<p>ExpatSon is intelligent, and does okay on standardized tests (29 ACT, somewhat skewed: 25M, 27E, 31S, 34R), but has a poor (but rising) GPA (2.8). He’s got EA offers at a few LACs, and one at a university.</p>
<p>My better half and I think that he could really benefit from a couple of years at a LAC in order to solidify his academic skills, after which, if his academic passions can’t be satisfied at the LAC, he can better pursue them by transferring to a large university (assuming a happy path, with a GPA of at least 3.0).</p>
<p>Does this approach make any sense?</p>
<p>Of course. I messed up high school and ended up at a University that helped me grow immensely, but ultimately does not offer resources fit for my ambitions and interests. You should let your son take a gap year. 29 ACT/2.8 GPA shows intelligence without the passion. A year of work/volunteering without school will leave him missing school. Just my $0.02</p>
<p>I’m not sure it is a good idea to go into a 4 year college with the intention of transferring. It is likely that a transfer will mean a bit of extra time in college unless it is planned perfectly and the courses taken at the first school match up with the requirements at the second, not to mention the possibility that the transfer also includes a change of major.</p>
<p>College is a big investment and if your son is not really enthusiastic, I would agree with @JimJamesofMMJ about some time off or possibly a Community College to start with.</p>