<p>Moments: Fellows program at Elon is very, very competitive…my daughter who is a sophomore did not apply as she is/was/will be a “B” student, but I have heard wonderful things about most of the Fellows programs in terms of programming…</p>
<p>Moments, welcome! We are from the western Philadelphia suburbs and there was a lot of push to use college counselors. Honestly, I do not think outcomes were better for the kids than those with parents that spent the time and energy taking their kids to schools and working with them and their counselors (although, I am sure using the counselors was easier for parents–no fights as the parents weren’t in charge). So, if you are happy doing what you are doing, you should be fine.</p>
<p>As far as schools and careers, I love your son’s ideas! I have no idea why, and I know that the outdoor thing is not met, but I wonder if there is something for him at Carnegie Mellon? I don’t know what program even…Maybe a film program at a school that has great psychology and computer science. Have you looked at UCF? My dd is at art school in Florida, and while I think she loves going to the beach, etc and thought she would, in truth the program is so rigorous, that she rarely has time to go to get coffee. But, she still loves being outdoors, and having wonderful weather. And, sitting here right now in the 14 degree warmth that is Philadelphia, who can argue? Good luck and welcome.</p>
<p>RVM, again thanks for starting this thread. One million views is astonishing, the impact has helped so many!</p>
<p>I am sure that I shouldn’t watch the “I’m Schmacked” videos…if they are anything like what college life was for me back in the day, well…</p>
<p>@moments: I think that your son’s eagerness to explore is wonderful. He will sort things out as he takes classes and discovers what he likes and doesn’t like, where his strengths lie, etc.
The only possible consideration is if he wants to go the computer science route. If he applies as a CS major, then his curriculum should support that (i.e. math and such).</p>
<p>On another note, sophomore D took the PSAT and did well for her age group. So now the college brochures are coming in. I was thrilled to see Elon’s brochure!
She’s definitely an urban kid, but it was fun to see interest from a school I hear so many fabulous things about!</p>
<p>Quick Elon update - ZBT, the oldest Jewish fraternity, is officially starting a chapter at Elon. And, a chapter of Challah for Hunger has also been started.</p>
<p>Just came across this program, which I had not heard of previously. It is for college students to do an internship in Israel.</p>
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<p>Read more: The Jewish Chronicle - Onward Israel gives students work experience in Jewish state</p>
<p>RVM- wish there was a “like” button for these last two posts.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone for the warm welcome and intelligent advice. I loved some of the programs offered at Carnegie mellon but besides being in PA which holds no appeal for my PA child I thought it was a bit out of his reach. I’m so new to this that every time someone mentions the abbreviation of a college I have to google it… so I’m now looking at UCF or University of central Florida - thank you! As far as CS and math that is an issue although he has taken many AP and honors courses math is his weak link and he is on grade level CP in math (he has continued to do honors science which is usually not allowed in our school without being in advanced math). Phillyartmom, what high school did your daughter go to? We are western suburbs too and my boys are at Harriton (where both my husband and I went many moons ago).</p>
<p>moments…I have a friend whose son is a Junior at University of Central Florida. He absolutely loves it. It is a very big school - about 50,000 students. According to about. com, SATs ranges are CR 530/630, Math 560/650, CR 510/610. ACT 24-28.</p>
<p>Momentcaught: </p>
<p>Have you looked at Pitt? It’s less of a reach than Carnegie Mellon.</p>
<p>The Hillel Jewish University Center that RockvilleMom mentioned is located between Pitt’s and Carnegie Mellon’s campuses and serves both schools. It is a couple blocks from Pitt’s Cathedral of Learning. Pitt’s participation is probably larger. [Welcome</a> to the Hillel JUC of Pittsburgh](<a href=“http://www.hilleljuc.org/]Welcome”>http://www.hilleljuc.org/)</p>
<p>RE: Employing Counselors -
Because our HS Guidance Counselors are useless and I questioned myself as a “first timer”, we employed an outside counselor to assist our unmotivated DD last summer, prior to her senior year.
Silly me.
The counselor was a former HS GC. She was professional, knowledgeable and kind to my daughter. She asked pertinent questions, listened carefully, understood our situation (i.e., every student is different) and quickly moved forward. She was inexpensive…about $100/session for 6-8 sessions…especially considering our NE metropolitan location.
The problems:
- The Counselor brought nothing more to the table, regarding research, than I had already…her work had a few errors and was not nearly as detailed or comprehensive as my own. I had expected more expertise, much more thorough research, and perhaps even some inside info.
- The Counselor quickly became frustrated with my daughter’s lack of motivation (after 2 sessions)…though I’d been very clear that this was why she had been employed in the first place.
- I found myself trying to motivate both my DD and the Counselor!
The solution: The Counselor quit after 4 sessions.
My lesson: You get what you pay for. Trust myself, my abilities…and my DD…and my CC advisers!
Epilogue: DD has been accepted to 5 colleges (out of 5 applications) all with merit scholarships and is waiting on one more decision. I assisted 5 of DD’s friends apply and get accepted to college, as well.
So, my 2 cents: I agree, a counselor is unnecessary if you: start early, give yourself loads of time, do a thorough job researching, are organized, ask questions of those who’ve recently been there/done that, and are OK with prodding your child constantly, if required.</p>
<p>Forgot to mention, I know at least 3 other parents who invested in a college counselor for their children - successfully - pricetag range $2000-$4000, including financial assistance. So, I know there are effective counselors out there who may be worth the cost. Each family’s needs/abilities are different.</p>
<p>LuvMomN8er: Great that you didn’t pay more for this “service” but you summed up your experience very well. I frequently try to advise against “college counselors” for the reasons you stated (way more eloquently than I ever have), but some people just don’t want to “bother” (to me, it’s crazy that they see helping their child a bother).</p>
<p>Parents should also have more confidence in their own abilities, especially with all that is available for free on-line.</p>
<p>Congrats to your DD! Sounds like you did a great job on many fronts!</p>
<p>[I should also add here that, based on all I’ve learned on CC, my DS is also 3 for 3 right now in acceptances with merit aid. It’s really not magic.]</p>
<p>I am so new to this. I just wanted to thank you for starting this thread. While I completely understand why it might be offensive to some people (…and I truly feel bad about that), I, like you, mean no harm nor disrespect. The information is so incredibly valuable to me, at least what I have read so far. I predict that this thread will never end.</p>
<p>This was supposed to be a comment to what appeared to be the first in this thread and I asked that the original quote be copied in my reply but I guess I am just that new. When I saw my post, It did not appear to be related to anything else. Sorry. This is directed at the parent who created this thread.</p>
<p>Ok - always glad to hear that someone new has found this thread and is enjoying it!</p>
<p>I’ve been out of town for awhile and now back…looking at this thread to get caught up a bit…to the parent who is looking for film school, psychology and CS, maybe Syracuse? Their film school is top notch…momentscaught? Welcome! :)</p>
<p>Hi everybody,
I am another one, who’s been returning to this thread again and again as a way to help calm myself down. I’ve never participated in anything like this (dinosaur as far as tech/computer knowledge goes), so it took me a while to join in. You all seem wonderfully supportive.
So, my son is a junior, we’re in a mixed professional/working class town outside of Boston that borders 2 wealthier towns with tiger mother moms whose children all sound like they’re going to Stanford etc. My son didn’t do so well (by today’s standards, not well I guess is mostly B’s?) freshman and soph year but he’s hoping to do better this year in his honors and 1 1/2 APs–but who knows. He ‘s taking SATs this Sat, and could do “fine” or better–his performance in general is erratic. His guidance counselor is worse than useless, blocked his getting a 504 plan which he really did need (time and a half for assignments would have helped; he has serious executive functioning problems).<br>
So, one of my friends convinced me to dish out $ for the college coach, not because I want to be uninvolved, but because some kids really resist their parents’ oversight; also, without a helpful school guidance counselor, and things seeming so different now than when I was applying (I would NEVER have gotten in now to where I went to college then), I was hoping the coach would be a good idea. Hope I’m not making a mistake.</p>
<p>naggymom - just want to say hello and welcome! I know exactly what you mean about the tiger moms and their kids amazing/ intimidating accomplishments. Where we live - college admissions is truly a competitive sport! That’s one of the reasons for my starting this conversation - 2 years ago. My younger son was a very average nice kid, with reasonably good grades and average extra-curricular activities - but nothing that would be amazing from college admisions standards. And that’s ok! Not every 16-year-old can be curing cancer!</p>
<p>I am a worrier by nature, and this supportive group allowed me to express my worries and concerns, so that I didn’t drive my son and husband crazy! So feel free to share your concerns.</p>
<p>As far as the college coach goes, no harm in exploring the idea, but don’t get yourself into a situation where you are commited to buying a package of services for thousands of dollars. Getting some advice at a reasonable hourly rate is fine. If you feel it is helping, great. If not, so you end it.</p>
<p>Anyway, I hope we can help you - lots of experienced parents here.</p>
<p>@momentscaught I am a neighbor of yours too! :)</p>
<p>one of my friends is paying a college counselor for her bright junior who attends a local private school. The fee is paid in advance, fyi. She is very disappointed in the list that her college counselor came up with, as it is just the “standard” list for bright Jewish students- the same schools that everyone applies to. The counselor also ignored her criteria that she doesn’t want her daughter far (eg U Mich).</p>
<p>In my experience a educated, realistic and slightly obsessed parent will do a great job identifying colleges that fit their child!</p>
<p>PS- I might suggest Ithaca College for your son as all of his varied interests are offered there. I think it is a fit for a motivated “B student” also I believe it is test optional. Ithaca NY offers opportunities for skiing and other outdoor pursuits, plus its not PA!</p>
<p>DH took a call yesterday from OWU that was for DS. Caller said that she wanted to congratulate DS and make sure he knew about admitted student weekends. However, he hasn’t gotten an email or a letter from the school. Should I take this as good news or worry that they called the wrong person?</p>