<p>RVM: You wrote “thumbs down on business” at Elon. May I ask your concern about the B-school there?</p>
<p>rvm- I may have missed the discussion of your concerns about JMU business school- I thought their B school was pretty well regarded- what was the issue on your visit, just curious?</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Ahh, RVM, you are just a baby!</p>
<p>I am glad that your next tour will be more relaxing. Treasure every moment of it!</p>
<p>Well, honestly, when we started on this process, I wasn’t 50 yet. (Just barely, though.)</p>
<p>My D “communicates” all the time, so the experience is quite different this time around!</p>
<p>RVM Your words brought a smile to my face as memories of my d’s college visits came to mind. The outward indifference was so frustrating to us. My d said it wasn’t indifference it was the schools weren’t for her. The fact that your son did pick out his references means he is paying attention. Elon may not be the school for him. I would do VT andwait to do CofC. That is going to give you a clue if he really wants a big school experience. That might change your application list. However, I would certainly visit CofC too. Both Miami and CofC are twice the size of Elon, and have a much different vibe. My gut says your s will like both based on things you have written. Miami has the additional travel factor which some kids use to rule out schools. A visit to that school would also be important.</p>
<p>A second vsit is very helpful. We thought my d was going to CofC after first visit and until she went to accepted students weekend. We thought it was awesome and were over the moon. Her face was the complete opposite of how we felt. That’s when we ran up to Elon. Even at the visit we saw things differently. I was sure this was not the school for her; she liked it. Three weeks later we flew back to Elon for accepted weekend. She made her decision April 25th. My point is for some kids it is love at first sight and for others they need more time to process. Also trust your son’s gut. My d and I saw the visits much differently but we went with her decision and haven’t looked back.</p>
<p>Spectrum2 </p>
<p>My friend used the religion card for testing and tested on Sunday. Her children didn’t want the adaptations but agreed a smaller group would be better. He may do better on the ACT so that may solve the problem. If he does and is close- prep and take the ACT again. Several college counselors have advised taking the practice tests 6 to 8 times before testing. They cited that as the best way to raise scores. So you might get your son to take practice tests. You can get a read on the questions missed. If his math score is not matching up with ability seeing which questions he missed might give a tutor what to work on. It is easier to raise math scores according to the experts which works to your advantage if math is his strength.</p>
<p>Also can you get into honors after freshman year based on grades? Lastly, can you beg them to let him do only one avodah session??? It never hurts to ask. If not definately push for a structured time for working on essays. They should put that intheir program.</p>
<p>This is a process with so many pieces it can give you a headache! Your reward hopefully will be a happy freshman.</p>
<p>mdicssp - the business program at Elon looks great - for a confident, outgoing student. My concerns are not about the quality of the program at all - but the fit for my quiet, shy kid.</p>
<p>pamom - the business program at JMU is very well regarded - I agree. My concern is that a student has to take 10 prereq. courses and then apply for admission into the program sophomore year. Admission is based on GPA. The 10 prereq. courses are very math heavy. So - I’m not criticizing the program - just don’t see it as a good fit for my son. If he were to go to JMU - he would more likely major in sports mgmt or psychology - maybe a minor in business.</p>
<p>Northeastmom and stillnadine - this process just ages you! I am still clinging to my 40’s - desperately!</p>
<p>RVM: It is great that you are being careful for a good social and academic fit. You are a wonderful, caring mother.</p>
<p>One thing that gives me pause about Elon and this would apply to some other colleges as well - there seems to be so much emphasis on outgoing, accomplished, involved kids. What about the shyer, quieter kids? Where is the place for them? I just think that colleges are scaring off kids like mine - particularly less mature boys - with so much emphasis on these amazing superstars.</p>
<p>Texasmother - yes - the fact that he informed me at lunch yesterday (great food) that he had picked his 2 teachers to ask to write for him was quite surprising and a very good sign. I wasn’t going to bring that topic up until after spring break. So - clearly he is thinking about college stuff - he just won’t say very much to me.</p>
<p>RVM didn’t realize it was your spring break. You can definately visit both. Charleston is so wonderful. Both will be beautiful. These visits will give you some direction. They all have different vibes. Enjoy</p>
<p>rvm- thanks! </p>
<p>our D really liked JMU–so far she has liked all the larger state schools we’ve seen (Pitt, Penn State, JMU) and she has not really liked any of the smaller LACs.</p>
<p>My D is also quiet like your S and as a mom the idea of a small school with a nurturing supportive environment appealed to me for her. However, despite being quiet, she is also very social and really likes the feel of the large public schools where there is a lot of activity, sports events to attend, etc. She feels ready for a larger enviroment and I think that will give her an opportunity to grow in confidence and independence!</p>
<p>Went to Decision Day at UDel yesterday and I have to say, the school really pulled out all the stops. There were cheery helpful Blue Hen Amabassadors in yellow and blue jackets all over the place. The school offered both of us breakfast and lunch for free (I had to pay $8.50 for my lunch at Elon) and ice cream made at the UD Dairy. The place was packed with admitted students but you were sent to presentations based on your interest or major. </p>
<p>Though perhaps less touted, we learned that Delaware like Elon has a commitment to discovery learning and there is a graduation requirement for either community service, internship, study abroad or research. It seems like many students do more than one and the opportunities for research on campus for undergrads, the connections to businesses for internships and service learning that Delaware offers seem extensive. Delaware also encourages study abroad during winter session and there were lots of choices as well as the possibility of FA based on merit or interest. What was most reassuring was that the panel of students who presented on these topcs did not seem like only honors or outstandingly motivated or gifted students but rather “average” students who became motivated by what they had done and the choices offered. </p>
<p>I had always assumed that there would be ample Jewish life there but had never realized the number of possibilities. There are groups for Orthodox, Conservative and Reform as well as Chabad on campus, and even a Jews in Greek Life group, as well as the Kristol Center for Jewish Life, the well staffed UD Hillel. There was so much we were told about at the campus groups presentation that it seemed a non issue and we didn’t even feel the need to visit or talk to any one in particular.</p>
<p>I can’t say the deal is yet sealed and in fact on the way home, D mentioned one or two things she had liked at Elon that she didn’t feel as strongly at Delaware. And we’re still talking about whether she wants or needs to go to Miami for a last visit. </p>
<p>At this point she knows that she will be fine at any of the schools she chooses. Each has advantages and potential disadvantages or just plain differences. There’s no sense of panic or concern and I actually think focusing on what each school offers by way of curriculum, fields of study and service or internship opportunities is also helping her unexpectedly focus on majors, interests and eventual career choices in a much more realistic way than she ever had before. </p>
<p>My other two “A” students both picked schools just because they liked them and never really gave any thought to these areas until they were there. Before now I wished that this D had also fallen in love with a school, but now I’m not so sure and have begun thinking that, B student or not, she just might be the most mature of the litter. There’s no question that for her, choosing a college to attend has in itself been an educational and growing experience.</p>
<p>Spectrum, Even if S didn’t do well on the ACT, it may be an easier test to prep for since it is so straight forward using the real ACT book. There are no tricks. Science is truly about reading. My son during practice missed figure 1 many times, but after a few practice tests got used to looking at the charts and tables. It is rare that you have to read all the verbiage on the science section, just the figures. luckily this is his first try and you have time to prep him better.</p>
<p>As for the AP test S is taking. we have a unique situation in that Sam’s teacher was the enviro ap teacher at her old school and our current school unfortunately isn’t yet certified to teach enviro ap. she taught it as if it were and offered extra prep classes for the test. now that it is closer, i am having s do the practice test today at home and she will go over it with him tomorrow. the good news is that there is no pressure. the worse that happens is he doesn’t get credit and we are out $60. it doesn’t affect grades or admissions.</p>
<p>RVM, you already know i feel for you. keep you chin up, S will be processing so much over the next few months and you may be surprised what he comes out with. it may be that a larger school is what makes him feel more comfortable as “a quiet, shy kid.” maybe he feels he will find his crowd more easily. or you may find at the end of visits, he says elon is perfect for him. i think you will find more answers on the next two visits. love who ever’s idea was to visit in august and see the kids who are moving in. not so sure you will see the confidence then.</p>
<p>as for jmu, the rep we met last week said that you take the requirements for two years and if you maintain a 2.9 average you are in the business program. i specifically asked can you be rejected if you have above that average and he said no. there is a risk, but the gpa is not that high. still we are most likely not looking at jmu.</p>
<p>c of c doesn’t have the business requirements as such and with rvm S’s ACT , he might make it in to the honor’s college. glad you are still visiting. once the hw is done and the only focus is on enjoying the break and the two schools, the outlook may be different.</p>
<p>RVM: I’m sorry that the timing for the Elon trip wasn’t great. It’s so hard to choose the right time when you have to plan the trips way ahead of time. I do think that it’s a good idea to use the different presentations to explore majors. I found that the thing that really helped my daughters get a feel for a school was talking to students. The didn’t do overnights, but if they knew someone at a school they tried to meet for lunch or quick mini-tour.</p>
<p>My husband and daughter went to BU yesterday for an accepted Student’s day program for the College of Communication. She came home very excited about the school and the program. I’m glad that she’s still really happy with her choice.</p>
<p>mhc - congrats on what sounds like a fabulous Delaware visit. I am very excited to hear the final decision.</p>
<p>Samtalya - interesting about JMU - I had heard and read that there were not enough slots for all interested kids and that there were students who had a GPA above the minimum threshold - but were towards the bottom of the ranked list who did not get in. Maybe that has changed? S2 won’t be pursuing a business major anyway, or so it seems.</p>
<p>RVM, I don’t know if you checked out if pricing after merit aid works, but have you considered Bentley, Babson, and Bryant Universities? Then you would not need to worry about getting into the business school. They are good schools on lovely campuses, and very nice if you want a smaller school experience. BTW, if you do look, you might as well consider URI and Roger Williams (safeties that I would think would have merit aid for son). NEU would also be worthwhile and pretty close if one is looking at Bentley. What about Quinnipiac?</p>
<p>Woops, just read your last post. Scratch these suggestions! What does he think he wants to major in?</p>
<p>RVM I totally understand your Elon concerns. That was one of my concerns as my d went as a regular student not a fellow. They overplay that I think but reality is there are ample opportunities to for leadership. That actually is a plus to Elon. She felt safe enough to branch out. Also if I have read your posts correctly your son has changed over the last year. He is still changing. My experience is all schools trot out their best and brightest at some point in the visit.</p>
<p>For leadership opportunities, IMO, the best type of school is a safety/match, and a small school for a B/B+ hs student. This way one can be a big fish in a small pond.</p>
<p>The point about boys changing is valid. The days where mine is overwhelmed he is ready to throw in the towel. I try very hard to be patient and use it as a learning opportunity rather than an I told you so.</p>
<p>Our last conversation seems to indicate he may not want any math programs or engineering. Brings me back to his love of humanities but he still does not know. We might just be throwing the “undecided” major into the mix and how on earth do you evaluate schools then? </p>
<p>Curious - is there a link on the JMU/Towson/UMCP websites that shows requirements to further matriculate once you have been accepted? </p>
<p>Rockville - I hope your Son still applies to Elon and a year from now when you visit Accepted Students Day he might have a completely different perspective.</p>
<p>I can’t wait to hear about VT!</p>
<p>RVM - we had a similar experience at Union college with my D2. They trotted out the panel of neatly dressed top performing seniors. I insisted that we attend this presentation. It completely turned off shy, smart, cautious son. His vision of college (jeans and t-shirts; hard studying and quiet conversations about life in some random dorm) was at complete odds with the rah rah please the administration feel we got from the kids on the panel. Honestly it kind of felt like high school all over again, where certain kids were held up by a tightly involved administration. The panel students would have been just the thing for many kids - just not for mine. This was very valuable information. For us I think it was a good thing to have this not so good experience. We learned that this kid would not fit at a small school - he wanted to be a bit more anonymous. He wanted a school where there would be many types of paths to achievement. I came to realize he really was more of a big school type kid. A negative result is not no result!</p>
1 Like
<p>northeastmom - he is mostly interested in sports mgmt and psychology. But - who knows? It is not that I think he has to pick a major today - I don’t think that at all - I just want to be sure we are looking at schools that have majors that interest him.</p>
<p>I just asked him if he wants to attend a business session or a psychology session or no academic session when we go to VT next week - he’s mulling that one over.</p>
<p>hugcheck - I can see some of my son in what you wrote. If I asked him today whether he would more emulate the superstars or prefer to be more anonymous - I know he would pick anonymous.</p>
<p>cherryhillmom - I am quite sure he is still applying to Elon - I think maybe I just pushed too hard? I wanted him to love it? I think we are all feeling very confused right now.</p>