Already thinking about college...

blueiguana
Sun, 18 Apr 2010 17:33:00 +0000

Based on simply the demographics you gave, Wm & Mry is a good fit, however they do not have engineering (much to my S’s dismay…would have loved to have put this one on his list). I would agree that JMU is also is really nice school. Small in engineering…I believe only in Comp Sci (fairly new dept.).
Summer programs would be a good way to get an idea of what she likes and where she would excel without the worry of hurting her GPA. They are also great on a college resume. UVa has a great program, SEP (Summer Enrichment Program), Johns Hopkins has the Center for Talented Youth, VATech has a great engineering summer program for girls. Virginia has a highly selective summer program ‘Governer’s School’.
Now is also the time to make sure she gets involved in EC’s that interest her. Not 7-8 clubs to write down how much she did, but a couple that she will support and become very involved in over her four years, hopefully growing into a leadership role. If you have debate or model UN these are good. If you have a science olympiad team, or robotics team that awesome. Those clubs are competition teams that required a large committment and are unique. NHS is great, but it’s not unique. Don’t overlook it, just don’t count on it to carry you. Some of these can lead to scholorships.
Make sure she develops a relationship with a teacher at her school who will be able to write her a recommendation. If at all possible, take a class from that teacher her Sr. year. Many schools require the recommendation be from a Jr or Sr. teacher…the longer they have known your student the better. Look for internships in the summer that can help pay for college and look good on college resumes. Speciality schools often have connections to award these. They normally go to upperclassman. Have your student start showing interest now and asking about selection criteria.
Continue to take a rigorous course load based on what your school has to offer, not the neighboring school. You will be judged based on what was available to you. Do not make the mistake thinking that because she is taking a harder course load than students at the local high school she’s okay… she will be judged on how much she challenged herself based on what was available. There is a difference.