<p>My DS will also try the ACT in June. Took the SAT twice already with eh scores. Super scoring puts him in middle 50% for his favorite school but he has a conflict with the June 1st date so he will try ACT on June 8. Would really like to not have to take any tests in the fall.</p>
<p>Sent from my SCH-I510 using CC</p>
<p>Thatās kind of where we are, nova. Dās ACTs are āeh.ā Sheās right at the 75% for her favorite school, but so was dā11, and she didnāt get tution exchange. The score really needs to go up.</p>
<p>The SAT is a crapshoot for us. I mean, all the schools dā14 is looking at take it, but itās SO uncommon around here that Iām not confident itās treated the same as the ACT. Personally, if not for CC, Iād have no idea what SAT scores meant at all. I know where the remedial cut-off is, but had no idea what might be considered good or average.</p>
<p>A schedule conflict will prevent my '14 son from taking the SAT in June, so heāll settle for October. Besides, it gives him a little more time to review. </p>
<p>As for apps, he has three definite schools, and two more probables. All have rolling admission. All have decent merit money. Iāve instructed him to find a state school (weāre in VA) that holds some interest for him, but he really wants to go out of state for college. He prefers the Deep South (warmer weather and good football).</p>
<p>His older brother had 11 apps (two free ones). The '14 probably will be around seven or so.</p>
<p>BIā¦as someone with both a potty mouth and potty humor, I thought the acronym was just the right levity we all needed during this very stressful time. No offense taken. </p>
<p>Glad youāre back from the high seas, Captain. Hope your first mate does well on Saturday with the ACT. DD attempted to take a practice test late last night after homework and finally gave up on it. She was just way too exhausted. Today she meets with her school CC and hopefully will be able to whittle down her list. I, too, am hearing of acceptances being all over the mapāI donāt want to see the safeties now become lottery schools, too.</p>
<p>I think admissions has caused a trickle down effect.</p>
<p>This is my take on it, and Iām probably totally making it up.</p>
<p>I believe more kids than ever go to college. I believe more international students come to college in the US - and theyāre full pay, therefore more attractive candidates. College prices have escalated dramatically. Kids apply to way more schools now hunting for the best package, therefore a huge increase in apps for no more spots. </p>
<p>It will never happen, but imagine if it was somehow limited in how many schools you could apply to maybe 5. Youād be really careful with where you put in your apps.</p>
<p>The Common App sent around a survey to counselors asking if theyād like to see a cap, and if so, at how many schools. I donāt recall seeing a followup, but since I no longer am the counselor to my guys (the homeschooled two), I havenāt paid that much attention. I think a cap is a good idea personally, but not necessarily 5. Iād probably go 8 so those looking for those reaches could try a few and still have safeties.</p>
<p>I donāt recall any huge surprises at our school, but most in our school donāt head to very reachy places. Generally I donāt ask the kids where they get rejected. I only ask them where they are going and listen in on various contemplation talks. There definitely are more kids going. I donāt blame them. The economy isnāt all that great for those with just a high school diploma. I shudder when I hear of some choosing high debt, but most donāt. We live in a pretty practical area.</p>
<p>BI - Iām definitely not offended. Iāll use HMFR, but Iād never say (or spell) out loud the meaning except to let people know what it is (which can be done without actually saying it). Iām ok choosing something else too. The kitchen table bit works for me. Iāll root for those of you hoping for reaches and/or lottery schools and enjoy not being there myself at the same time (except for that financial thingā¦ a big enough question mark in itself).</p>
<p>I might envy those of you who are full pay (regardless of school choice). We were supposed to be there, but such is life. At least the economy is coming back where we are.</p>
<p>S is taking ACT this Saturday also. This will be the 2nd time and his past score is good enough for the schools that he interested in. He would need to improve a little to qualify for honors at our state flagship. He has been doing some practice tests over the last 2 months. I am looking forward to having this one behind usā¦If he takes it in September we definitely wonāt think about more prep until this summer. It is really hard to fit in practice with a tough load and spring activity.</p>
<p>DS has two state schools on his for sure list right now. I am hoping he will add at least 2 more specific to the academic interest. We are done with visits unless he asks to visit some place.</p>
<p>I also want to apologize if I offended anybody by spelling it out what the acronym means. Iām an acronym junkie and when it was mentioned I searched for it.</p>
<p>My Dās SAT score is lopsided. She has a near perfect CR and M score but her Writing is a little bit low. For top schools (Cornell/Chicago) that only consider CR+M, sheās up there, but for top schools that consider the whole thing, sheās not at the 75 percentile. I would like her to take the SAT one more time, but sheās not really up to it. Instead, sheās taking the ACT in June.</p>
<p>@blueiguana and others, my goodness, please donāt feel bad about THE acronym. I was wondering what it was until reading the description (I admit it kind of made me blush when I read it out loud). But I rather learn it from my virtual friends than asking the āstupidā question at an inappropriate time.</p>
<p>Hi All! Pulling up a chair, if you dont mind. Infrequent poster, daily lurker here. </p>
<p>A little background: Have been searching for schools for only child. Virginia residents. Have toured a few campuses, trying to stay in state, but there are a couple of outlying schools on his list. He seems to prefer the larger schools. Son is pretty laid back and doesnt display much entheusiasm about anything, even things near and dear to his heart. He isnt mean or surly (lol), just, um, very chill. 
His GPA is 3.45 uw and 3.67 (i think) w. Made a 203 on the PSAT, and an 1860 on the December SAT (640cr, 580m, 640w). Scheduled to take SAT again in June. He takes honors classes (except math) and is on track to have taken 7 APs by graduation next June. He was in a Bank of America marching band for two years, but gave it up to be able to take classes that interested him. Plays piano and sax (and ukelalie if that counts) for pleasure. Plays tennis for pleasure. Is in 4 or 5 clubs, no leadership positions (those are reserved for Seniors, so, next year). Up until last week he was certain he wanted to double major in French/International Studies, with the hope of eventuallly landing a job in a French-speaking country. But something has spooked him and he is uncertain if he will be able to get a job upon graduation. Andā¦suddenly he is talking law school. o.O So, enough me, me, me, blatherā¦</p>
<p>A couple of questions: </p>
<ol>
<li><p>Is it necessary to file a FAFSA?</p></li>
<li><p>What is this ātuition exchangeā that is being bandied about?</p></li>
<li><p>What is the fine line between encouraging your child and being realistic? Should we tour the big reach? </p></li>
</ol>
<p>Sorry for writing a book! :)</p>
<p>Welcome, spritle! I envy you being in Virginia ā such a range of good, affordable schools. Your sonās scores are very good! Let my try and answer your FAFSA question (but there are many more knowledgeable posters on the financial aid board).</p>
<p>My understanding of FAFSA is that if you want to be eligible for federal aid, you must file a FAFSA (which you would do this time next year ā your sonās senior year ā to be eligible for aid for his freshman year). Check your target schoolsā websites ā they may also require that you file the CSS profile. I believe the big schools rely more on FAFSA whereas the small liberal arts schools use Profile more.</p>
<p>And if you donāt really need financial aid (but it would be nice to have), another consideration is if the school is needs blind or not. Because if theyāre not needs blind, asking for financial aid can hurt your kidsā chances (assuming there is an equivalently qualified applicant who does not need financial aid).</p>
<p>Welcome spritle! Is that chim-chim hiding in the trunk with you?</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Iāll defer to the experts.</p></li>
<li><p>Certain states have tuition exchange agreements with neighboring states. For example, this one is for Washington state residents: [Western</a> Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) | Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education](<a href=āhttp://www.wiche.edu/wue]Westernā>Save On College Tuition | Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)). Ours is quite confusing as each state has different schools that qualify, and not all students who attend those schools receive the exchange rate. Those who do, in WUE, pay 1.5x in-state tuition.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>I donāt know which, if any, states Virginia has agreements with.</p>
<ol>
<li>I really think it depends on the kid, and maybe the time of day, weather, tour guide, season, and their hormone fluctuations. Your son sounds thoughtful, realistic, and somewhat motivated. Are you hoping to motivate him more, and to what purpose? Does he already have an interest in the reach school?</li>
</ol>
<p>Hi Spritle</p>
<p>One benefit for doing the FAFSA and Profile is that it doesnāt close doors. With your taxes completed/filed, the FAFSA is a snap. The Profile require a lot more info and if a school takes Profile, they likely will have an IDOC service collect the paperwork. </p>
<p>Be sure to file your taxes in a timely manner this year and nextā¦try and avoid extensions because aid wont be finalized without filed tax returns</p>
<p>Classof2015 - Thank you! I do not think we are eligible for federal aid, and the way we are choosing schools, I dont think we will need financial aid. <em>fingers crossed</em> We are trying to ensure that Son comes out of undergrad without debt. </p>
<p>Seattle_mom - Yes, chim-chim is along for the ride!! Son has mentioned that he would like to visit William & Mary. We live close and are visiting next weekend. He has also mentioned UVA, but only because a couple of his teachers have told him he should apply. I dont think they realize how difficult it is to get in to UVA these days. While visits may motivate Son to actually study for his SAT, I dont think it will change his chances. I have not said this to him of course. Not sure what to say, actually.</p>
<p>Thanks fogdog. We are pretty quick filers. Are you saying that not filing the FAFSA will close some doors?</p>
<p>I use tuition exchange to refer to an employment benefit. Iām a long-time TRIO employee at a small LAC. As a benefit of my employment, I can apply for a tuition benefit at a number of sister institutions. There are many tuition exchange groups (catholic schools, lutheran schools, independant colleges, etc.) and a big one called Tuition Exchange (in caps!).</p>
<p>Welcome Spritle! (Edited to addā¦ Sorry, I typed this up a bit before I saw your update! Iāll leave it, but most is outdated nowā¦)</p>
<p>You definitely donāt need to worry about the Fafsa this year, but you should keep in mind how youāre planning to pay for college. If you fall into various lower and middle income (and asset) ranges you can qualify for need-based aid at many colleges. This is what Fafsa is for. HOWEVER, not all colleges āmeet needā and most who do or come close do so partially with loans for the student (sometimes for the parent too).</p>
<p>Iād highly suggest you get on the websites of some colleges your guy likes (Virginia Tech?) and run their net price calculator. Do this for a few schools (private and state) to get an idea of how much they are expecting you to come up with (unless, of course, you know you can be full pay). If the number is reasonable for you, youāre pretty much set. If you need to catch your breath, youāll want to look more closely at how much schools finances students (do-able with the Common Data Sets). If you have to be picked up off the floor, then youāll really want to search via aid - or consider schools where your guyās scores make him a likely candidate for merit aid. These wonāt be big name schools, but there are schools where 1800+ offer merit (not based upon income).</p>
<p>And encouraging vs realistic? If he likes the reach, tour it, but have a talk about scores and admission rates. You can do both that way. </p>
<p>BTW, law school isnāt known for producing guaranteed jobs in this day and age.</p>
<p>You guys probably know this, but many schools require the FAFSA for determination of merit aid. So pay attention to the detailed requirements of each school.</p>
<p>Thanks Creekland, I did have to pick myself up off the floor several times after using the NPCs! I feel blessed in that my husband had a mid-life crisis a few years ago and joined the military (ah, good times!). He is active duty and will be transferring his GI Bill benefits to Son. So, as near as I can tell (government regulations are clear as mud!), if we choose an in-state public, or choose a school that is an unlimited yellow ribbon participant, we should be fine on the financial part. </p>
<p>We have a chart of schools listing gpa, 75th% SAT scores and selectivity. Posted on his wall in his room, so he can get a feel for what it may take for him to get accepted. </p>
<p>(And I totally hear you on the law degree, but I didnt want to crush him quite yet. I like that he is actually thinking about collegeā¦)</p>
<p>Lindzāwhere does one look to learn if FAFSA is needed to be considered for merit aid?</p>
<p>Creeklandāloved the NPC thresholds of shock & awe: Can you breathe? Prostrate on the floor? Very entertaining!</p>