’re in an interesting situation because he’s identified a school with an excellent program for his major that has automatic admission based on his ACT and offers in-state tuition rates for someone from our state in this major. The downside is that if he changes his mind on major, he’ll probably need to transfer. I’m also having trouble convincing him that he needs to get his GPA as high as possible for merit aid. He can also get scholarship money for a music minor, which he wants to do anyway, so IMO he needs to audition like it’s Julliard so he can maximize that scholarship. We’ve discussed taking CLEP tests for his gen ed requirements because he does test so well and doesn’t want any more “boring, pointless classes” if he can help it. Now I’m trying to figure out if we need to look at other schools and if so, how many.</p>
<p>Many kids apply to Pitt over the summer (they aren’t a Common App school - unless they just joined). Yes, an earlier app gives an earlier decision and better chances - and more merit aid as they also give that out along the way. You do need high stats for merit aid, so not all will get that.</p>
<p>It is an urban school… with busy streets. As I mentioned, my guy preferred U Rochester since it has its own separate campus that felt like a campus. Pitt… not so much. Both are in cities though. UAB is more like Pitt. </p>
<p>Jeannemar - you’ve probably already done so, but be sure the college gives credit for as many Cleps as you’d want. Some don’t give credit at all and others have limits. I would at least have a couple of other options as the vast majority of kids like having choices in the spring. It helps them “keep up” with their peers. Plus, as you said, what if he decides to change majors? (Note that many more scholarship apps are available to freshman than transfers.)</p>
<p>My daughter looks like she qualifies for a really good merit scholarship at UAB but we live in MN. I’m concern this school would be a suitcase school leaving my daughter very lonely on the weekends. We havn’t visited but might apply and go visit if she does gets outstanding merit aide. Anyone have any experience with UAB?</p>
<p>Creekland - this school actually mentioned the CLEPs when we took the tour. I had forgotten about them because it’s all about the AP now. I had the impression that it’s the kind of place where you could enter as a sophomore or at least second semester freshman if you CLEP out of enough requirements. Plus, he has to have a certain GPA to declare his major and CLEPs are GPA-neutral. But you’re right, I should confirm the details before we make this a plan.</p>
<p>Our local public U does not offer this major at all, but would be a good fallback if he changes. But should he just apply to Arts and Sciences there as a safety or wait and see if he changes his mind and then transfer?</p>
<p>Met w/ my son’s college counselor yesterday, and it was very reassuring. He should have schools to choose from. When I asked if she was familiar w/ Alfred U, she gave an enthusiastic yes. She also gave me some other schools to consider…Does anyone have personal familiarity w/ Bowling Green or U of Toledo? How about Adrian or Albion College in MI?</p>
<p>I tend to look at the websites and a school looks great, but then go on the Student Review site and get turned off. I know that the students who tend to post reviews are those who’ve had bad experiences, but it’s hard not to take them in. It’s reassuring when I can get first hand opinions (like the ones re Alfred on here) to temper them.</p>
<p>I’m a parent from over on the 3.0-3.3/2013 board. Last year I was sitting in your seats and wondering how this would all work out. Here’s the list of our accepted schools thus far, along with money offered (if relevant) and the number of students from our board admitted (X2 = two kids for example). There are some great schools you’ve never heard of (but will!) and great schools you’ve seen on someone’s rear-window. One thing that I’ve found is that my “hard to place” D had a much easier time than her higher performing peers. By winter break, she had two EA’s say yes and by April 1st, 5 out of her 6 schools had accepted her (we did not apply for FA). In case you’re thinking that she hit the high end of this GPA range…nope. She might not even clear 3.0 by graduation. Her trend was decidedly upward after mid-sophomore year when she began being treated for her LD. Her LORs were really strong (in part because she turned things around) and her SATs were 2050. ECs --not much to speak of and absolutely no hook. It helped that she went to a small school where her GC and teachers really knew her and she considered schools where alums had had success.</p>
<p>My advice is to apply EA to at least a couple schools–including one (or more) safety. Concentrate on building a good collection of safeties (all students should do this). If a school has rolling admission, apply early. Visit if you can. Many schools think that if you’re within a few hours drive, you should be taking a tour. If you can’t, make sure your student contacts the regional rep to see if they’re coming to your area. Ask for an interview–even if they don’t do it, you’ll show you’re game. If there’s an “optional” essay, it’s NOT optional–do it. Open the portal early on. Let your GC know which schools are favorites. Some schools do an “open chat”, make sure your student signs up and posts a question–even if it never gets answered (the school knows you’re out there). Think small for their “holistic” admissions process, think big because they have lots of slots to fill. Bottom line though is that your student needs to WANT to go there–so there may be a lot of travel this spring and summer because there’s nothing like seeing something, close-up and personal to seal the deal. There are boards for many schools here, with parents of matriculated students who can give real-world advice. Stay away from “chance me” threads–they’re nutso! </p>
<p>There are a lot of happy-endings here. So, without further ado…“our” list:</p>
<p>Agnes Scott
Albright
Adelphi x 2
American (WMP)
Anderson University
Arcadia x 3
Baldwin Wallace
Beloit x 3
Bellarmine
Bryant
Cal Lutheran x 2 (11K)
CSU Fullerton
CSU Monterey Bay
CSU Sacramento
Catholic University (DC)
Champlain
Chapman
Christopher Newport
Clark
Coastal Carolina
College of Wooster
Colorado State (5K)
Cornell College
DeSales
DePaul
Drew
Earlham x 3
Eckerd x 3 (13.5K)
Elon (Fall) (Spring) (Waitlist)
Fairfield x2
Fordham
Fort Lewis College
Franklin & Marshall
George Mason
Gettysburg
Gonzaga (3K)
Goucher x 6
Guilford x 3
Hampshire
Hartwick
Hobart & William Smith
Hofstra x 3
Humboldt State
Indiana University
Indiana Wesleyan
Ithaca x 4
James Madison
Kenyon
Knox x 2
Lake Forest
Lawrence (WI)
Loyola Maryland
Loyola New Orleans
Lycoming
Mt St Mary’s U (MD)
Marlboro
Marquette
Merrimack
Methodist University
Miami OH x 3
Mills
Monmouth University (NJ) x2
Montana State (5K)
Muhlenberg
New College of Florida
Northeastern U (Waitlist)
Northern Arizona U
Oberlin
Ohio Wesleyan x 5 (23K) (25.5K)
Oregon State (2K)
Penn State - Behrend
Providence
Reed
Rider x 2
RIT x 2
Roanoke x 3
Roger Williams U (11K)
San Diego State
St Anselm
St Edward’s
St Marys (CA) x 2
St Marys (MD)
St Mike’s
Salisbury (MD)
Sarah Lawrence
Siena x 2
Simmons
Seattle U
Sonoma State
Southern Oregon x 2
Stonehill
SUNY Albany
SUNY Binghamton x 3
SUNY Fredonia
SUNY Geneseo x 2
SUNY Potsdam
SUNY Purchase
Suffolk
Susquehanna x 4
Syracuse
Taylor University
Towson
Tulane
U Arizona (6K & iPad)
U of Arkansas
UC Merced
UC Santa Cruz
U Connecticut x 2
U Delaware
U Denver x 4
U Hartford
UMBC x 2
UMCP
U Maine / Honors (9.5K)
UMass Amherst x 2 (10K)
UMass Lowell (5.9K)
U New Hampshire
U New Haven (19.5K)
UNC Ashville
UNC Wilmington (Spring)
U Oregon
U of the Pacific
U Pittsburgh
U Puget Sound x 3 (23K)
U Redlands x 2 (13K)
U Rhode Island
U San Francisco x 2
U of South Florida (Summer)
U of West Florida
Ursinus x 2
Wagner
Warren Wilson College x 4
Western New England Univ (13K)
Western Washington U x 2 (4K)
Willamette x 3 (13K) (20K)
Winthrope University
Washington College x 2
Washington College (Waitlist)
WPI (Waitlist)</p>
Just thinking…maybe one thing you could ask your son’s opionion on when you speak to him…does he really think it’s imperative to be on the west coast in this field? As I said, we are in NJ. Just want to know that there may be opportunities closer for internships/work experience/jobs…Thanks!!!</p>