<p>NEinNCMom: In addition to taking the early May SAT, I would recommend that she try the ACT also. Both my kids (my A kid and my B kid) did better on the ACT. If I had a third kid, I would focus solely on the ACT. I think the ACT is given in April. It’s worth having her try a few practice tests on her own (great resources in the book store) and then taking the test.</p>
<p>How odd that they would contribute to any schools but NC state schools being a NC university. Would she qualify for any tution break or exchange at the school you work for?
If they will help with a NC private school, Elon may be affordable. Elon offers internships in major cities, so she could possibly experience DC without DC college prices.</p>
<p>Just adding on to above post - Elon does have programs in NY, LA and DC.</p>
<p>oldmom4896: Thanks so much for your response. It is great to meet another mom of a Chinese junior, and I really appreciate your suggestions about college essay. We were wondering about that. It would be great to be in touch some more. Where is your D thinking of applying?</p>
<p>Also, Somewhere Between will be nearby for one showing. Have you seen it?</p>
<p>LINYMOM: Thanks. Based on the in-school pretest, mine also seems to do better on the ACT. There seem to be some free online prep tests, and I read about xiggi method here, and there are books; but I find that she does better online. Again, suggestions are always welcome.</p>
<p>We used a big red ACT practice book, which was recommended here by rockvillemom.</p>
<p>Pennylane and RVM: It’s great to know that Elon has programs in DC and NY. I’ll look into that. My employer will provide a percentage of the tuition here (if I stay past 5 yrs and through Ds college yrs) and apply that to only tuition (not R & B), so a less expensive private or OOS with decent R&B is the goal. There is no need to go here, just not to a state school, which would cost less anyway.</p>
<p>D has only two acceptances so far. Hofstra and SUNY Albany. Both with strong merit scholarships.</p>
<p>Mint - 2 acceptances is great - not sure why you wrote “only” - do you mean that some decisions were defer or deny, or that you are waiting on the rest?</p>
<p>Niece is still in Israel without luggage, which has only made it from LA to London. She is not a happy camper. Hoping it catches up with her tomorrow.</p>
<p>Just waiting now…</p>
<p>NEinNCMom: Elon is affordable compared to other private schools. If your employer contributes to tuition, it might cost close to in state.
RVmom- I hope your niece is keeping warm and dry.</p>
<p>rockvillemom. I can’t believe that she still doesn’t have her luggage! The rain, hail and snow and no clothes…that sucks. When we packed, we were told to put a change of clothes in his carry on, so hopefully she did that and I’m sure that the other girls took pity on her and lent her some stuff and of course, there’s always shopping! My son is sleeping in a Bedouin tent right now. I think that they have heaters, but I can’t imagine it’s very warm. Friday morning they wake before dawn and climb the steps of Massada. The weather is supposed to clear up, so hopefully the rest of the trip will be more pleasant. I hope that your niece gets her stuff soon (maybe a camel will deliver it to her).</p>
<p>Rockvillemom- Back in 1968 my parents went to Israel - in the days of hose and suits on the plane and touring. The airline lost their luggage and it was never found. They traveled around for two weeks in the same clothes (I think they also packed a change of underwear in their carry on) and one day, a traveling friend lent my mom another suit for the day. We still have the photo of the men trying to climb Masada in the afternoon, without the suit jackets on but with shower caps on their head to try and protect them from the heat. I can’t even imagine (I don’t ever want to wear hose again but to do it when traveling for two weeks in the desert!) This was in September ish- if I remember right!
Mine has called more often then she has all first semester at school- laughing giggling and telling me how wonderful it is! They are just about to climb Masada (parallel time with Jozuko but not the same trip!)</p>
<p>oh fourkids, now you are just bragging…multiple phone calls!!! I would be happy with another “yeah I’m fine” on facebook messanger. JK, you know that I am so appreciative of your updates, how else would I have any idea of what my son might be doing?</p>
<p>As for pany hose. The last time I wore hose was several years ago to a High Holiday service. I found a pair in the drawer that appeared to be in good shape. (I hadn’t worn any in years). I put them on, seemed fine, but then as I was walking into the temple, they started sliding down my waist. The elastic was so old that it totally disintegrated while I was wearing them! Needless to say, i went straight to the ladies room and that was the end of my days of wearing hose!</p>
<p>I just got a phone call!!! And he is happy and having a great time. He slept in the Bedouin tent (heated, and not really a tent), rode a camel, went to Masada and even floated in the Dead Sea (cold, but not too bad). Now they are back in a hotel near Israel and getting ready for Shabbat. Now I am happy!</p>
<p>To all those on Birthright trips, glad your kids enjoying themselves in spite of weather. Let me know who does the speech about BR (could be a relative).</p>
<p>The flu outbreak is widespread, with many states reporting far greater numbers than previous years. On the positive side, the flu cases we are seeing in our practice are somewhat milder than in some years. However, there are individual cases that demonstrate more severe symptoms. The flu vaccine, although reported by the CDC to be a good match, is not completely protective. In fact, the CDC today has reported a 62% rate of protection, which they describe as comparable to previous years. This was a surprise to me: I had thought it would be more effective. However, we have seen quite a few cases in patients who had received the vaccine.</p>
<p>Students should be aware that they are at risk for catching the flu even if they have received the vaccine. Good, even compulsive, hand washing; use of hand sanitizer; sneezing and coughing into the elbow crease instead of the hands; staying in and away from others if symptomatic can help prevent the spread of the virus. Eating healthy meals, including breakfast, and getting adequate sleep are important as well (you will be able to sense their eyes rolling as you suggest these, of course).</p>
<p>Schools and colleges are ideal incubators for viral infections: dormitory living, crowded dining halls, stress, poor sleeping and eating habits, and adolescent denial all contribute.</p>
<p>It is impossible to predict which patients will have a more complicated course, but it has been suggested that young people are at a somewhat greater risk because they mount such a vigorous response to viral infection (on the other hand, older patients are at greater risk for secondary infection because they have less effective immune responses). If your student is demonstrating more severe symptoms, including chest pain, breathing difficulty, severe headache, or neurological symptoms, they should seek medical care. I would hope that students would look out for each other in this regard. </p>
<p>Students with milder symptoms should stay in bed and out of circulation until they have been without fever, i.e., temp < 100.5, for 24 hours.</p>
<p>By the way, chicken soup helps the symptoms of cold and flu in numerous ways. For sore throat, the Irish remedy of tea with milk and sugar is effective (tea has natural anti-inflammatory properties). In some matters we all should listen to our grandmothers.</p>
<p>Thanks for the timely flu advice. My younger son did get a flu shot at school. Older son refuses. Oh well.</p>
<p>Hope everyone on Birthright continues to have a safe trip.</p>
<p>NEinNCMom- sent you a private message. I don’t check into the forum much anymore, but if you send me a PM I will see it.</p>
<p>Niece in Israel on Birthright FINALLY got her luggage today, nearly a week in. American Airlines was horrible to deal with. As recently as yesterday, they told her parents that her luggage was still in the US and was being shipped home!</p>
<p>When S2 goes on Birthright, we will pack his carryon with great thought!</p>