<p>fsu-uf. i think part of the problem is the fact you're being so friggin insensitive. obviously this person needs some advice and is worried about their future...they don't need you to tell them that they just wasted 100k dollars which judging by the parents reactions wasn't easy for them. i mean, holy crap, can you get any more rude?</p>
<p>SweetLax88- I'm sorry about the rejections...Vanderbilt is a very good school and sometimes people just get unlucky. either way...i'm sure you will succeed at whatever school you choose.</p>
<p>What's the matter? Vanderbilt doesn't hold enough prestige to impress people at the Country Club? </p>
<p>The arrogance of elite prep-school parents and faculty (in New England and elsewhere) is amazing. </p>
<p>If your blood lines go back to the Mayflower and you've got a building named after you at an Ivy then maybe you have an in. Otherwise, the idea that anything south of New Jersey is trash should have faded after the 80's.</p>
<p>If your parents can afford 100K for your high school, you'll probably be more prepared for college-level classes than many other people.</p>
<p>Hold your head high. I'd take the southern aristocracy over the Newport/Hyannis people any day.</p>
<p>Thanks for your words domino. I have no problem going to Vandy, I visited it and I love it. Im guessing my parents just want to brag because of thier group of friends, Im the only one who was sent to a good private school. They just dont want to hear, "Vanderwhat?"</p>
<p>Anyway, does anyone know how Vanderbilt students fare on the job market right after graduation. Recruitment on campus like ND? I would like to hold a job at a well known corp for a couple of years and then pursue my MBA.</p>
<p>I don't think a % get to good companies statistic exists, not that it would be helpful. You got into a great school. Tell your parents to shove it. They should be embarassed.</p>
<p>coral gables high school isn't exactly a "wonderful public school"...it used to be a pretty good public school, but the neighborhood has deteriorated in the past decade or two, and it's suffered as a result</p>
<p>all credit to fsu-uf for finding a niche and making it out to a good school...miami public schools are more of a handicap than anything</p>
<p>There are lots of reasons to attend good prep schools other than college admissions. That was way down on the list for our family. The values learned, relationships formed with faculty and the education provided are worth every cent we paid for prep school. There are many great colleges, and Vanderbilt is one of them. I can assure you that if you do well at Vandy you will have no trouble getting into a good grad school or getting a good job. You will love Nashville and your Vandy experience. In fact, my son is so disappointed in his first year at his "prestigious" Ivy that he is wishing he had looked at more schools like Vandy.</p>
<p>Vanderbilt is a great school. Your parents should not be ashamed of it.</p>
<p>I don't know how much of a factor school type is when it comes to admissions, but I went to an inner-city public school and a lot of people in my college went to expensive prep schools. Their parents may have spent $100000 more than my parents did on high school, but they were a hell of a lot more prepared for the workload in college than I was.</p>
<p>Our school had similar results... We have always sent 10-20 kids to ivies , usuout of a grade of about 100 and this year only THREE people got in to ivies regular decision (and about 5got in early).... my counselor was totally freaking</p>
<p>Paying for high school, esp. the college priced boarding schools, is ridiculous. If it made you a shoo in for at least one of HYPMS, it might be worth it, but today admissions are too competitive. High school is unimportant in the grand scheme, so why not do the best you can at your local public. I guess there may be an exception for the drug/gang schools, but then find some kind of public magnet like IB. Unless your parents own multiple money trees, I don't see the point of paying 30k+ for high school</p>
<p>I am a senior in a very small, expensive private school. I was told that this would hurt my chances at college admission (which does admittedly sound ironic), but now that I think on it, I would never trade my years at my school for a bigger, public school. I love the close-knit community, the wonderful student-teacher relationships, the fantastic opportunities (top-notch facilities, excellent library, beautiful campus, plethora of sports and clubs, fun class trips), and above all, everyone here seems to love to learn. Class discussions are rich, and everyone is eager to participate. I believe that the quality of teaching is unbelievable, and I have absolutely no doubts at all that I will be well-prepared for college wherever I end up going. It's the overall experience that makes it worthwhile - so what if colleges tend to look not as favorably upon private schools? I have had a great high school experience, and now I am ready for the next stage.</p>
<p>Granted, there are many superb public schools that might offer a similar environment, but it's too late for the what-ifs. I got what I wanted, and I am happy with my (parents') decision.</p>
<p>Furthermore, for what its worth, Vanderbilt is a VERY well-respected school, and up there at the top. Definitely nothing to be ashamed of!</p>
<p>bobbo- you have no idea what advantages can be gained from boarding school. It is not for everyone, but it serves many kids extremely well. My kids consider it an incredible gift that we were able to give them and wouldn't trade the experience. It is NOT all about getting into a better college. It is about stopping by your teacher's house after your morning run to discuss an article in the NY Times. It is about starting a Friday night philosophy group in your dorm, which includes varsity athletes, musicians and international students. It is about learning to manage yourself and be responsible for getting yourself up, to class, to meals etc. It is about weekends in NYC with your classmates.<br>
If my kid had decided to go to a community college, I would still consider the boarding school money worth every penny.</p>
<p>Hmm, I think I came off as sounding very spoiled... perhaps I am spoiled to be blessed with the luxury of such a wonderful high school experience, and maybe in the long run it won't matter, but I reiterate: it has been a great experience.</p>
<p>Sharpie, what you said is extremly true. I love going to my school everyday. The friends I have there are the friends I will have for life. There are only 100 kids in my grade but everyone is close to each other. Sure there are groups, but everyone gets along.</p>
<p>The enjoy the facilities everyday and I honestly value the company of my teachers. We sometimes have lunch, play a game of tennis, watch Youtube, etc.</p>
<p>I honestly dont think that would be possible at a public school, even a good one. If I hung out with my professors, I would be seen as a grade grabbing suck up. I would have to compete with my friends and fellow classmates for rank and there are people who take away from the learning enviornment.</p>
<p>Im not saying one is better than another, because public does have its merits too; I just like my school very much and I know I will most defiantly enjoy Vanderbilt. Now I just have to relay this to my parents...</p>
<p>SweetLax, first thing I would do is talk with that guidance counselor. While it may seem like many of your schoolmates got into some of the schools you didn't, it is highly probably that the overall numbers are down. If that is the case, the counselors are probably going to be having this discussion with lots of students and parents. That may put things into perspective for you and your parents.</p>
<p>I personally would not want my kids to live away from me for 4 years, they have plenty of time to do that when they go to college. This is not a criticism. I just love to wake up knowing my kids are a down the hall from me and I want it to last a little longer. I think going away for college at 17 is early enough.
As for discussing NY Times article in the morning, what's wrong with discussing with your parents, that's what my family do.</p>