<p>Our son said he will commit to Towson tomorrow if Towson housing will guarantee a single room. If Towson won’t commit to a single room (limited if any availability when I spoke to them) now at the beginning of housing deposits, then my son said he wants to explore his other options for a single room and wait on his decision. I don’t think Towson is going to give a commitment to a single room now. Not sure what to do. I’ll call Towson housing again tomorrow morning to find out more about single room availability.</p>
<p>stayathome, you are correct that Pitt is very highly rated in philosophy. In fact, its Ph.D. program supplies many faculty members to Ivies and highly ranked LACs. It is also highly rated in creative writing, and there is a unique graduate program in creative nonfiction, so I don’t know if this trickles down to undergrad in some manner. It sounds like your son can’t go wrong between Pitt and Penn State, and he has other good choices also - let us know what he decides!</p>
<p>Pianogirl, Congrats on Etown–one of PA’s hidden gems of small schools</p>
<p>Stayathome, congrats on Penn State and Pitt. I understand the attractions of JMU, such as a a lower OOS price and higher ratio of girls to boys than the PA schools, but your list makes perfect sense to me (although Pitt football was, shockingly, stronger than PSU this year).</p>
<p>oh yabeyabe2, hope your cruise was wonderful! welcome back to CC!</p>
<p>Pianogirl: Welcome and congratulations on your acceptance.</p>
<p>MHC: Congratulations on your daughter’s acceptance to Maryland. The Freshmen Connection program has it’s advantages and disadvantages, but as Rodney pointed out, it’s worth it for kids who really want to attend Maryland. I’m glad that the acceptance raised your daughter’s spirits.</p>
<p>Stayathome: If sports are important to your son, it makes sense to consider that as a major factor in his decision. I’ve seen my older daughter’s friends change majors, but they are all still happy at the schools they picked based on instinct.</p>
<p>Hollie, thanks. It was a shock going from scuba diving needing only a t shirt to needing a hat and coat to pick up the paper, but the various “bucket list” activities, such as ziplining and bungee jumping prevented me from gaining weight.</p>
<p>stayathome - my older son was also the sports editor of his hs newspaper and sports figured very strongly into his list of where he would and wouldn’t apply. </p>
<p>Freshman Connection at MD - just one observation - if your child is accepted into this option and has a group of friends in the same boat and they decide to live together freshman year off campus - I could see how this might work out. But if your child is solo in this endeavor - I just don’t see it making sense. I think it would be very difficult to live off campus as a freshman - harder to meet people and feel like you are part of campus life.</p>
<p>pianogirl - congrats on Elizabethtown - hope you are very happy there.</p>
<p>My friend’s DD had a great semester in Freshman Connection. Lived in an apt with others in Freshman Connection (she didn’t know them before hand; not sure how she got that organizes). Since you have to take afternoon classes, she said she’s never been so well-rested (a plus for a teen!). UMD was her #1 choice for her major so she was going for this no matter what. My DD, on the other hand, felt rejected and wanted to live in the dorm and take classes at earlier times, etc. Even today, as she saw who she knew who got accepted to UMD, she talked about how she really wanted to go there. FC just wasn’t for her. Since she always said she had three top choices, I reminded her that at the time and she was fine (and she got into her other two).</p>
<p>MD. Frosh Connection</p>
<p>MY D1 was accepted into UMD Frosh connection two years ago. For a long time, she thought Maryland was her first choice. We flew back east twice to look at the school. The second visit was with the intention of learning about it. There is a very large high rise apartment building approximately one mile from campus. Many frosh conn. students lived there. It was a beautiful new building, with restaurants and a theatre attached. it was surrounded by a sketchy neighborhood. Come to think of it, the campus is in a sketchy hood as well. There is a shuttle bus that runs from the apartment building to campus. In the late afternoon(when you are allowed to take classes) the bus stop has 100 or more kids. They all hang out together. This was their freshman group. All the kids we talked to were happy. They wanted to attend UMD more than anything, and were willing to do it this way. i would say half intended to move on campus spring semester. This presents a problem for parents, as you have to sign a year lease. We gave deposits to the building and school. Over time my D got accepted to some other very good schools, and decided against starting college this way. My wife was never comfortable with the situation. i was willing to do it. I loved the campus, community of kids, and proximity to DC. in the end, I think my daughter made the right choice.<br>
There was a frosh connection facebook page. Kids were going there and finding room mates. My D lined one up, and arranged to meet her at the same welcome session. Ironically, after agreeing to room, and both giving deposits, they both went elsewhere.</p>
<p>While I know I ask a lot of questions about schools for D2, I realized something going thru the process once before. My D1 could have and would have been happy at any of the 9 schools she was accepted to. I obsessed, and she liked all the schools she applied to. She honestly said many times, that she would have been happy at any of the schools. It all works out in the end. I know this will be the case for D2 as well. I feel that once we come up with the list of schools, all will work out. </p>
<p>I am sure it will be the same for all of us fretting here now.</p>
<p>MDcissp,</p>
<p>I think as stated earlier, you should give a deposit to Towson no matter what. I will be quite surprised if they will commit now to a single room. It feels unprecedented to me…
While I certainly understand his desire to live alone, that should not be the reason to go to a school. Get him a high priority on the housing list, and see how his options unfold over the next 45-75 days. A lot can happen during these few months, and they just might surprise you both. Good Luck. I know this is all stressful.</p>
<p>Sushi
My D! just sent me this very funny guide for jappy girls. I could not stop laughing. I saw my two daughters now and in the future. Scary. I hope you like this…And if you don’t…Sorry and don’t attack me. Just trying to share a funny thing.</p>
<p>How Sushi Are You?
Posted: January 21, 2011 by sushiwithmygirls in Sushi<br>
36
Sushi (adj) – Someone who is A-MAZING, possesses all of the qualities of what is stereotypically jappy, but is not necessarily Jewish. Obviously, this person LOVES sushi. You don’t have to be female to be sushi, but you almost certainly have a direct relationship with a member/ thousands of members of the Sushi 12 Conference:</p>
<p>UPenn
Cornell
Emory
Michigan
Wisconsin
Indiana
BU
Wash U
Syracuse
GW
Arizona
Maryland</p>
<p>Below is a list of some other things that are sushi. How sushi are you?</p>
<ol>
<li>If you got over 1000 on your SAT, then it is with 100% certainty that you or one of your five best friends growing up attended a school in the Sushi 12.</li>
<li>You know numerous girls named Lindsay, Joanna/Jordana and Ali.</li>
<li>The word “AMAZING” is the most amazing word in the dictionary and the word that describes just about everything.</li>
<li>Oh, and any activity is “So Fun!”</li>
<li>Flats vs. Uggs- So comfortable- but are they worth it?</li>
<li>Sweatpants with writing on the ass.</li>
<li>Vodka Soda- aka “The Linds”- the greatest drink ever (low cal, obv).</li>
<li>SDT, AEPHI, SAMMY, ZBT, AEPI- Get in or you are OUT!</li>
<li>CAMP!</li>
<li>Someone you lived with in college attended one of these high schools: Dalton, Horace Mann, Scarsdale, Great Neck East, Syosset, Jericho, Highland Park, Newton South, Cross Roads or Harvard Westlake.</li>
<li>Post graduation city options- New York or LA- That’s it!</li>
<li>Law school for guys- followed by jobs that require at least 100 hour work weeks- complaining about the hours (standard) but zero chance you’ll leave. Same applies for banking! (You justify it by telling people you’re learning a ton…)</li>
<li>Law school for girls- Great place to meet a LAWYER!</li>
<li>Agency Training in LA- Ari Gold is your hero (Daddy is making payments on your beamer because you make 28k a year but HAVE to fit in at Trousdale).</li>
<li>PR for girls (editor’s note: what in the world is a career in PR? What does Ali do all day?- I’m sure it’s A-mazing).</li>
<li>Exclamation points!!! (With everything, not just when something is exclamation worthy!!!).</li>
<li>Smiley faces.</li>
<li>Handbags- at least one for every day of the week.</li>
<li>First apartment in NYC- The Caroline or Windsor Court.</li>
<li>For bros who crave the continuation of the frat life- until their job and their Sushette turn them into their dad- we’ll see you on the StuyTown basketball courts this weekend.</li>
<li>Second Apartment- 300 Mercer.</li>
<li>Third Apartment- West Village studio or 1BR (So mature).</li>
<li>Work hard play harder… until you’re 26 and you HAVE to get engaged.</li>
<li>Speaking of engaged- Did a girl you lived with in college just get engaged? Give it 8 months before the other 5 girls in your house do too? A-MAZING!</li>
<li>Girlfriend is out of town- gonna rage with my bros!</li>
<li>Future book clubbers of America.</li>
<li>Did we mention how A-mazing the word “amazing” is?</li>
<li>Oh, and “Yay.”</li>
<li>Little dogs.</li>
<li>You watch at least 2 versions of the Real Housewives.</li>
<li>Salad 5 days per week? Need to stay healthy till you splurge… on SUSHI!</li>
<li>The gym!</li>
<li>Yoga/ Spinning- Obv! OMG, Soul Cycle! Who’s your fave instructor?</li>
<li>16 Handles vs. Pinkberry- a bigger rivalry than Yankees vs. Red Sox.</li>
<li>Irrational crying!</li>
<li>Die hard Yankee Fan. Oh! And now I love the KNICKS! How much are tickets?!</li>
<li>Parliament lights!</li>
<li>If you didn’t go to a school with a major college football team, you root for another school in the Sushi 12 because of your relationship from rule 1. “My brother went to Michigan!”</li>
<li>Slumming in college meant an extended period sleeping with a lacrosse player. But that is so DUNZO. Now it is strictly older guys who can afford the best sushi (Who have careers stemming from rule 12 or 14).</li>
<li>Facebook for Sushettes-looking at girls from high school to see how they look now. “Definitely hope she is fat. I hated that *****!”</li>
<li>Facebook for Sushbros- Checking out girls I wanna smash.</li>
<li>Facebook Status #1- “Sushi with my girls. LOVE YA *****ES.”</li>
<li>Facebook Status #2- “Obsessed with my girls!”</li>
<li>Birthdays! At least one a weekend. That’s why NY is amazing. So many people here!</li>
<li>Come to my Joint birthday party with Jordana on the LES… I would so never live there, though, GROSS… But it’s so fun to go out down there! You better come (And feel free to bring whoever).</li>
<li>Nickname for your group of girl friends has something to do with how pretty the group is: Pretties, Lovelies, etc. (Unless they are simply, your besties or favs!)</li>
<li>Having a really close gay friend.</li>
<li>Being way too busy with work!!!</li>
<li>Happy hour!</li>
<li>Spicy Tuna roll-no rice- (Calories, YUCK!), ginger salad and a vodka soda… I’m full!</li>
<li>Two dates in and David is “your man” or “your babe.”</li>
<li>Two dates in and David is making references from the Jersey Shore to his banker pals to describe what he is planning on doing to you, Linds, on Date 3.</li>
<li>David has very strong opinions about sports.</li>
<li>He plays in multiple fantasy leagues.</li>
<li>And he worships the sports guy.</li>
<li>If he wasn’t good at sports in high school, he didn’t let the brothers know during rush…</li>
<li>Leggings!!! So warm, but do they make my ass look fat?</li>
<li>“I went to Penn.” Translation- I went to a really good private school that funnels sushi there”…LEGACY!</li>
<li>“I was deciding between Michigan, Emory and Wash U.” Translation- I got rejected early decision from Penn.</li>
<li>“I went to Wisconsin because I wanted to have fun.” Translation- I couldn’t get into Michigan, Emory or Wash U.</li>
<li>“I just wanted to go to Indiana with my besties.” Translation- You are a true ambassador of SUSHI.</li>
<li>“I went to Zona.” Translation- I am rich and from Southern California.</li>
<li>Let’s go to a sports bar on Saturday or Sunday- TO MEET GUYS!</li>
<li>Soco and Lime shots!</li>
<li>Abbrevs! How is this #65? It’s the only way you talk!</li>
<li>At least 1 of your besties from the Pretties (#46) will not be one of your favs by three years out of college. They so stole “my man.”</li>
<li>I’ve been in NYC for 5 years. I think I want to try LA. THE WEATHER!</li>
<li>I’ve been in LA for 5 years. “Ugh, Traffic.” I think I want to try New York! THE ACTION!</li>
<li>Bridesmaid speech- “Lindsay LOVES good food. We always knew Linds would marry a LAWYER!” (Editor’s note: do some people not like good food?)</li>
<li>Soy wraps- SO FUN!</li>
<li>The South- EWW- But I hear Austin is AMAZING!</li>
<li>EDAMAME!</li>
<li>You refer to celebrities by their first names.</li>
<li>You tell people who ask you where you are from that you are from New York or LA –or whichever sushi hotbed you currently reside- not the suburb you grew up in.</li>
<li>If you happen to be from NYC or LA, you always include “I grew up there” or “born and raised” to rule 74.</li>
<li>You live with one of your besties from camp…A…MAZING!</li>
<li>Being set up!</li>
<li>Let’s get drinks? (something chill of course)</li>
<li>25 and under= my friends are so hot!</li>
<li>Over 25= She’s single. Do you want to meet her?</li>
<li>A long and prosperous career…Till I’m 30 and want to have BABIES!</li>
<li>Twirling the hair…</li>
<li>“That’s so funny!” (no joke was told) – Leads to more hair twirling.</li>
<li>Visits to South Florida.</li>
<li>Reality television shows… It gets personal. You actively discuss the characters as if they have real life significance: “She’s such a *****!”</li>
<li>Kourtney is so much skinnier than Kim. Scott is SUCH a jerk! But Khloe is sooooo chill… I love her husband. What team does he play for?…And what’s his name again?…Either way, I love him!</li>
<li>You are 3 degrees removed from a Real World castmate: “My bestie’s cousin went to college with her. She is SO not like that in real life!” (Is there a person reading this that is not 3 degrees removed from Collie from Real World Denver?)</li>
<li>US Weekly- Sufficient reading for the week? Totes!</li>
<li>New Years- South Beach or Cabo? It’s always such a let down when we stay in the city! Why am I stressing about this?!</li>
<li>Private equity. Not sure what it is, but I so want to date a guy who does it!</li>
<li>Dudes who wear winter hats indoors (fashionable!)</li>
<li> Scarves…in 50 degree weather!</li>
<li>“Excuse me. Can you take a picture?…Hold on; let me see it really quick… Do you mind taking another?(Let’s do the kissie face with this one)…Ok, you can take it now. Thanks!”</li>
<li>Flannels- I don’t give a ****… but I so do. Meet you at the Smith in 20?</li>
<li>Fashion week- Super Bowl for Ms. Spicy Tuna Roll.</li>
<li>Which shoes should I wear?</li>
<li>NYU would be so in, except that it’s not college, it’s a 4 year head start on drug abuse and sushi intake. (Note to NYU students- Take 4 years, and go have a college campus. It’s fun. Plenty of time to spend $2,000/month on rent).</li>
<li>Skinny arms and calves—Is anything more important?!</li>
<li>Time for Brunch with my pretties! ( YAY!)– GG, TTYL!</li>
</ol>
1 Like
<ol>
<li>OPI gel manicure and spray tan! (melanoma- not!) Were exhausted from reading this entire post. Oy! and SUSHI for lunch!</li>
</ol>
<p>As the mother of two girls in the Sushi 12 conference, I got a good laugh out of this. D1 was home last weekend, and guess what the girls and I had for lunch. Now that you mention it, D1 didn’t even like sushi until she went to Penn.</p>
<p>well my d is definitely NOT a sushi…ha ha , none of these were anything she could relate to!</p>
<p>mdcissp: just a little more info on the young man that I know that joined the club for Asperger’s students and those who want to interact with them - he has a roommate! And, it is fine.
I still wish that more providers in this country were doing a social coaching model for Asperger’s teenagers. (Maybe I can get this going where I work 
)I really think that your son sounds so bright that a little bit of social coaching would go so far in helping him to gain the social skills that he will need to hold a job and function independently as an adult. If he does end up with a roommate, you may find that finding some coaching for him will lessen the anxiety about this and promote the relationship. Is there someone at the colleges where you can explain his diagnosis and needs and have them accomodated? Is there an office of disability?
Does he have a high degree of persistence? If so, the switching majors aspect may not be an issue for him - he may stick to actuarial science, which sounds like a great field for him, no matter what.</p>
<p>socal - I needed my 2 hour snow delay this morning to read that whole thing! Very funny. Sounds like the basis for a new reality show on MTV.</p>
<p>socal: I’m supposed to be getting ready for a new biz call at 9 am but am reading about sushi instead. Too funny! Especially since my DD and I have had sushi dates last night and last Mon night while DS is at his confirmation class!! Will show this to her when she wakes up since she will be able to relate to a lot of it - from the BFF at Wash U to the slumming with (not sleeping with ) the LAX player BF senior year in HS. Now, it looks like I need to worry about DS who wears his winter hat indoors…</p>
<p>Rockvillemom - I think when boys go to schools where there is a big sports environment they meet lots of other boys with similar interests. A good fit is so important, I think…my instinct is that he would not be happy at a LAC.</p>
<p>Socaldad - I am not Jewish but I can totally identify with your Sushi list. The girls in my sorority were totally Sushi and many were not Jewish! My son too, wears his ski hat indoors and he play in multiple sports leagues!</p>
<p>^^^ wish we only had a two hour delay! school is cancelled again today and most likely tomorrow too. 
My senior is happy, but the freshman is dreading making up all the snow days, which, after tomorrow will be at number 6.</p>
<p>Socaldad: wow, that is some list! Holliesue: It sounds pretty foreign to me too. </p>
<p>UMich: We are going through this together, I know exactly how you feel! Your S is going 45 minutes, and my S will be an hour and a half…both kids pretty close by. He is also so ready to go and I’m happy for him. I’m also anxious to have some quality time with S2 without the older one vyying for the attention. It’ll be lonely for sure, but hopefully in a good way!</p>
<p>socaldad: haha; one daughter in a sushi school that actually could have wrote this (since she is in a sorority NOT listed here, and majority of her friends are from the midwest)…</p>
<p>Younger daughter could have used this list as the 100 reasons she is going to Elon…</p>
<p>I will send to both…</p>
<p>oh yea, D2’s school is cancelled today as well…senior year has turned out to be very interesting…</p>