College Confidential - Parents Forum http://talk.collegeconfidential.com en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:47:06 GMT vBulletin 30 http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/images/misc/rss.jpg College Confidential - Parents Forum http://talk.collegeconfidential.com Take AP Art History exam while taking honors class? http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/813547-take-ap-art-history-exam-while-taking-honors-class.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:54:23 GMT Freshman D is taking an honors art history class. AP art history is not offered at the school. The teacher suggested that students in the honors class should take the AP exam. But should she?

We still have a long time to decide so it isn't urgent yet. And, yes, I realize that we could buy a review book and take a practice test and see how she does, although it would be impossible to grade the essays. But I'm not sure that we should even do that.

I don't think she is REALLY ready for an AP level exam yet, as a freshman. Is it a good idea to get her exposed to AP tests early? Or would a potentially low score look bad?

My senior S got better AP scores as a junior (two 5's) than as a sophomore (one 4), I think purely because of being better prepared to take AP-type exams at that point. He was more interested in the sophomore subject than the junior subjects, and got better class grades. He didn't take any APs as a freshman. ]]> Parents Forum sacchi-235661 http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/813547-take-ap-art-history-exam-while-taking-honors-class.html <![CDATA[UChicago to take advantage of others' hiring freezes]]> http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/813532-uchicago-take-advantage-others-hiring-freezes.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:13:12 GMT Looks like UChicago is going to actively exploit the hiring reductions and freezes at peer schools such as Harvard. They reduced spending last year, did not overly rely on their endowment, and took a more conservative approach all around.

Quote:
Zimmer [UChicago president] said the recently announced faculty expansion was only possible because the cutbacks ensured the University’s budget would not decrease in the foreseeable future.

He added that the economic standing of the University makes it a good time to begin a faculty expansion, which will be the first in over 40 years. Many peer institutions have instituted hiring freezes or cut back on hiring, putting the University at an advantage for hiring.

“The current situation makes it a good time to be looking for people. And people who are getting their Ph.D.s are looking at the job market, and it is very competitive. And we are in a position to hire these people,” Zimmer said.

The same administrators who determined the cuts will decide where to expand the departments, Zimmer said, and the University will focus on hiring mostly lower-level faculty positions in many departments.
Zimmer optimistic at openforum - The Chicago Maroon ]]> Parents Forum idad-30796 http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/813532-uchicago-take-advantage-others-hiring-freezes.html International student looking at LACs - possibility of financial/merit aid? http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/813507-international-student-looking-lacs-possibility-financial-merit-aid.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:06:43 GMT A friend's D is an international student, interested in LACs (primarily history/sociology). I don't have her scores or her GPA. I do know that she was considered a top ranking student at her school which is considered an "international" school. She's interested in LACs that might offer financial assistance and/or merit aid. In my experience, this is very hard to come by. If you have any experience (even if anecdotal) of financial/merit aid for international students at LACs, I'd appreciate pointers. She's looking at Wooster, Colgate, Occidental, Oberlin, Hampshire, Kalamazoo, Dickinson and Earlham.

[Hesitated to post this. Hopefully, this will not end up as a debate on international students and financing their education]. ]]> Parents Forum arisamp-156327 http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/813507-international-student-looking-lacs-possibility-financial-merit-aid.html First quarter grades are in! http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/813506-first-quarter-grades.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:05:41 GMT As I opened this envelope I thought: this will determine if my DS gets into his ED school or not. This is, afterall, the one last, big, factor the schools look at to determine whether to accept the student.

I think my son thought so too. He opened it and let out a whoosh. "Oh yeah! Who's the man!" he sighed. He got a 4.8! I'd be sooo disappointed if he doesn't get in now. ]]> Parents Forum limabeans-285763 http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/813506-first-quarter-grades.html Male Vocal major looking for college with generous talent and merit scholarships http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/813452-male-vocal-major-looking-college-generous-talent-merit-scholarships.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:15:47 GMT My senior son is looking for colleges that need males. He has a great voice, but needs financial help. He's willing to look at all colleges. He's an Eagle scout, has weighted GPA of 3.46, ACT 26, SAT math 550, writing 560, critical reading 590. Any help would be great. He's already applied to Redlands, Chapman ( the music department is offer talent award but not sure if we can afford it., CSU Long Beach and CSU Fullerton. ]]> Parents Forum 3DBOYZ-314205 http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/813452-male-vocal-major-looking-college-generous-talent-merit-scholarships.html