Didn’t get in any this year, need recommendations for next year

[NYMomof2]

My sons are not near college age yet, so I'm not all that knowledgable, but I was impressed by Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, PA. My older son has done two CTY programs there the past two summers. Last year, someone from the admissions office spoke to the kids and parents at the closing ceremonies. I was very impressed with what he had to say. For one thing, a very high percentage of their students are involved with the professors in scientific research or the humanities equivalent. The campus is beautiful and the area is lovely.

I am very sorry that your son did not get any acceptances. He is clearly bright and hard-working, and I'm sure he will find a good spot either this year or next.

[NYMomof2]

Good point, oregon101. It does not reflect well on the HS that a student of this caliber does not have any acceptances (unless they gave good advice and it was ignored). Just out of curiousity, how big a factor do you think the lack of ECs was?

[Westcoastmon]

There was a thread from last year about a student who didn't get in anywhere. He took a gap year and reapplied. Anyone remember that thread so that this poster can take a look at it. I searched for it, but couldn't find it.

[rainmama]

I'm fairly certain that Arizona State University is still accepting applications, and I mention it only because it has the Barrett Honors College, which is like a small liberal arts college within the university. My S. and I both thought it was absolutely terrific when we visited. The students are really smart but seem relaxed and happy, and there's a nice residential community. It's definitely worth a look.

[huguenot]

Here's the thread Westcoastmon mentioned: No Acceptances: One Kid's Story - A year later...

It's a very encouraging account of how someone overcame this situation by taking a great gap year.

[happymomof1]

I've been looking for the thread where posters praise their favorite under-appreciated colleges but can't find it. Maybe someone else can. I did find this list of "Good Colleges" but it doesn't have all the personal commentary.

Looking for a Good College?

[dragonmom]

One great school that is on the list of schools with late deadlines is Hendrix College. I just glanced at their website and it still says "Apply Now" so they seem to still be accepting applications. Call them Monday to confirm, cross your fingers that it's true, and don't let your son be put off by the fact that it's in Arkansas. It's a really good liberal arts college. Great social sciences - strong academics with a supportive, close environment. Check out a copy of the book "Colleges that Change Lives". They send kids to good grad schools every year. If it weren't in Arkansas it would be much more selective.

[MidwestMom2Kids_]

If St. Olaf is still accepting applications, he could go there next year. It is a hidden gem.

[bethievt]

There are so many schools that would love to accept a student with a profile like your son's. When the NACAC list comes out, we can see who still has openings. My nephew got in nowhere a few years back and found Knox College on the NACAC list. He got in with merit $$ and had a very good experience there. Is now at UIUC finishing a 3-2 engineering degree. He was painfully shy when he entered Knox and has really blossomed. Another great school for social sciences is Clark U in MA. One of the top schools in psychology in the country and I think your son would get merit $$ there. Even though his GPA is a little low for Carleton or Grinnell, his other stats are so good and being Asian is more of a plus in the midwest for admissions. That would have to be applying for 2009, because they will be totally full and have a waitlist this year, but I think your son could find a good spot for 2008 elsewhere with a little flexibility. With SAT's that high was he a National Merit Finalist? If so, there would be some very open doors for him at some honors programs. Beloit in WI has one of the best anthropology programs in the country and he'd be a very strong candidate there. Again, they're probably full for this year, but there will be some other good ones with openings. Good luck and keep us posted. This was a brutal year for admissions!

[coureur]

>>A recent Rhodes scholar came from St. Olaf. <<

Correction: St. Olaf had *two* Rhodes scholars this year:

http://fusion.stolaf.edu/news/index....etails&id=4103

[mootmom]

happymomof1, did you mean this thread, perhaps?

Brag about your "lesser known" school!

[mythmom]

There is another thread with a link to schools still accepting applications because another student is also in this situation.

The schools that jumped out at me that your son might be interested in were Eckerd and Hendrix. Please google them.

I'm with the other posters who want your S to find a fit for this year since that was his plan.

Please tell him this is part of his destiny, and that things will be okay. He must be pretty discouraged. When my S was deferred ED (not the same thing I know, but he got a bit down) his interviewer suggested he read the Alchemist and it really helped him. It's not great literature, but it's a simple parable that seems to appeal to young men. Some of my students have mentioned it.

There is also being a non-matriculated student at the Harvard Extention or the New School, but since I don't know where you live I don't know if that would be feasible.

But many schools take non-matriculated students and this would also make him a more attractive applicant.

However, I think finding a fit for now would probably be more supportive.

Maybe Knox also.

Please keep us posted.

[Olymom]

There's all sorts of specialized choices too -- like the DigiPen Institute here in Washington (State). Very geeky but, man, do they have employment opportunities. . . .

[mythmom]

Oops. I got confused. I was on the thread that I thought was a different thread. Sigh. That's a first. Sorry for any confusion.

[ellemenope]

Happymomof1--was the thread you are looking for the one about lesser known schools to brag out?

Brag about your "lesser known" school!