<p>I am … essentially, the first of my school to go to Georgetown University. Or to be going, anyway. It’s a wonderful school, and I’m sure all of you parents are tired of hearing me rant on about it.</p>
<p>But in the junior class and in the classes to follow, there are some incredible kids who deserve to go to a university outside the traditional UC system. Granted, UCLA and UC Berkeley (as well as SB, I, and etc.,) are great institutions, but it’s been done – hackneyed, trite, banal – whatever you want to call it. </p>
<p>How do you go about broadening horizons? Convincing them to go out of state and take on a new experience for once? Most of these students are URMs (Hispanic) with decent GPAs (a 3.7 will land you in the top 2%), but the SAT scores leave something to be desired. They are incredibly athletic.</p>
<p>Call me stupid for pursuing an illusory dream, but I’m sick and tired of hearing all the negatives about my public HS. I’m now somewhat in a position where I can speak to these up-and-coming seniors about what other opportunities are out there – and to be quite honest, I want more of them coming on the East Coast… (yes, college is a great networking opportunity, but you still want some … semblance of home around you…) </p>
<p>Many don’t see the world beyond UC/CSU, but I’m hoping that can be changed.</p>
<p>Just rambling. :)</p>
<p>P.S. Only two people in my senior class are heading East. A dear friend of mine is going to Bowdoin, and me, to Georgetown. Other than that, none others. :(</p>
<p>Once you get to Georgetown you might drop a couple of them a line, telling them what great experiences you’re having there…also, you might contact the adcom there to ask for ideas.</p>
<p>My S was one of a handful of kids from his HS who resisted the pressure (real or implied) to stay in the state. The HS registrar collects pennants from students’ colleges, which she hangs in her office. He made sure to send her one, hoping to inspire other students to “think outside the box / state.”</p>
<p>Andrew, you are in a position to influence your rising HS senior class (not yours, the next year). You also are a good role model and a natural leader - from what I can make out about you in these forums.</p>
<p>Andrew, does your HS guidance office hold information sessions where alumni of the HS come back and talk about their college? You should take every opportunity to attend those and help out your school. My son does that on a regular basis. Talk to them about the opportunities that you have at Georgetown. Talk to them about DC. You should make every effort to be in contact with your high school while you are in college.</p>
<p>It’s wonderful that you want to help others at your school.</p>
<p>Stop by your high school during your school breaks. See if you can get into any classes to talk to students about your experiences at Georgetown. Also take the time to talk to the GCs and teachers about your experiences, remembering to thank them again for their help in your getting to Georgetown.</p>
<p>By being a visible role model, you’ll inspire others to broaden their horizons. Remember to also be available to talk to sophs and freshmen. Typically, they are more open to new ideas than are older students.</p>
<p>If your school puts out a newsletter, write something for it about your experiences at Georgetown. Remember to thank the faculty and staff for helping you get there. :)</p>
<p>Tlaktan—you know, the east coast is not for everyone. And the UC system is LOTS cheaper than going to a private college in the east (and in some areas, just as good). So don’t forget, as you tell people to think about going east, that there are other choices that are just as valid.</p>
<p>Tlaktan–I know what you mean. Almost all the top students in my son’s high school are staying within the state. Most are either starting at the local community college or at one of three fairly close state universities. Or going to local private colleges… We do have two kids–twins from a well-to-do family who are both athletic stand-outs–who are headed to Ivies, another heading to a CA LAC, and another up to Washington. But most stay close to home. And I do think part of the problem is that they just have never considered anything else. They probably do not realize that many private colleges have excellent financial aid and might thus be affordable. They may also feel more comfortable being close to family.</p>
<p>I think it is good that you want to expand their vision. Many will still choose to remain close to home, but some may starting dreaming bigger and look beyond the state. (And I am not saying there is anything wrong with staying in state. For some that is, indeed, the best choice. But I do agree it is best to consider all options before deciding, rather than starting with limited possibilities.)</p>
<p>Unfortunately, our HS doesn’t hold events where alumni come back to talk about their experience in college. </p>
<p>** Re: the UC thing… **</p>
<p>The UC system is a great public school system – but the UCs can also be daunting to anyone who hasn’t adapted to a ** large ** classroom environment before. I mean, at any university, you’re going to find large lecture halls – that’s inevitable – but some students are more comfortable with the liberal arts college setting – yet don’t know what a liberal arts college is.</p>
<p>There is nothing wrong with staying in-state. There is something wrong, however, when students see that as the only option to college. Some students want to stay home and stay with their families, granted, but what about those who want to go out there and explore? Not everyone is qualified to go to Berkeley, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford (and don’t be surprised, some people think it’s the UCs, the Ivies, CSUs, or bust.) They have not a clue about all the excellent universities in between. </p>
<p>Also sorry to say that our college counselor doesn’t do much in ways of support. Just recently she told an early-graduation prospect with a 3.8 UC GPA that she has not a chance for UCSB. </p>
<p>(P.S. My articles came out online! Sorry to say, they’re in Korean. Looking for an English version online, if not, I’ll post my first draft copies here. Writer’s copyright needn’t apply. :))</p>