vamomof3

My S is a good student (3.5+) at a very academic public HS. He has not taken any AP or honors classes however and only moderate extracurriculars as he has spent most of his time on school work. He has an IEP with support but is not in any self contained classes, is very motivated and hard working. ACT is low (23) but will retake and should go up a bit after some tutoring. Liked University of Mary Washington in Fredricksburg, Va (size,location, etc) but concerned that its a school that is "easier to get into than do well at". Opinions? Is it academically extremely intense? Does anyone have any experience with LD services/accommodations at UMW? Everyone is so caught up in whether their child will get into a certain school, and that is certainly an issue, but we are more (as) concerned about whether he will succeed and be happy once there. Would like a place where he will be able to succeed academically but also have time for other activities. Other suggestions?

justwonderful

Hi vamomof3 -- I check the Mary Washington website often, but only just found your post. We are in a similar situation. D has dysgraphia (a writing/processing form of dyslexia), but has still managed to do pretty well in school. Her GPA and SATs plus good ECs should get her into MW (knock wood), and I if she gets in I'd be happy to see her go. I was very impressed with the school. But I'm writing b/c you had asked for other suggestions. I almost dismissed Christopher Newport from the list w/o looking at it b/c I had its old reputation in mind as an unimpressive commuter school. If you haven't taken a look at it lately, look again. The campus is fabulous, the students are happy and motivated, and the academics are quite solid. Not only do they have a freshman seminar (like every place), but they also have a sophomore seminar, which I thought was great. There is no doubt in my mind that CNU is on a quick trajectory up and it won't be long before its reputation skyrockets. I think the biggest problem Virginia will have before too much longer is that it won't have any "safety" schools left.

Good luck with your son's applications.