<p>I am signing up for the kids swapping . Up until one last night. One side of my bed H snoring, on the other Junior crying her eyes out because of a 12 pages English term paper and by my feet my oldest son buying 101 stuffed penguins to use as a Prom surprise for his girlfriend.
Tootiredtocare ( that should have been my screen name) I am sure your son did that was right for him. In the end most kids end up loving their school.</p>
<p>tootiredtocare: Congratulations on the decision for UIUC! I hope he will soon not feel any buyer’s remorse. I live in the C-U area (though I’m not connected with the school), so if you need local info or advice, please feel free to contact me.</p>
<p>momentscaught: he does know that UMiami doesn’t have skiing or wakeboarding nearby. right?? hahahaha</p>
<p>But we do have wake-boarding not too far from the U (maybe you were thinking snow boarding: that we definitely do not have).</p>
<p>Thanks pkdof13! We are really looking forward to visiting UCLA next weekend and checking it out. I think I remember that your child is also considering the UCs? Have you made a decision yet?</p>
<p>He already has the info on where he can wakeboard/waterski near Miami and I think Miami itself is enough of a pull to make a 17 yr old guy forget about the snowy mountains … Maybe?</p>
<p>Momentscaught- I am sure the UM pool will offer him a source of consolation.</p>
<p>Good mornin’ all! Temps here in DC are rising slowly but surely, even the cherry blossoms are thinking of blooming-yeah! AND, the Nationals swept their first series, so all is right with the world lol!</p>
<p>I check in on thread daily for my “fix!” But haven’t had time to post for a few weeks. LONG UPDATE: We visited UPitt at beginning of break on 3/22. Loved the city, school not the right fit for Cheergirl, however. Way too “urban” for her. Figured out she wants “traditional” grassy campus NEAR an urban area, but not right smack in the middle. But, we could see why it’s popular, really smart, engaging students and profs. Awful info sesh (felt like it was the 1950’s and we were sitting in someone’s living room, and admissions rep. talked super fast, hmmm…kinda like Cheergirl!), but great tour! Stayed at the Sheraton downtown one night-def recommend! Great price from hotwire and right on the river!</p>
<p>Next stop-south Florida, ahhh, warmth at last! Awesome visit with Bubbie, lots of matzo ball soup and whatnot, and visited UMiami on Thursday. WOW! What’s not to love? Amazing climate, top-notch private-school amenities, first class info sesh and tour with an adorable (Jewish of course!) soph from LongGuyland (is it one word or two lol!)? I didn’t LOVE the architecture–I’m more of a red-brick and ivy kind of gal, but I’m just nit-picking here! The vibe is definitely–work super hard and play super hard. Nothing wrong with that. It would open alot of doors for sure. Also seems fast paced, a place for very independent young adults? Cheergirl won’t turn 18 til December of freshman year, no question that she’d manage, but for sure she’d grow up faster than she would in a more “nurturing” (for lack of a better word) environment. Not at all sure she’d get in, and not sure she wants to be that far from home (Montgomery County, Maryland), but she’ll apply, yippee? :)</p>
<p>Grade update–I feel like I’ve been on a roller coaster since January and was much comforted by the generous and thoughtful support on this thread! Cheergirl recovered after seemingly endless bout of mono. GC was worthless. I advocated nonstop. A few teachers were supportive and excused work/quizzes/tests. Most…not so much. I feel they would’ve been more cooperative if Cheergirl was mediocre student? I think they see her as capable and “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger?” Well, it’s amazing Cheergirl and I didn’t kill each other. I know that by the end of the marking period she hated the sound of my voice. Hell, I hated the sound of my own voice. I pushed and pushed like it was my job, and she truly busted her adorable little ass like nobody’s business. Ended up somehow with 6 A’s and 1 B (AP Lang–the bane of our existence). Well-deserved spring break for both of us!</p>
<p>Test prep update–what an unmitigated disaster. With the mono issue, we bumped the first ACT to April. Started test prep class in early March with company I DO NOT recommend!!! I’m not one to trash talk but it’s National, 6 letters, begins with K and ends with N. Connect the dots… Teacher 45 minutes late for first 4 classes and then not even effective in remaining time. Cheergirl and others sat and stressed about all the homework/studying they could be doing at home. Teacher fired, replacement was on-time but “eh.” And more than half the classes are just practice tests! WHAT??? I can (and do) give a practice test at home FOR FREE! Final straw-Cheergirl due to start SAT prep with K*<strong><em>N on April 17 for June 1 test and just found out class cancelled with no backup class, just offer of unlimited online prep…REALLY? Once again, could’ve gotten that from ACT.COM for $29.95. Cheergirl knew she needed a classroom with a teacher. We paid $799 for “unlimited classroom prep” through graduation. Lesson learned. If it seems to good to be true, it probably is. Called yesterday-got full refund, no problem. She’ll cram like crazy for April 13 and then begin SAT test prep at Chyten, in our neighborhood. $895. maximum 4-6 kids in class, exceptional teachers according to all my friends. We’ll supplement with 4-6 private tutoring sessions as needed (Reading-OY), and hope for the best on June 1. And, probably a re-take in early October, so it’s all good. Life is all bout Plan B. Many of you warned me about K</em></strong>*N, should’ve listened. :)</p>
<p>Upcoming–Tomorrow, long-awaited “official” visit to University of Maryland/College Park. Our flagship, my alma mater, and a reach (***!) for most. Fingers crossed! Of course, we’ve been for tailgate/sports, visits to older bro, etc. but this is “the” visit. Also on calendar, Elon University visit on April 27–VERY EXCITED! RockvilleMom–any words of advice? And JMU on May 13–so curious! Cheergirl’s friends LOVE it. Jewish life there?</p>
<p>If anyone is still reading (lol!), I have a question: Got email this a.m. from Cheergirl’s school about a “Junior Scholars Program” at Miami University (OH), which is on our “list.” I usually hit delete and feel like these programs are scams. (Income producer for the school?) This one is 6 weeks. Cost would be $4,000-ish including tuition, room, board, “enrollment fee” (using an abacus and an etch a sketch?) and books. “Attendees may be eligible for guaranteed admission.” Some troubling qualifiers in that sentence. Does anyone on this thread (who hasn’t fallen asleep yet) have experience with a program such as this, good or bad? Scam or worthwhile? Thanks for feedback!</p>
<p>That’s it for now…gotta get some work done, even though it seems to be a quiet Friday for my peeps in the labor union world! BYEEEE! :)</p>
<p>I’ve lurked on this thread for years, and have read it from the beginning, but never posted, but I’ve always admired the camaraderie and inclusiveness of this group. I realize that my question deals with a school that isn’t for a “B” student, and I know there’s been back and forth periodically as to keeping or not keeping to the purpose of discussing schools for a “B” student, but since my question deals with part of the purpose of this thread, the Jewish aspect, I’m going to ask. Does anyone have any information concerning Jewish life at William & Mary, whether most Jewish students are comfortable there? We’re more culturally Jewish than religious, don’t keep kosher. I know that they have a small Jewish population, 2-4% Jewish, I’ve seen on their site that they have a Hillel, they have Shabbat dinners, they have a Seder, but keeping to my true obsessive nature, I’m looking for more. Any information would be most appreciated!</p>
<p>Hi and welcome! We visited William and Mary several times with S1 - he was accepted there - we liked it very much - felt there was enough Jewish life for a basic comfort level. He ultimately picked another school - but I was very happy with William and Mary and would have been fine with him attending there.</p>
<p>I would categorize it as more of an “A” student school - but a B+ student - particularly one who applied ED - might have a shot. Especially full pay!</p>
<p>You’ve probably already seen this - but Hillel link:</p>
<p><a href=“Services | William & Mary”>http://wmpeople.wm.edu/site/page/hillel/upcomingevents</a></p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Not a huge group - but enough for a comfort level I would think, and to have a reasonably active Hillel.</p>
<p>And they offer a minor in Judaic studies - which I see as a good sign:</p>
<p><a href=“https://www.wm.edu/as/charlescenter/interdisciplinary/structured/judaicstudiesminor/index.php[/url]”>https://www.wm.edu/as/charlescenter/interdisciplinary/structured/judaicstudiesminor/index.php</a></p>
<p>Hi Susan:</p>
<p>Welcome to this thread. Glad you stopped lurking and started posting. Many people who live in that area or who have knowledge of that school can help you…I do know that I have a friend who’s S started at W & M and ended up transferring to UVA because of the lack of Jewish socialness. However that was a few years ago and maybe things are more active now…we have a cousin who transferred out of Elon for the same reason @ 4 years ago to go to UMCP and look what has happened to Elon in the last few years…exploded with social activities, new frat, etc. Soooo, you just never know.</p>
<p>My older S goes to a college in Boston that has a very large Jewish population, no issues there at all. But now S2 is looking at a college that has a very small Jewish population, sounds like W &M, but we are starting to reach out to a neighboring college to make provisions for him to carpool there for a much more active Jewish social life.</p>
<p>Does W & M have nearby colleges that have more Hillel type stuff going on? Also, how does your child feel about it? I think as long as you make provisions, such as signing up for Birthright, etc., it may be okay…would your child be one to take a role in recruiting more kids to campus activities? Also, maybe call the school and ask to speak to advisor who runs the few programs they do have…</p>
<p>The school has a wonderful reputation, so maybe your child can get their Jewish socialness in more “out of the box” ways by reaching out to a local synagogue or JCC…</p>
<p>Thanks for the super quick response rockvillemom and chocchipcookie. I didn’t realize that W&M had a Judaic Studies minor, that is a good sign. We’re actually going to visit for the second time next week and I’ll report back as to our thoughts. I probably care more than my son, but he wants to feel comfortable at whatever school he selects. To give a little more background, we have triplet sons, seniors, and the other 2 have already decided where they’re going, but the third son has several choices, but is leaning toward W&M.</p>
<p>This site has been a life saver at times, to help keep us sane through this process. We started taking our sons to visit schools in the spring of 10th grade, since early on we had decided that if one initially visits, they’re all going to visit, as no one knew what size or type of school they wanted, and this site was very helpful in trying to pin down places to visit.</p>
<p>Triplets! Wow! I cannot imagine doing this process for 3 at the same time! Congratulations!</p>
<p>Cheermom,
I have had some experience visiting with my d’s the schools you list. D2 is at Udel. Pittsburgh was her 2nd choice. She was shocked that she liked it, after falling in love with the traditional beautiful UDel campus. We also spent some time at JMU. Nice campus. The old part reminded me of Del. There is a new part across a highway. That was a little weird. Kids seemed very happy there. For us, it was too far from airport. Ca. to JMU would have been a 12 hour travel ordeal door to door.<br>
We also went to Miami Ohio. One of the most beautiful campuses you will ever see. My d was not comfortable with the very preppy style of the kids. Not many jews. We were there over a jewish holiday. When she went to the hillel gathering, it was tiny, and the kids did not strike her as her type. She did not apply.
You might want to look at Delaware. they also have a high school summer program. Much closer to home.<br>
Just my two cents…</p>
<p>SusanW, where are your other two going?</p>
<p>Susan you should receive a medal. Triplets. I have a senior that have just chose his college and a junior just starting the process and I am already exhausted. Do you plan for them to be close by?</p>
<p>cheermom - excited to hear you are visiting Elon! Please contact Nancy Luberoff, the Hillel director, or Ginny, the assistant and see if you can meet them. They have a beautiful new Hillel House and an amazing amount of programming - events every day. The incoming freshman class is 10% Jewish!</p>
<p>Nancy Luberoff, M.S.W.
Hillel Director, Elon University
Designated a SMALL & MIGHTY CAMPUS OF EXCELLENCE by Hillel International
Located in the SKLUT HILLEL CENTER at 401 E. College Avenue
2960 Campus Box, Elon, NC 27244
336 - 278 – 7729</p>
<p>We liked JMU quite a bit. Very friendly, happy students. There are plenty of Jewish kids there - coming from Montgomery County and northern VA, but they didn’t seem to have much Jewish programming or a very active Hillel.</p>
<p>Let us know what you think after you visit.</p>
<p>I know a few people have upcoming Elon visits. We get a weekly email from Nancy with all of the upcoming activities for the week. Here is a sample:</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Cheermom: Great to hear about your trip except for this:</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>A little sensitive about this stereotype. NO ONE here that I know says LongGuyLand. Kind of offensive actually…I’m sure you didn’t mean anything by it so just letting you know… especially if you visit Delaware (or any other east coast school where there is a good size Jewish population)… lots of Long Islanders there…</p>
<p>Linymom,</p>
<p>You know I am a fan. And they do say LongGuyland at Udel too. Maybe not in your town…but other parts.
i am sure they will say it in Miami…</p>
<p>From a long Island fan…</p>
<p>RVM-Thanks SO MUCH for the referral! I’ll most definitely reach out to Nancy and/or Ginny before our visit to Elon! That programming is IMPRESSIVE, thanks for posting! I’m actually so excited for our visit, just a gut feeling that it will be very well-received. Booked a hotel for Friday night (26th) so we’d have plenty of time to explore. </p>
<p>SoCal-we visited UDel several weeks ago, hands down its a top contender! Cheergirl said it “felt like home.” Not a surprise since we vacation at Rehoboth. Awesome info sesh and personal tour with student who attended Cheergirl’s HS! Def not a safety though (at least not for us.)</p>
<p>LINY–I’m SO SO sorry to have offended you! I truly meant no disrespect! Cheerdad’s a BronxBoy and my entire family comes from NY. We visit often, cousins in every borough. TBH, pretty much everyone around my area uses that term, but as a term of endearment, not a slur of any sort! But I do appreciate knowing that its NOT endearing to all! :)</p>
<p>Susanmw-triplets??? Oh my! You must be über organized?!</p>
<p>Well, wishing everyone a spectacular weekend…I better get some sleep so I don’t crash and burn at UMD/CP tomorrow!</p>