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Quirky with Anxiety
TNmama3
6 replies2 threads New Member
Hi All, any advice appreciated. Mom of rising junior (2 older sisters in college). Son is quite smart, social, but also quirky (some aspergers traits but not enough to keep the diagnosis) and has OCD. Big into student government and wants to major in Pol. Sci., with a thought to law school to do something in government. Although he is quite bright, he does not need to be in a pressure cooker setting. He is also one who prefers to discuss current events, etc with his friends instead of sporting events, etc. He would do well in a very small teacher student ratio environment, a place where he can really get to know his professors. An environment that is discussion based and collaborative would be something he would like. Hoping to stay in the south east or mid atlantic.... DC and NYC are also thoughts. He does not drive and has no intention to. So, a city that is walkable with a lot to do is also a plus. Also, access to great health care to keep an eye on the OCD. Starting to look early, because for him, a good fit will be extremely important to keep him in the great "place" he is now. As far as testing, I am not sure yet. It is looking like he will be about 30 ACT, could be higher. But, the anxiety gets him sometimes. He does have straight A's and great extra curriculars. No AP's, but all honors (school does not offer AP). Thanks again!!!
22 replies
Replies to: Quirky with Anxiety
https://ctcl.org/
Aren't GW and American a little large for the OP's son, who prefers a small college, with collaboration, professor interaction. Would signal more a LAC in the SE/DC area right?
He can be on a larger campus if classes are small and professors are the type that get to know you. His sister goes to University of Miami, and the student body is large, but the campus feels small, but it NOT the fit at all for him.
They have an emphasis on the majors that he's interested in, plus a supportive, cooperative, quirky student body that sounds like what he'd be looking for.
I second the recommendation for Clark, and agree that American might just work.
Although not in his geographic preference area, another that you might want to look at is Macalester in St. Paul, MN. Great for the IR/Gov student, with a collaborative global outlook.
At any school, be sure to be on the lookout for any options to participate in any combined degree (BA/MA 4+1) or accelerated (3+3 programs in Law, meaning three years of undergrad then directly into the schools' internal JD program.) creating a continuous plan of study. For an OCD anxious-type kid, it's a way to help them control what can be a scary future, as it allows them (after meeting stated criteria) to remain focused within the familiar campus and not have to go through a potentially painful application process.
Here's the link for American:
https://american.edu/spa/admissions/combined-ba-ma-programs.cfm
On the west coast (again, outside of his geographic preference), Willamette would fit the bill academically and socially, including a 3+3 program:
https://willamette.edu/law/programs/degree-programs/3+3/index.html
Good for you for beginning your search now.
Harder and likely more expensive, look into Dickinson. Not sure quirky but low key and international. Connecticut College and Skidmore as reaches?
Liberal Arts College