They got that number from their survey. However, at a minimum the article is written in an alarmist misleading tone. For example, they say the top choice of freshmen is to stay at home and do online classes. This is true (based on their numbers). However, all 3 other choices involve returning to campus, so it’s pretty misleading to say the top choice is to not go.
I’m not familiar with the company, but they are certainly presenting the survey on their website in a similarly alarmist fashion. It is clearly designed to drive page views, and probably drum up business. Given the way it is being presented, I question the structure of the survey and it’s methodology, even though I’m not familiar with either. But it certainly looks like they did this survey with the agenda of finding the result they found.
I’m one of the biggest alarmists on here for how COVID and the colleges’ responses will hurt the 2021’s. If I’m skeptical, that’s probably a pretty big red flag.
Most of the comments i see on the parent page for my son’s school are kids backing out of housing, since the majority of classes have moved online. It’s a state school, and with a 10% tuition cut for the year, pretty much the same price as if they did community college from home. Some freshman commenting they may withdraw, but the vast majority are just not doing housing. I don’t blame them for freshman - it’s just about the same cost as the tuition!
I think a lot of state schools don’t allow gap years so kids don’t have that option and would need to withdraw and apply again next year. Without a gap year option, I’m guessing most of these kids are opting to take class.
I’ve heard this topic discussed on more than one college admissions podcast, and the message to applicants has always been emphatically in confirmation of your gut reaction.
DD21’s college list is starting to take shape. Her stats: 4.43 w/GPA, 34 ACT. ECs include horseback riding, art (considering including a portfolio as part of application), Science Olympiad every year in HS, Latin and Science Honor Societies. Not much in the way of leadership, I’m afraid. She volunteers at her barn and just started a part time job at a nursery.
She aspires to be a veterinarian and has zero interest in big time sports or Greek life. She will most likely major in animal science (if the school offers it) or biology. She is a bit socially awkward, doesn’t like being in a crowd and has some anxiety issues. She appreciates good teaching, writes well and wants to continue her equestrian activities in college.
Her schools so far:
Virginia Tech – Our in-state number one choice, it has a great animal science program, the vet school she wants to attend and has an equestrian team. Would probably major in animal science. Match/safety.
William & Mary – Our in-state nerd school (her words, not mine). I think she would fit into the student body well, it has the intellectual environment, good teaching, not a big sports school. Our concern is the more intense atmosphere would not help her anxiety. Reach.
Miami University (OH) – Kind of an oddball pick but we’ve heard lots of great things about it, there’s an equestrian center on campus and the teaching is supposed to be excellent. The Greek life is a turn off, as is the party reputation but there is a great chance at getting into the honors college and merit aid. Beautiful campus doesn’t hurt. It may be too social for her. Match/safety.
St. Mary’s College of Maryland – The closest one to us, we’ve heard so many great things about the excellent teaching, student research opportunities, the senior project and they prepare their students well for med/vet school. Would probably major in biology. Hoping for good merit aid. Safety.
Cornell – Her dream animal science school. Might be too intense academically but why not try and see what they say, right? Super reach.
Other schools we’re tossing around: College of Wooster (trying to find something similar to St. Mary’s), Gettysburg College (same, but more of a match/reach and probably unaffordable), Mt Holyoke (also a reach and unaffordable, but they have an equestrian center, excellent teaching and a cooperative, empowering atmosphere), Lafayette College (a bit reachy but have heard good things about it).
Any other places we should consider? Probably not interested in going south or much further west than Ohio. Thanks.
@Muad_dib She may want to consider University of New Hampshire. They have a broad animal science curriculum, including equine studies and an equestrian team.
For another safety, I might take a look at Randolph-Macon which is in your neck of the woods. Fantastic equestrian program, great barn only 1 mile from campus, lots of opportunities to work at other nearby barns during school, or in Florida during the summer, and since the women who runs the program is so well connected, I would think you could probably volunteer/intern with local vets as well. No animal science program but they seem to have a decent biology program from what I remember. Definitely small but that should help with the social anxiety piece. Decent merit with those stats too.
Wisconsin is farther west but we know a very strong student going there who wants to be a vet and they have a program where you take a set of classes freshman year and then can transfer to Cornell. That’s her plan. Maybe it’s worth a look.
@Muad_dib, Look at Dickinson! I know they have an equestrian team (was recently surprised to hear of it), a nice, newish science building, an organic farm (that does have some animal component to it) and a strong environmental science program (which leads me to believe there may be a solid biology component too). Her 34 and GPA would be strong there, so maybe some chance for merit aid. Less dominant Greek life than Gettysburg and I have a feeling maybe a wider array of “types” of students. I think it would be a safety school for her that wouldn’t feel too much like a safety school.
A parent I know whose son graduated from St. Mary’s a year ago just told me recently how much he liked his time there and that all his friends are doing well…he’s starting law school and has friends in med school and vet school.
@Muad_dib I would not rule out Mt Holyoke just yet. They offer up to full tuition in merit and it’s said to be a very nice place for equestrians. And yes, report that ACT!
You also might consider Ohio Wesleyan as match/safety (near Columbus). It has four Zoology undergraduate tracks (at least one specifically pre-vet) and merit awards up to full tuition, perhaps full ride?
Gettysburg is very Greek.
Washington & Lee is probably way too Greek for her but it is also good for equestrians and has merit scholarships up to full ride.
Welcome @Muad_dib! My high stats D18 was offered 1/2 tuition scholarship at Mt. Holyoke. You may know this, but we had heard a key to getting merit there is showing a lot of interest, so that’s what my D did.
Reach out to your AO, ask questions, request an interview. The AO prolly won’t be traveling this Fall but will be available to talk with your D!
My engineering-bound student is very interested in Virginia Tech. We visited more than a year ago and it seems like a great place to spend 4 years!
@Muad_dib , not sure if your daughter is considering Canada, but Department of Animal Science is located on the Macdonald Campus of McGill University and Ontario Veterinary College at University of Guelph have reputable veterinary programs.
Question: On average, how many units can Freshmen transfer with? (AP classes/community college classes)? My daughter technically has 42 units (but I know that’s too many to transfer with - about how many units can she keep?)
Some developments here to report…We found S21 a seat for the Aug 29 SAT about 50 minutes away…yay! (for now lol!). He set up his Common App account today, opened the apps and began filling out the basic information. He will be starting on short answer questions tomorrow. Expanded Resume done…Apply Texas and Common App Essay done…His college advisor has set up the order for which apps he’ll be submitting first…starting with OSU… It’s all happening so fast!
We still don’t have his schedule for school yet…I’m hearing it could
be Wednesday…school starts Aug 19!
