<p>@ warriordaughter, unfortunately my son did not make National Merit. Thanks though for the suggestion. </p>
<p>@ markham, we have done the net price calculator and it did not look good at all for us. In spite of the bleak look financially for us, I still believe my son should apply. I do believe in miracles! 
I also have encouraged him to apply for outside scholarships, which he has already done and continues to do. Other than that, I have not encouraged him to visit or actually speak with financial aid people as I would hate to see him even more enthusiastic regarding Colgate, only to not be able to attend due to lack of money. Any thoughts? Is this the wrong approach? Would Colgate view that as not really interested? I will keep you posted. Good luck to you!</p>
<p>@momrath, My son really like the academic program for economics. He also feels they have tremendous opportunities for their pre-law guidance. He seems to think that the professors really get to know their students, from what he has read, due to its size. Perhaps markham can verify this from his experiences? My son also likes the options of study abroad programs that Colgate already has in place in England for economics. Personally, I think the prefessor/student ratio might be a big factor since he is homeschooled. Thanks for the list. He is going to check into them a bit further, I think Kenyon was a bit higher on his radar for some reason, but I’m not sure why. </p>
<p>Thanks everyone so very much for your suggestions! These have been fantastic!!!</p>
<p><<,
Alabama was not even on our radar. My son sounds interested in considering it, BUT, it sounds so far!!! Is there a support group for moms who need to cut the apron strings - well, maybe just trim them! It certainly does look interesting! Thanks for the suggestion!</p>
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<p>Bama has huge parent support! Dont worry about it being far away. You would be in the same boat as many since Bama students come from all 50 states!</p>
<p>Not only is there a ton of support here on Bama’s very active forum here on CC <a href=“University of Alabama - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-alabama/</a> BUT, there is also a super-active Bama parents Facebook page (The University of Alabama Parents) with parents posting all the time. All you have to do is ask to join and state that you have a child who may apply. </p>
<p>Bama also has a highly ranked law school with a very high new-grad employment record.
You must visit!</p>
<p>davenmame,</p>
<p>This is no time to be shy about asking hard questions about the application and financial processes! Please call those offices with any and all of your questions. You would thereby be doing yourselves a favor and simultaneously get yourselves an education about the ins and outs of aid at Colgate and your other selections. First hand.</p>
<p>Further, I expect it will be up to you, as your son’s proud parents, to take the lead on this and to arrange a followup visit. Make appointments with a few departments to also explore the scope of the London study groups in economics, history, English and theater, as well as other groups worldwide that might enhance his major or complement his other interests.</p>
<p>Colgate’s staff and faculty understand your sensibilities and sensitivities. The one thing above all you will find at the school is ACCESS, something harder to deliver at much larger schools and/or at less well equipped admissions and financial aid offices.</p>
<p>Over to you and best of luck with your endeavors!</p>