Parents of the HS Class of 2017 - 3.0 to 3.4 GPA

Parents Forum
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@techmom99

Have you purchased everything already? BBB has a pretty great service called pack and hold if there is a BBB in the town. You pick everything out at your local store, scan it, pick a pick up time at the college area store. For me it’s a lot of peace of mind not having to stress about running around to multiple stores to pick things up and worry about things being sold out.

Are there other ways to get up there (train, plane?) that maybe could be combined? Take a train to somewhere semi close and rent a car from there? I am with you. I would NOT be driving 15 hours as the solo driver so would really be researching all my options. Which I am sure you have done.

HUGS. That is stressful.

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NY law is that 18 year olds can rent cars. The catch is that he’d have to rent the car, not you with him as an additional driver. They can also charge an additional ‘young driver’ fee. But check out, maybe one of the agencies has a deal that would work for you.

I’d buy everything there, and he doesn’t need much. Really. My daughter started with a car full of stuff (6+ big duffels of stuff) and now is down to one. I swear she had 6 or more blankets and comforters the first year and now just takes one comforter, a set of sheets and her (must have) mattress pad. Clothes are down to just a few things. Computer, phone and that’s about it.

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Wow @twoinanddone -

THANKS! I have been an attorney in NYS for over 30 years and never realized that people under 25 could drive rental vehicles. I don’t really think techson17 is experienced enough for the drive but my 21 year old is an amazingly good driver who has driven to the midwest and back (he is the only one of the 5 kids H will be a passenger with) and he owes me a trip because I bought him a $200 concert ticket with the proviso that he drive me upstate with techson17 - then our car started failing. I would let Techson17 drive upstate where it’s pretty empty but my other son could drive through Manhattan. I am certain the young driver’s fee would be less than flying up and shipping everything. You have given me hope.

@eandesmom - Techson17 is my third to go away to college so I already have a lot of stuff for him to use. There isn’t really much to get at BBB. He is starting to assemble a list of things he wants, like HIS brands of toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, etc.

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@techmom99 I’m sorry it’s so stressful. I’m in upstate/Western NY, but I’m pretty sure I’ll be moving S17 to MI when you’re heading this way with techson (although I’d love to meet up if you’re up here any other time–we get to the Buffalo area quite often)… If you do any sort of “ship to store,” and Fredonia doesn’t have whatever is your choice of store, you could choose one in the Buffalo area, it’s not that far away. Good luck–and let me know if I can do anything for you ahead of time to help “pave your path!”

As it is, we may have our own move in crisis. I’m hoping we can move S15 into his off campus apartment a bit early so both DH and I can go to MSU with S17–both boys are supposed to move in the weekend of Aug 26-27. I’m pretty sure it will be a rough weekend for me, so I’d like to have DH with me. But I do understand that at least one of us needs to help S15 with his move to his first true off campus “man cave” with his friends. I’ve asked who is bringing cookware/kitchen stuff for their apt., and S15 just shrugs…

@eandesmom And that brings me to S15’s personality which sounds so similar to your S19. When asked about his grades, he says he really does care, but he admits to not getting stressed out. He’s always been so laid back that I joke that we sometimes have to check him for a pulse. In his sports, he tends to gravitate toward the goalie position–partially because he’s pretty good at it, but also because his personality is such that he can shrug off the stress and put plays behind him, both good and bad, and focus on the here and now. S17 is SO DIFFERENT–highs and lows, stresses and worries, but happier happiness when things go well. It’s funny because they have similar interests, but approach problems and activities in totally different manners.

In the prepping for college front, S17 got a call from MSU today, asking him about his transcripts, photo upload for his college ID, and other portal administrative stuff. He told them the deal about his transcripts not getting there until next week (which he’d already emailed admissions about), and assured them he’d take care of the other things. And amazingly enough, requests from the college get more action out of him than nagging from his mother. 8-|

And he received his FINAL high school report card today–no surprises except a personal comment from his calculus teacher that he enjoyed having S17 in class and wished him well next year at U of M. :-S =)) Not exactly the thing that a new MSU Spartan wants to hear…

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@MSU88CHEng that’s pretty funny - 2 very different schools.

We’re going to have our own craziness in August but right now I’m assuming the ostrich position with head firmly in sand. S14 is currently attending summer classes as he is transferring from CC to state school in the fall and wanted to get a few classes done and get a feel for the campus. We move him home in early August, the next weekend S17 moves into Valparaiso, and then the following weekend we return S14. Pretty sure when all of that is done I’m gonna need a stiff drink. I’m already confused as to which college wants what when but haven’t missed any deadlines that I’m aware of - yet.

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@techmom99 Sorry not been on the board much the last few weeks

Why don’t you rent a car for your husband? And then you can take your car. I know… my husband can be stubborn sometimes and might fight than plan himself.

My D went to school on the other coast. We flew her & all her stuff. I went with her for move-in as a freshman and helped move her out but otherwise she was on her own. The basics of what we did… a) She brought a lot less than other kids - 4 big bags a few were duffles. b) We did the BB&B thing & also did a target run when we got there. And I rented a car to handle this. c) We shipped a few things in boxes. But only one odd size flat box with some really big items in it.

And we did the reverse on the way back. But since the whole family came to graduation she had more suitcases to use on the way back. We got rid of a bunch of stuff. I wasn’t paying to ship hangers, the bathroom caddy or the garbage can. Gave a bunch of stuff away. Shipped any and all books/papers home BOOK rate.

We will be driving for my son. It’s about a 7 hour drive, and my parents live an hour away.

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Hi everyone, I was on vacation last week and just caught up on reading this thread. Congratulations to everyone whose DC graduated in late June!

@eandesmom I am in awe of all you accomplished during the houseguests/graduation party/starting your new job phase! I hope things have calmed down since and that you’re starting to feel recovered.

@techmom99 I don’t envy you having to move 2 kids in at once. I’m having a hard enough time wrapping my mind around moving 1 kid in. Good luck working out the logistics.

D17 and I did a little dorm shopping on Saturday, which was fun. Since she’s going 2,000 miles away, we’re not buying a lot in advance, but she does want to buy her bedding and bring it with her so that she can be assured that she’ll be able to make up her bed the first night. We went to 5 stores in search of sheets. She had her heart set on patterned sheets, which aren’t easy to find in Twin XL. In the end, she gave up on patterned sheets and ordered some plain sheets from Target. At first she was resistant to the bed bug protector for mattress and pillow, but after I explained that the dorm mattress might be old and stained, she changed her mind.

She has received her dorm room and roommate assignment and has been in touch with her roommate. It sounds like they are both late sleepers and on the messy side.

BTW for anyone whose DC is flying to college with a backpack (as in a backpacking backpack), I spent some time researching the best way to fly with one without having straps caught in conveyor belts. After discussing it with D17, we decided on a $3.99 blue zippered IKEA bag. It should be strong enough to stand up to the conveyor belts, and if it does tear, for $3.99, we can throw it out and buy a new one. I had wanted D17 to buy the Osprey one they sell at REI for $40ish, but D17 felt that was a waste of money, and I then I read 2 out of 3 reviews on REI’s website that said it ripped the first time it was used on a plane. In the past, D17 has just stuffed her backpack inside a rolling suitcase, but this time, her rolling suitcase is going to need to hold other things.

August 20 is creeping up - I can’t believe it’s July already!

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AP results start coming out this week. Is anyone else nervous?

My D17’s college is not until July 31 and she moves in on August 29th. We are taking a vacation in late August and she’ll be home in time to pack up a couple of days before moving. Thank goodness her dorm is less than 5 miles away so she can easily shuttle stuff back and forth.

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S17 only had Calc AB for AP tests, and needed a 4 for any credit at MSU–he didn’t get it but wasn’t surprised at all. He still has a chance to place out of university math (except stats) with a good score on the proctored math placement test at orientation next week. He’s more interested in his IB scores that come out tomorrow…

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@techmom99, have you worked out your driving situation yet? My H is still trying to decide if he wants to come to RIT for drop-off. I think he absolutely should and will wish he had if he doesn’t. At this point we need to buy tickets soon since we’re flying.

@MSU88CHEng, yes, requests from the college get much quicker action than requests from Mom with my D17 as well! I hope the doubled up move-in’s will work out. Looks like you have similar challenges @smakl70. We may have similar problems when S18 starts college.

@NolaCAR, yes time is indeed flying! Oldest D gets married in less than 3 weeks (and I’m pretty involved in planning), S18 heads for his Germany orientation Aug 4 (and won’t see him again until next spring!) and D17 moves in Aug 19. Is this how it feels to be sitting at the top of Niagra Falls in a barrel??

On a happy note, @MotherOfDragons made me this great new avatar. It has the CU-Boulder Buff for D11, RIT Tiger for D17, and of course a mysterious question mark for S18 on a triskele. Thank you!

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@snoozn at least there aren’t any conflicts - it’s just going to be a busy time. I’m hoping we can keep all the boxes straight and get them to the correct places. I feel like I’m waiting for the starter pistol to go off.

Taking S17 to the Bed Bath and Beyond college event at our local store in 2 weeks and hoping to finish up all of his necessities. Has anyone ever been to one? Is it going to be as crowded and crazy as I’m thinking?

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^^I would not go to such an event even if they were giving away free things. Why go when everyone else will be there? You can go at any time and have things shipped to your college location or store.

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They are giving 20% the entire purchase plus you may be able to stack your other coupons on top of that for extra savings but I am thinking it may be a madhouse. I have braved a Walmart on black Friday though so how much worse can it be?

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^^I always get a 20% off the entire purchase in August every year (2 kids in school). I’ve also been saving the 20% off one item coupons I get in the mail (BB&B always honors them, even if expired), and the $5 off a $15 purchase.

I’ve never known them to stack a 20% off entire purchase with another coupon, but they do allow multiple 20% off one item coupons to be used in the same transaction. If you really can stack a 20% on top of a 20%, that might be worth it but only if I were going to save A LOT, and I didn’t really spend a lot on BB&B type things for college. My kids took their comforters from home, their foam pads, towels. They did get new XL twin sheets, but I found those in other places (one set new in the package at the thrift store - $3.

I’m the person who would rather pay twice as much for tickets before going to ‘free’ day at the zoo. No thank you. I’ve also given up Black Friday shopping. Used to be fun, but no longer.

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Allright, I braved the proxy and snagged S17’s AP scores.

AP Lit was a total bust but it would have been a largely worthless credit anyway, I don’t think the class it gives credit for would even be a valid elective for his major.

APES on the other hand came in at a 4 and he only needed a 3 for credit. So that’s good and it should definitely count even though the class isn’t required for his major (since he switched to Environmental Studies) it should be a solid major related elective credit which may also be a pre-req for some other things, I am not sure.

I also got a bit more out of the kid post orientation. He is SOOOOOOOOOOOOO happy with his major and college choice, it’s pretty cool. Loved loved loved what he saw regarding the program and Rubenstien, and felt it really was the right call for him. He’s excited, he “has” to be involved in campus wide composting for his Learning Community.

@mommdc 13 is livable but I’d rather he had 14-15. We will see, he refuses to find out until he gets there when classes start and seems to think changing things will be easy. We shall see if he is right!

Graduating on time is definitely a concern, the budget does not allow for extra time and I’d like him to be used to a full load in the 14-16 range while the scholarship requirements are a tad lower.

@techmom99 I was only thinking of BBB pack and hold for big items that are a pain to travel with like comforter, pillows, etc.

@MSU88CHEng good luck on the dueling move ins! The man cave one is arguably more work and time I’d think. SMH on the calc teacher comment!

@NolaCAR that is very helpful on the backpack! I do think S17 will want it and was struggling with how to get it there. Much as I dread going to IKEA, that would be worth it…unless they sell it online lol.

@snoozn I LOVE the new avatar! It’s perfect.

@smakl70 the local BBB event is while we are on vacation and I have enough coupons that it wasn’t really needed. I did pack and hold for the big items, ordered a few things sent to the house that we will fly out with us, and we will just pick out the rest of the stuff there.

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@eandesmom, your son might get a kick out of this, in Germany where my parents live, recycling is mandatory, and they even have a bin for coffee grounds, egg shells, vegetable scraps they collect for composting.

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@rbc1999 Where are you going on your vacation? It is fun to compare notes on logistics-your D has one of the shortest moves, my D has a long one, and some DC are moving all the way to Europe!

@snoozn Love your new avatar! Congratulations on your D’s wedding and how nice that she is involving you in the planning. I’m sure it’s bittersweet to send S18 off to Germany for his last year of HS when D17 is moving out I agree with you that your DH will regret it if he doesn’t come along for move in. At first, we were only going to have 1 parent fly out with DD, but then we realized we will all sleep better having seen D on campus, in her dorm room, etc. So now all of us, including DS22, are flying out with D.

@twoinanddone I’m with you on the shopping. The last time I shopped on Black Friday was 12 years ago when my MIL wanted me to accompany her to pick out shirts for a family photo. The lines were intolerable! I prefer Cyber Monday.

@eandesmom Since we live 2.5 hours from IKEA, I ordered the blue zippered bags on Amazon. They were $6 instead of $4 but even if I lived next door to IKEA I might pay the extra $2 to not have to brave the store. I’m so happy your DS is thrilled with his major and college choice. And I hear you about not having enough in the budget for more than 4 years.

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@NolaCAR , we’re going to Walt Disney World. We have annual passes and we’ll fly on airline miles so it won’t cost us a whole lot.

I took a peek at my D17’s AP results. She got a 3 in Calc A/B which was what I was expecting. She won’t get credit for Calc A/B (which she needs for her major) but she gets 3 math credits. She also got a 2 in APSE. THAT one was a shock since she got straight A’s in the class. That is the second time she got straight A’s in a class and failed the exam. I know she doesn’t test well, but still. There is a disconnect when a student earns straight A’s and then fails the AP exam. If she got a “C” in the class then I would be more understanding.

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S17 was officially awarded his IB diploma! :D/ There was a score that wasn’t exactly pretty (French, I’m looking specifically at you…), but he survived, and I think the extra writing and projects will help him going forward. He’s a bit annoyed that he got a B on his extended essay–missed an A by 1 point… He was one of only 2 in his graduating class to go through the full IB diploma program–the other was the valedictorian.

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@NolaCar My son has been flying with his backpacking backpack for years. Straps and all. He simply pulls the straps and short and they will go. Never had a problem with them getting caught in conveyor belts. What he doesn’t do is have anything hang outside the bag and he does make sure all of the outside straps and such tight.

Do love those blue IKEA bag though. It’s a good idea. In fact I sent my son to camp with one, because for 2 months he needed more stuff. And a great idea for a cheep “duffle” for all of our kids particularly the ones flying. You can fold it up small when you get to the destination, or mom or dad can stuff in it another suitcase.

@smak170 Never been to a BB&B college event. We did do the purchase & pickup option for my daughter. But I HATE crowds and not sure if it’s worth the extra $$ off.