I also wonder about Studies vs. Science - very different right?
I’m sure OP’s kid will find their way - and if not, that’s why so many go to grad school 
I’m sure MBA and MPA programs are full of ES undergrads. And many other majors…I was History/Broadcast Journalism…if you fall, you pick yourself up.
Yes I suspect so, none of D’s friends had the classes in chemistry etc that would qualify them for environmental remediation, testing etc (or were interested in that). They found it hard to get decently paid positions in policy and similar which was their focus (in Environmental Studies).
I was trying to help the sister of my daughter’s friend - she was in Science at UTC but kind of flaked out - but she needed help even formulating a resume, etc.
The amount of jobs posted were certainly less than others and often part time.
Well - I do think though OP’s daughter has interests (for now) - she’s in 11th grade. Intererests change - but i’m sure OP will have lots more updates.
And like any kid - getting a job isn’t easy - but for those who try, short of an economic collapse, hopefully they’ll be ok.
Okay, finally got practice digital PSAT score back. 1430 - 730 English, 700 math. I’m not sure how the digital version will go in terms of NMSQT. She thought it seemed easier because it was shorter but she also have another year of school.
Okay, were are trying to decide between going to Maine or California for our spring break. We won’t be able to visit both while school is in session this year. What do you think the biggest differences between Bates and Pitzer are? Also, is Bates more sports focused than Pitzer and Macalester? Thanks!
Biggest difference to me for Bates/Pitzer: Pitzer shares a campus (I know, I know, they’re technically separate … but they are all adjoining, and from space, look like one campus ), classes, etc, with four other schools, leading to a much larger student body, and feels (to me) more like a larger school with a strong residential college program, or a place that has “schools” that you are admitted to.
Bates is more sports focused than Pitzer/Macalester, in my second-hand experience, but that is not a major difference - not like we’re comparing Colgate and Reed.
D went to a Pitzer visit at her high school. She liked the research, study abroad, community learning, etc. She does not dig the SoCal vibe. The dorms look like Melrose Place (my words not hers lol). She’ll still apply, but I’m thinking Macalester or Bates will be her top choice. Maybe. lol
So she went to a visit at her hs but not the school itself and ?
Everyone has research and study abroad. Schools highlight this but it’s not a differentiator.
You can’t tell a campus from a hs meeting or even truly from a virtual tour.
But if she doesn’t like (preferably after more than a hs visit), then don’t apply and spend time on an app she will like.
Okay, let’s talk about rigor a little. D25 takes a very demanding schedule but I’m sure there are kids taking 5 or 6 AP classes a year at her school. In her mind she wants to apply ED to Macalester or Bates next fall. Will it hurt her to take a study hall both semesters this year? Also, does she need AP Lit next year or would another English be fine? I just don’t want her to stress herself out too much. Here is her current plan.
9th
Advanced Algebra II
Advanced Lit & Comp
Advanced Biology
World History
Spanish III
PE/Health
Tech Theater I/Drawing I
10th
Math Analysis
Composition/Advanced Lit Analysis
Advanced Chemistry
AP European History
Spanish IV
Intro to Journalism
Adventure Pursuits(PE)/Drawing II
11th
AP Calculus BC
AP Language
AP Environmental Science
AP US History
Study Hall/Ceramics I
Newspaper I
Personal Finance/Graphic Design
12th
AP Statistics
AP Literature
AP Psychology
AP Biology
PAWS (vet science class)
Government/Painting I
Newspaper II
I would recommend sticking with AP lit, but I see no problem with a study hall. Six classes per semester should be perfectly fine. Since she’s already taking AP Bio, she could probably drop PAWS unless she is really excited about it. Alternatively, she could replace AP Psych with AP Gov (US, comparative, or both, depending on whether these are semester or full-year classes), which would free up a period for study hall at least one semester next year.
I think this is the current list. I’m guessing some reaches might be removed. We are visiting Bates, Bowdoin, Colby, and Clark in March, and Lewis and Clark, Willamette, and Oregon in June. I think we won’t make it to the Claremont schools, MHO, or Vermont though. She really wants to ED. I’m guessing it will be Macalester or possibly Bates. Does the list need more matches?
Bates
Bowdoin
Carleton
Clark
Colby
Lewis and Clark
Macalester
Mount Holyoke
Pitzer
Scripps
University of Oregon
University of Vermont
Willamette
If you been to any yet ? Others how does she know where she wants to Ed ? She might even see an LAC if she hasn’t and decide they’re too small.
Until you’ve been, you don’t know.
ED is fine unless you’re secretly wanting them to take the in state option (Oregon I believe) which then it’s not ok.
No one has to ED. It’s a choice.
Good luck.
Ps it doesn’t need matches as you have Oregon, Lewis & Clark, UVM, Willamette, etc. I assume any would be satisfactory or wouldn’t be on the list. They’ll all be cheaper than Bates or Mac so you have to consider that b4 ED if $$ matters to you.
She’s been to Macalester, Carleton, and St Olaf. She liked Mac best. She really didn’t like Wisconsin. Wash U would have been okay size-wise, but it is in a red state (also 10 min from home) and not really known for environmental science. She will not be applying to any schools in state.
My daughter did not take a study hall, but did have one period as a “teaching assistant” for a math class she had previously completed. Sometimes she was able to study during that period, depending on what the teacher needed, and of course she had no homework or tests.
I don’t know if that is an option, but my daughter thought it looked better than a study hall — more like a peer tutor. Not sure if admissions departments agree, but thought I would toss it out there.
The only schools that did not admit her were very high reaches (less than 10% acceptances), so not sure if the class schedule made a difference or not.
On another subject, if you are visiting Oregon, you might want to look at Oregon State, too. Its environmental science program is highly ranked by US News and Niche. I am admittedly biased, because that is the safety my kid chose to attend after visiting. But it was a last-minute “safety” add for her and the last school we visited — and turned out to be her favorite.
Ok. I was thinking Oregon is in state. Sorry
I mean, I would love to move there…
I think this list looks good pending more visits. It might shuffle around at that point. No need to visit all of the schools – focus on the ones of greatest interest, but make sure to mix in some likelies/safeties (sounds like you’re doing that already). If you do visit Clark, you should probably try to make time to visit MoHo – it’s pretty close by, and MoHo is stunning. Definitely worth at least a self-guided tour (you can do this with your phone and earbuds), if not a scheduled tour.
I know Mizzou isn’t possible.
Would KU be? It’s got woman’s right to choose embedded in the state constitution (not sure if that’s the issue of concern), has one of the top Honors colleges in the country and qualifies for the Midwest student exchange.
Anyway, I think one just needs to have a school they’d love to get to that they’d definitely get into - and you have several - hence no need for a match, etc.
Your list looks fine, and getting in early apps will help you manage your non-reaches as you will have a sense of what options will be available.
No need to add ones you like less if you’re already admitted!
If possible, try to tack on MHC when you do your eastern trip to develop a better sense of a women’s college. Always helpful when you’re contemplating ED to fully understand the options.
Oh, it doesn’t look that far to Mount Holyoke. I wonder if we are done at Clark at 12 pm and our flight out of Logan is at 7 pm if that is enough time. She liked Bryn Mawr when we visited, mainly because it is so pretty.