<p>My son went to a public high school for two years and received mediocre grades in regular level classes (2.4 GPA), I then transfered him to a private school where he received a 4.0 GPA in all honors and AP level classes (with a 4 in 3 AP's and a 5 in 2 AP's). I'm bringing him to schools of all different calibers to visit because I'm not sure where exactly he'll gain admission, if anyone could please give me a starter list where they'd think he will have a reasonable chance of admission it would be greatly appreciated. </p>
<p>SAT Score 680-720-650 (in R,M,W respectively)</p>
<p>This is a pretty general question. Do you or he have any preferences for region, distance from home, in state public, private, small LAC, big U...sports...certain programs...</p>
<p>Without knowing anything else, I would say: look at your "flagship" university and go from there. Find a safety school -- one that he can probably get into and one that you can afford without any or much financial aid. Once you find your safety school (and it may not be your flagship, but this is as good a place as any to start), then you can work your way up to some matches, some reaches, and everywhere inbetween.</p>
<p>I have read a lot of CC and one thing that bothers me is when kids get accepted to expensive private colleges that they cannot afford. Do the math and try out the FAFSA estimator. Unless price is no object.</p>
<p>If price is no object, it is really a whole different ballgame.</p>
<p>That's a very impressive turn-around. If your S can convey what has changed for him in a thoughtful and compelling personal essay, he could do quite well. Especially at a place that would actually take the time to evaluate his application individually -- i.e., not too big and not hyper-selective. (From your list, I would put Columbia and Duke in the hypercompetitive category.) </p>
<p>Your list includes mostly larger places, and I'm curious why this is. He might want to think carefully about what made the environment of his second HS so much better for him, and consider the implications for college selection. If it was personal attention, good relationships with teachers, discussion-based classes, etc., then going with a big university might be the wrong direction.</p>
<p>curious how the OP got her child into all honors & AP classes in private school coming in w a 2.4 in no honors public? could use some guidance here...D2 wants to go into honors classes in private school in NJ w a 3.3 and admin won't let her.....</p>
<p>I think a lot of colleges may well consider the first two years far less important, but not ones on the level of Duke or Columbia who turn down most kids who have straight A's and higher SAT scores. The UCs are also not a good bet since they only use soph and jr year grades.</p>
<p>Schools in the range of Kenyon, Oberlin, Pitzer, Occidental and maybe Vassar and Sarah Lawrence who really want boys seem reasonable reaches.</p>
<p>I strongly suggest you consider a LAC for your S. It sounds like he thrives in a place where he gets personal attention, is well known to the faculty, and can participate actively in class: All benefits of a LAC. An upward trend in grades will also be well-regarded. Not sure what kind of interests he has or 'culture' he wants so no further suggestions. But LACs are a treasure for a certain kind of kid.</p>
<p>What else has your son done aside from go to school? The person who mentioned school culture was spot on. He sounds like a very bright person, so maybe it is a matter of finding a fit. Have you thought of Pepperdine? It's much smaller than USC and UCLA, but right down the road.<br>
What does your son's college counselor advise? Any suggestions there?</p>