<p>DS’14 tagged along with DD’12 for a tour of a dozen schools last summer. I hope he has a good memory because I am not doing THAT again anytime soon! He just returned from a great trip overseas. Now he gets some sleep, a little downtime and then I will hound him on the PSAT studying.</p>
<p>My DS’14 just got home from a month at camp. He has a large assignment for AP English due Friday, so I’m not hounding him on the college stuff until that is done ;-)</p>
<p>beadymom: My oldest son, now a rising senior in college, got to tour Wash U four years ago (the school paid for him to visit, too). Great school. He really saw himself there, but he had two offers that would allow him to graduate without debt, so he chose one. (Doesn’t regret that choice, either) Wash U did offer him a really nice scholarship, which did make him think. </p>
<p>Son '14 continues to train for cross country season. We stopped at his HS and chatted with the AD. He actually asked him for some scheduling advice, which, he thought, was pretty cool. Last week, we toured ECU. Nice school – all the dorms have AC, which is important, because it was 96 the day we visited. Has a lot to offer, particularly to those students interested in math/science. Son was impressed with the new track and field facilities, as well as the student rec center and student union building, which has a bowling alley. (His dad liked that, too). </p>
<p>Like many of you, I have given my son the reminder about summer work. Hopefully, he gets the message, as cross country practice starts in a week.</p>
<p>beadymom–It was really interesting comparing NU, WashU and UofC–from a tour and overall “feel.” We had an amazing theatre/econ major tour guide at NU. He painted a picture of a school of passionate, energetic students who have a lot of opportunities for fun and academics. There were a couple of things that didn’t impress me–a lot of the students live off campus after freshman year and he was really talking up classes like card counting for poker. We also had a great tour guide at Univ. of Chicago but the panel of students who spoke for the information session definitely struggled to define how U of chicago kids had “fun,” especially compared to NU kid who exuded it (perhaps too much?) There were many things that impressed me about Wash U–they seem to have the advising system down really well and there is a lot of cross-communication between the deans of the different schools. So if you do a double major, they really seem to work in tandem. And perhaps the most compelling statement for me was that the dean said, kitschy as it sounds, that Wash U wants “nice” kids. And we really saw that on the campus with so many student giving us help finding a particular building and sharing their thoughts on their experiences at school. They all seem to exist in a Wash U bubble with the majority of them living on campus. As a parent, there was something very comforting hearing that the school wants kind kids and really supports them to find and succeed in wherever their passions lie.</p>
<p>momreads~D1 did the same thing. WashU offered her a really nice scholarship, but she choose to go debt free at another school. She is happy with that decision.</p>
<p>D2 is finishing up her online college class, squeezing in summer reading and preparing for 2 weeks of marching band camp that starts Monday. She is also anxiously waiting for her schedule to arrive in the mail (first year the school system has done this) to see if she got all of her requested classes. She opted to move to the new high school to have a smaller graduating class but she has heard rumors that some classes aren’t being offered. Hopefully we’ll know today since others have received their schedules already.</p>
<p>Finally found out why DS hadn’t received his AP score report - He had written the school address rather than his own! Hmmm… Sharp enough to get all 4s but unable to follow directions…</p>
<p>Haha! Doesn’t it amaze you how these brilliant kids can even cross the street sometimes?? 
Glad you found them!</p>
<p>pdxsuzanne- We visited those three schools over spring break and they were the first tours we had done.
Wash U ( impressions were sure to be influenced by beautiful 78 degree spring day- we were coming from frozen tundra)-very picture perfect, gorgeous architecture yet new inside, everything was super clean, no litter, nice guide, enthusiastic students, self- contained, great food, ‘everyone’ (somehow) triple-majors(!!!) and studies abroad (!), seems like they have strong advising program
Northwestern-I had pictured a more cohesive layout (spoiled by Wash U, I guess), enthusiastic guide spent a lot of time fixated on the rock on campus that everyone paints, we didn’t get to go into an buildings on the tour. I would had liked to go into the theater/arts (?) building which looked impressive but this was just a stroll by. No look in the dorms either. The building which he referred to as the most beautiful on campus- wasn’t to me. He touted patch of scrubby grass where the kids play frisbee and gather was hard to imagine because there wasn’t anyone around. The food court was a bit of a downer after the one at Wash U. Strange but one of the most indelible impressions I left with was the all of the cigarette butts on the ground everywhere. I tried to look past it but it just gave me the feeling that people didn’t care–about their health, the campus, the environment, etc. I hate to be so swayed by aesthetics but with everything I heard about the school, I had imagined it differently. Love the location, love Chicago, and was struck by the “energy” of the students. I do wonder about the advantage of going there over somewhere like UW Madison ( also Big 10, but public and also a lot less expensive–I would appreciate any insight)
Univ of Chicago–big preview day, torrential rains, beautiful buildings, quirky guide who made it a point to talk about all of the parties/partying (!)-don’t think that impressed the parents, we were able to hear several lectures in the chapel which was nice for my student. If I was marketing I might have picked a certain type of speaker-relaxed, with polished lecture with a bit of humor, but then again, bonus points for realism 
Got a first look at the almost open new Arts building which was very impressive.</p>
<p>So I guess the point of my too long post is that I was surprised at what stood out to me-some of it very superficial. I also realized how little you actually see and know before you have to make a decision and after you go to several campuses they all seem to say a lot of the same things.</p>
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<p>One piece of advice is if possible, try to arrange for the student to attend a class (or even two, so that a single excellent or horrible prof doesn’t impact things excessively). For my S’11 we didn’t do this on initial visits, but we re-visited the schools that had accepted him and were affordable, and had him sit in on classes at each school. I think they really helped him – in addition to observing the teaching and class sizes, the student can also observe how engaged students are, whether they are on facebook rather than paying attention, etc.</p>
<p>Also, take photos write down some impressions after each visit so the don’t all blend together, because as you say, a lot of times they seem to say all the same things.</p>
<p>Good advice, MathMom. Visiting in summer, you don’t get an opportunity to sit in on classes (at least not as easily). Maybe senior year after acceptances would be a good time to go back and revisit the favorites.</p>
<p>Momreads & BamaMom - I definitely understand the graduating with no debt option. That is my goal too! So where did they end up? (I’m picturing one at Alabama!)</p>
<p>pdxsuzanne & Mrspepper - thanks for your additional information on the Chicago schools. I’ve been to Chicago twice when my ds was playing quiz bowl. Our QB coach’s son attends NW, so each year we made it a point to go to church on campus at his church. So, I’m not sure how much of the campus I saw just from the main road (probably not much!). But it did seem much more spread out than WashU. I kind of liked the layout of WashU. </p>
<p>I was trying to plan a swing through Texas before school starts. Does anyone have any recommendations or thoughts on Texas schools? Right now, UT-Austin, Texas A&M, Rice and Baylor are on our radar. There will be a “Colleges That Change Lives” college fair in a couple of weeks and thought we could hit that, then visit some schools.</p>
<p>Yes, we did our “re-visits” during April vacation senior year. Fortunately, colleges have a different vacation schedule so they were in session. It’s a busy time to visit, but it worked out well for us.</p>
<p>You guessed it Beadymom! LOL! The NMF scholarship played a huge part in the decision making, but she also really liked the art department professors better than the one she met at WashU (he essentially chastised her for using oils, her preferred medium, during a portfolio review). I think that played a big part in her choosing to attend the SMU President Scholar finalist interview weekend instead of the Danforth Scholar finalist interview… (they were the exact same weekend, so she could only do one) …I know, I know…some here are probably saying “WHAT??” But it was her choice and she felt she had a better chance at SMU and she was interested in the 5 year program with Guild Hall. The important part, she is very happy at UA and will have funds to attend Grad school if she chooses.</p>
<p>Still no AP scores via snail mail… not sure what to make of that… who can I call? Maybe I should email her AP teacher to inquire? As he is the one who emailed her score to me at the beginning of the month… any ideas?</p>
<p>She will be finishing up with her summer program on Friday. So nice to get her out of this crazy city for the month of July. She is at the age now where she really enjoys doing things with her friends so when she isn’t home, I worry like crazy. I would love to keep her locked in the house til she goes off to college in two years but I know that is not possible.</p>
<p>She will be taking a class at one of the universities here in town and has an info session I Monday. She is unsure of the class that she wants to take… so much to choose from. Then there is also the issue of the class being full.</p>
<p>I called (888) 225-5427 (toll-free in the U.S. and Canada) and waited to speak to an operator. She quickly figured out why we had not received a score report (See above) ;)</p>
<p>Hi All </p>
<p>Checking in. No APs for K2 the past 2 yrs as the school doesn’t allow it. So no lost reports. Hope everyone gtes their reports soon.
K2 has been busy this summer with a sports camp, a camping trip, etc. In recent days has been working.
Books have started arriving for the fall classes. I hope K2 enjoys the classes more now that there are more choices/options.
Cannot believe summer is almost over here. In less than a month classes begin and K1 (older sibling) will be back at college.</p>
<p>Hope everyone’s kids are enjoying their summer, doing fun things and getting a chance to decompress from the rat race/academic year. I know K2 is missing seeing friends regularly and at the same time enjoys the change of routine…</p>
<p>@Apollo6–Thanks for the number. I called them. Closed for the day. They are EST. I will give them a buzz tomorrow.</p>
<p>I got my scores pretty late (like last week), but I live in a different country and almost out of town, so that might explain it.</p>
<p>My summer so far has been pretty good. The only issue is, as soon as I come home from lab, I collapse and don’t feel like doing anything else. I have this whole study/standardized test plan/key dates plan made up, but I lack the willpower to follow it. I need to though, or I will be 100% over my head as soon as school starts and this isn’t the best year to mess up. 
sigh.</p>
<p>I have started looking at colleges and I think I have around 25 institutions total (both Canada and America) on my list. </p>
<p>Before you tell me that I’m insane ;), the canadian application process is usually a bit later and less stressful. If I’m good enough for top US schools (which I hope to be) and get in EA or RD to a school/schools I like and can afford, I’ll drop most/all Canadian schools and probably at least half US school apps. </p>
<p>I know a girl who got rejected from all US schools but has a rare conditional acceptance to the UToronto MD-PhD program! As a freaking high school student! BS/MD is one thing, but MD-PhD!. </p>
<p>Anyways, I find that I’m happiest in a specific type of environment, with a specific type of people. I bet most schools I’m applying to could give me that environment in bits and pieces, but the ones that really seem to exude <em>that</em> vibe are the ones I find most attractive. </p>
<p>I only have 2 official classes for my senior year; the rest will doubtless be EPGY or some other distance learning so I should be fine for apps.</p>
<p>Best wishes to you and all of your kids for the coming weeks and year ! :)</p>
<p>No paper score for a June 9th ACT here. Is that normal? The basic scores(composite plus each subject area) are viewable on-line but doesn’t the paper report include more of a breakdown for each section?</p>
<p>Hmm…</p>
<p>Rescuing from page 3. We spent part of the weekend in Chicago where D was attending the HOBY World Leadership Conference for the past week. She has a truly outstanding week and was totally exhausted when we picked her up Saturday morning. Since she had been on the Loyola Chicago campus for the program we drove 10 minutes up the lakefront and drove around and through the Northwestern University campus in Evanston. We also stopped and did a similar drive through self-tour of Notre Dame on our way home from Chicago. D thinks this may be the size of school she likes but we still have a couple of smaller LAC’s and one large state flagship to get her through so she has enough information to start focusing on one type and size of school. Its hard to believe but school starts in three weeks and D’s tennis tryouts are just a week away. Good luck to everyone with the back to school process!</p>