This group was very helpful with my first so trying again. Gearing up for my younger daughter to apply to schools. We live in New York within an extremely competitive school system. She has multiple learning disabilities and an IEP which has made high school that much more stressful (for me & her!). She wants to stay close to home (no more than 2 hours) so this really limits options. I’m second- and third-guessing her college list.
She is going into the application process with a cumulative GPA of 3.4 and ACT superscore of 29.
I anticipate her LORs will be very good. Hasn’t started essay yet. She has good ECs including:
-created and runs a baking business for the last 4 years which donates proceeds to an emergency shelter for kids (they will be writing her an LOR as well)
-Girl Scout Gold Award recipient (highest honor in Girl Scouts)
-Junior League 2024 Volunteer Service Award winner
-Soccer since 5 years old (12 years)
-Martial arts for 8 years; highest ranking female in class
-Babysitting business for the last 4 years
-Volunteered at local hospital for 2 summers
-etc.
Would love feedback on the list. Money aside, are these realistic? No chance? Are we missing anything obvious?
Much of the list was driven by a) schools that have strong academic success programs for those who need it (beyond what any student has access to), b) proximity, and c) size (prefers bigger vs. smaller which is why small schools like Muhlenberg are not on the list).
REACH
Fordham
Lafayette (small but she really likes it)
Syracuse (too far but leaving on for now)
UMass @ Amherst
UConn Storrs–her sister goes here
MATCH
Drexel
Marist (probaby best overall fit; has very good academic program)
Rutgers
University of Delaware
SAFETY
Hofstra
Quinnipiac
University of Rhode Island
Roger Williams
University of Hartford
I would appreciate any insights/feedback/suggestions!
I believe Marist is strong for kids with disabilities - and perhaps that’s why you mentioned as a top fit.
Where in NY do you live - so that I can apply the two hours properly.
And yes, the major if any would help.
Does she care about being urban or suburban or rural, etc?
Also - the 3.4 - is that unweighted? If not, can you provide an unweighted (4 for A, 3 for B). What type of rigor does the student have - any APs? Highest level of math?
Drew University might be another good fit. They have a strong community service program (Action Scholars) that she might really love to be a part of, along with the scholarship that comes with the program.
We are in Westchester County. The GPA is unweighted, but she didn’t take any honors or AP classes so I think it would be the same. She is thinking possibly education (she loves working with kids), but not entirely sure. Thank you all for your thoughts (in advance). And Marist is top of list due to distance, programs, size and the academic support program they offer. The problem is that while the acceptance rate for Marist is 60-something, if she applies for the academic program, they decide whether she gets in or not and that acceptance rate is closer to 23% since they have so few spots.
I answered some of the questions separately…sorry still getting used to this platform. She is partial to suburban—not in a big city but not in the middle of nowhere—but is open. Due to her disabilities, she is in all regular classes with the exception of Spanish this year (first year taking a language due to her language-based challenges) and history, as they would not allow her a recording device or any note taker and she just couldn’t keep up with the volume of information at the high speed. In both cases she is in “Level 1/ skills” but got an A in both which shows that with the right support, she can do great.
No, in general. If you apply to Marist’s special ed-type program, they make the acceptance decision, not the college itself, regardless of major. If the special ed program rejects you, your application is rejected entirely. It’s the only school we found that does this (of course it would be top of the list!).
Again, she seems very accomplished. I don’t know which of these will have the services (academic success programs) she needs but coming from Westchester, a few are too far - like U of Rhode Island, Roger Williams, Delaware. So my list is more of schools you’d have to further research. This goes for the education major, too.
Forgetting that (I used 2 hrs) - I noticed you have no SUNYs - why not anything from an Albany to a New Paltz to a Stony Brook.
It would seem to me a Rutgers might be too big - but how about a Ramapo? Or College of New Jersey. Or Seton Hall (religious).
In PA, U of Scranton is Jesuit - is that a concern?
In NY, Manhattan College and Adlephi might be two more to look at.
in Mass, maybe Western New ENgland.
I think the list is well composed - with Drexel being a likely and enough safeties.
Some don’t meet your distance but that’s ok - you added them for a reason.
Anyway, that’s more names for you to research - maybe one clicks.
Just a few more (off a list) - again, don’t know if they have education but they show high up in ADHD or Autism (disability learning) - with comments (all 3rd party) - I went a bit beyond 2 hours - sorry but no different than URI as an example:
Framingham State University Assistance Type: Learning disabilities, such as ADHD, as well as Autism Spectrum Disorder
The Diverse Scholars Program at Framingham State University allows students with intellectual disabilities to engage in FSU courses, internships, and student life.
Lesley University Assistant Type: Learning & Developmental Disabilities
For 35 years, the Threshold Program at Lesley University has offered a non-degree post-secondary program for young adults with diverse learning, developmental, and intellectual abilities. They also offer a certificate program and bridge programs into the working world. Students live on campus, participate in campus activities, and go through a curriculum focused on career training and independent living.
SUNY Cortland Assistance Type: Learning, Mobility, and Visual disabilities
SUNY Cortland is dedicated to supporting students with learning, mobility, and visual disabilities. The university offers a comprehensive range of services and resources to ensure that neurodiverse students have the tools and support they need to succeed. SUNY’s program provides personalized academic accommodations, support services, and assistive technology, such as extended testing time and alternative testing arrangements, as well as individualized support and mentorship. In addition, the program works closely with faculty and staff to create a supportive and inclusive campus environment.
There’s a big difference between support programs for students in traditional degree programs, and non-degree alternative programs for students who wouldn’t be able to partake in a full degree program, like the first two you listed. I don’t think this student is looking for the latter, although these programs can be fantastic when they’re the right fit, and increasing numbers of colleges have them.
If she plans on working in NY State, I would strongly suggest she add a SUNY school to her list. I’m actually surprised one isn’t there already.
Since she is looking at places like Roger Williams (which I think is a good choice), what about Stonehill? We know some excellent teachers who are Stonehill grads.
If she teaches in NY she will have 5 years to get a masters. If she teaches in NJ she will not need it (but it is still a good idea for other reasons).
She might be interested in some of the combined programs (BA/MA).