<p>S got accepted to the University of Southern Maine (I know it's not highly competative) in management (wants Sports Management). He really has his heart set on UNH but I just don't know if he will get in due to just meeting minimal standards (25 on ACT, 3.0 GPA, 1 honors class, no AP). We live in Virginia so I am hoping for a miracle (he also applied to UMass, UConn, UMinn any of which would be great).</p>
<p>I went to a self-reporting website and there was so much negative stuff about Southern Maine. It seems like there was negative stuff for all of the above school but I don't want to set my son up for a terrible expererience if USM is the only option. We have visited the school but it was summer so it's not a great time to really get a feel. Does anyone have any insight into what USM is really like? </p>
<p>Also, does anyone think he has any sort of chance at any of the other school listed? Sorry, I'm just feeling a bit desperate tonight...so is stressed over lots of stuff, family is stressed over lots of stuff...just looking for good news. Thanks!!!!</p>
<p>I think you have to take those student review sites with a grain of salt. My daughter attends the University of Pittsburgh and loves it. She’s a junior. If we had listened to what the student site said about Pitt, she never would have set foot on campus. </p>
<p>What is it about the review that bothers you? If you can give us specifics, we can chime in.</p>
<p>My brother-in-law attended the University of Southern Maine, but that was back in the day. I don’t think he has any regrets.</p>
<p>Thanks…the site says things like: no one graduates in 4 years, the faculty is awful, there’s alot of older students, there is no social life. Of course there were some positive comments too but, of course, I’m focusing on the negative (just my mood right now).</p>
<p>not sure what UNH’s avg. gpa for admitted students is, but the SAT range is 1030-1230
(CR +M). They don’t have data for ACT, since most submit SATs, but concordance tables show ACT 25 to correlate with 1150 SAT, so it looks like his test score could be right in the middle rather than on the lower end.</p>
<p>I have suggested it to my son and it may happen but he we have no familiarity with URI the way we do with the others (I went to UConn, son LOVES Maine, family in NH)</p>
<p>We loved the Sports Management program at the University of South Carolina. I am not easily impressed and I was there. I don’t know if your son would consider coming south, but USC is not a bad school. </p>
<p>The Sports Management program is led by a retired sports management professional and most of the classes are taught by professionals rather than professors. </p>
<p>I think your son’s stats would probably get him in.</p>
<p>OP–
I want to find a way to gently say to try to take it easy! You’ve asked about chances before for these schools for your son…and…even though Parent’s Forum doesn’t like to do “chances”…you have received good input.</p>
<p>Congratulations on the acceptance. Has your son spent an overnight at Univ of Southern Maine? If not…he should try to do so in Jan…but before the end of Jan. If he really doesn’t like it, there should be a few schools with good hockey teams (I recall that was on of his interests) that will still be accepting applications until at least Feb 1.</p>
<p>I have a friend who teaches at USM (liberal arts, not business)-- he’s brilliant, young, energetic… the city of Portland is such a great mix of old and new, the art museum there is great, the city feels fully alive …go see it. Your son might love it there.</p>
<p>I live just outside Portland. I have several friends who are profs at USM, and know kids who have gone there/taken classes there. (I’m most familiar with the music school, which has great people, and with the Muskie School of public policy, which also does great stuff.)</p>
<p>It is true that USM has many non-traditional students, and probably a fair number living at home. There are people who takes courses and don’t graduate, but I think you would find that with any school of its type. I think that USM has sufficient cohesion and campus life to provide a good college experience.</p>
<p>In addition, Portland is really a gem of a place, with arts resources–professional symphony, active artists and gallery scene (check out the monthly Friday night Art Walk!), art museums, active music scene, rep theater, etc-- far beyond what you would expect of a city of its size. And the outdoor recreational opportunities in the region–all seasons and ocean/land/mountain/river-- are great. I think of Portland as a mini-Seattle.</p>
<p>I also realize that he can always transfer if it is not the place for him. I guess I’m just feeling worn down a bit by the drama of the senior year and the stress of waiting, in addition to life’s other challenges. Thanks to all!</p>
<p>As VA residents, did you all consider James Madison U.? Your son’s stats are pretty typical there and it has bizarrely enthusiastic ratings from students. It also has a Division 1-AA athletic program like UNH and UMass, If your son’s interested in Sports Management, he’ll want to get a masters in it from one of the top graduate programs. He wouldn’t need to limit his undergrad choices to schools that have Sports Management emphases.</p>