<p>Trying to figure out where to research/visit/apply in 2012. My d is an AA junior. Despite a learning disability, she's honor roll throughout HS. Gpa is about 3.8, but that's not AP or honors level. Standardized tests are her arch enemy. Abysmal. She just made varsity fencing team as a lefty and loves it.</p>
<p>We've determined (with her) that she needs...
Small class size, academic support, constructively competitive environment, east coast to Midwest location (warmer the better), fencing club or team (if possible).</p>
<p>Parents are all Ivy, so there's admittedly some pressure there in terms of choosing some name recognition (if not Ivy).</p>
<p>I agree with the idea about her applying to the test optional schools. She might as well apply to schools where the rules favor her. Why apply to a school where standardized tests are an important consideration, if she is bad at standardized tests. If her standardized test scores are abysmal, then I would concentrate on schools that don’t look at standardized tests. I believe Bowdoin is on that list.</p>
<p>You should read through the Parents and Learning Disabilities forums for ideas on how to approach this. There are a number of threads on this kind of issue where you should find useful information.</p>
<p>People might be able to give more useful suggestions if you mentioned intended or possible major(s) and cost and financial aid constraints. Also, state of residency can be relevant.</p>
<p>Thanks again. I’m new to the site. Didnt know it had so much to offer with such level of detailed and specific forums. I will look for the P&LD forum.</p>
<p>As far as major, I’d say she’s undecided. She wants medicine, business (entrepreneurship), but that’s about as specific as it gets. I sum, I think she wants to be a professional in a helping/health profession. We’re in NJ, where all the students leave for college (smile). As for financing, We are hoping that she can get a partial scholarship for fencing…maybe. We’ll do what we can, but not exactly sure what contributions are sought from parents these days so I’m hoping the forums on this site can help with a reality check there as well.</p>
<p>* As for financing, We are hoping that she can get a partial scholarship for fencing…maybe. We’ll do what we can, but not exactly sure what contributions are sought from parents these days so I’m hoping the forums on this site can help with a reality check there as well. *</p>
<p>Some of the prestigious schools don’t give athletic scholarships. The Div III don’t either. do you know which schools give partial scholarships for fencing? Realize that a partial scholarship could mean getting very little.</p>
<p>And, many of the prestigious schools only give “need-based aid”…which is based on family income/assets. </p>
<p>Most schools don’t “meet need”, but many of the prestigious schools do. A rough estimation of what your family would be expected to pay at a “meets need” school is about 25-33% of your income (if you have assets, this could be higher). So, a family with an income of about $150k and modest assets would be “full pay” at most schools. </p>
<p>You need to determine how much you can pay each year and then determine how much various schools would expect you to pay. If schools will expect you to pay more than you can, then you need to have a strategy for finding affordable schools.</p>
<p>Is she going to test again? What are her current scores?</p>
<p>She wants medicine, business (entrepreneurship), but that’s about as specific as it gets</p>
<p>Since you say that she doesn’t test well, then taking the MCAT or similar for med school or professional school may not be a good idea.</p>
<p>Research all test-optional schools with fencing teams. Lots of very good colleges are test-optional, but they usually have earlier application deadlines, and often require additional essays and supplements. It’s good that you’re starting early. Use the search tools here on CC to find colleges that fit your criteria.</p>
<p>Epee, Clarify your finances first. As noted, there are two types of aid: Need based and Merit based. Often a college will either give one or the other. The most selective colleges usually only offer Need based aid.</p>
<p>To determine how much Need based aid you may be eligible for use an on-line calculator. This isn’t 100% consistent from college to college, but it will give you an idea of what you’ll be expected to contribute. If that works for you, then proceed with an open ended list.</p>
<p>If, on the other hand, you can’t get by with what the colleges think you need, you’ll have to look at colleges that offer Merit. There are some good schools in this category, but they are for the most part different from the Need based schools.</p>
<p>Once you’ve determined what you can afford, come back and you’ll get more advice than you ever imagined. There are dozens of good, nurturing small liberal arts colleges from the Eastcoast to the Midwest. Finding the right one is a journey, but it’s also an exciting time for you and your daughter. As you progress it does get less confusing. A year from now you’ll be the one giving advice. :)</p>
<p>Finances aside, from what you’ve told us about your daughter I’d start with Smith, Haverford, Kenyon, Grinnell. (I didn’t check the fencing part, though.) Research those see what appeals and what doesn’t then keep widening the circle.</p>
<p>Wow!! I feel like we just gained top notch mentors in a matter of 24 hours! You guys have given us a lot to look into and great direction. Cant wait to return the favor! Headed to find aid calculators now…</p>
<p>Each college & university whose students are eligible for federally determined (per the FAFSA) aid are now required to post a Net Price Calculator on their websites. Since this is a brand new requirement, the jury is still out as to whether or not those will be accurate. For commentary on the NPCs so far, see the Financial Aid Forum.</p>