Final Information -- Chances -- Class of 2018

sovereigndebt
Sat, 07 Sep 2013 09:56:37 +0000

Nova is a great engineering school. So they get my vote.

BUT…I always caution people on two things:


Engineering is a very rigorous program and doesnt leave much time for fun.
Kids change majors as often as they change clothes. Which is often. Kids this age may think they want to be engineers, lawyers, doctors, college professors, architects etc, but when the rubber meets the road, and the long hours of study, many opt for something else. Which is fine…college is about self actualization and finding their path. Its not boot camp or seminary or basket weaving academy.


The real issue, once you have discerned what are his reach, match and safety schools, is to find the school(s) where he has the best “fit.” That has to do with personality, interests, programs, location, geography, demographics, athletics vs. nerds, the dating games, overbearing parents (I am guilty as charged!), MONEY, and a host of subjective factors only you and he can decide. Because there is no sense being in a prestigious school if you are miserable.

I once met an admissions officer at a prestigious southern LAC. She was a Harvard graduate. She said she was MISERABLE at Harvard for four years and afraid to leave. MISERABLE. It simply wasnt her. Nothing against Harvard. But its not a panacea for everyone and these four years are too important to get caught up in the prestige games. Go with what fits YOU (HIM.)

Good luck.

p.s., I think he will be fine at Fordham. Another school to consider which will POUR money at him is Manhattan College, which has a respected engineering program, btw.