<p>^Completely agree. Honestly, there are a lot of kids who probably shouldn’t even BE in college…it’s like “High School Plus.” At some of the state schools, it is 4, 5, 6 years of partying and dumbassery. (Who the parents are who pay for this, I have no idea.) But if we’re honest here, we will admit that there are kids at more elite schools who are doing the same thing (except they are probably graduating faster).</p>
<p>So where can these smart kids go if all else fails? We have debated state flagships and their honors programs. Some say sure, highly intelligent kids can thrive there. Others say no way, those kids would feel uncomfortable when they have to enter the general population on football Saturdays or in the dining hall. My son would not have liked ANY big school, no matter how prestigious. Other kids, even very smart ones with other options, thrive on the energy and options and possibilities.</p>
<p>We haven’t offered a whole lot of other great safety suggestions to our hypothetical picky kid. Maybe we should. LACs can be great and will give merit aid to the kids they want. There are SO many wonderful, not-that-competitive LACs that would be both academic and financial safeties for high-achieving high schoolers. Many of them are outside the east coast, where even the decent schools are far oversubscribed. Try New College of Florida, Centre, Austin, Rhodes, Hendrix, Earlham, Knox, Beloit, Lawrence, St. Olaf, Wooster, Ursinus, Muhlenberg, Wheaton (MA). These schools are full of smart kids who are interested in learning for learning’s sake. MANY of them are as or more intellectual than some of the better-known schools that are popular on this site. </p>
<p>I also like the idea of Jesuit or other Catholic colleges. The Loyolas. St. John’s in Minnesota. St. John’s in NM/MD. St. Edwards in Austin. St. Anselm in NH. Many have a long tradition of teaching socially conscious thinkers.</p>
<p>But when I said that much more gently about a place like Mizzou – and I know that I would not have liked any big school – I got ragged on for it! I’m saying exactly what you said here.</p>
I do identify with this, unlike previous posts. I’ve seen this seriousness of purpose even at open-enrollment, regional universities…especially among low-income or first-gen students and adult degree-completers (often veterans).</p>
<p>In reference to one of the posts up above, was that an indirect swing? I guess I should lay it out more plainly so you can see the connection.</p>
<p>I brought up homeschooling because in my world, the people I’ve been communicating with for ages, there are plenty of us with kids who took a number of APs and/or a significant load of college classes before they finished their high school years. They were digging in and exploring their passions, doing internships, involved in various activities, volunteering in their communities, being engaged learners. And you know what, these kids end up going to a wide range of schools for any number of different reasons.</p>
<p>Not only do I like the term, but I’m pretty sure I majored in it – albeit at a public Podunk that no doubt would attract only scorn from most of y’all.</p>
<p>For MOST students I know in real life, the students do NOT have safeties.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>It is common for folks in my area to borrow $15-25k/year to pay for school. Not a safety to me when you just borrowed against your future home purchase, wedding and baby making years. And these numbers are for our state schools, not private.</p></li>
<li><p>The high achieving students are told by too many well meaning, but out of touch, adults that they could aim better. If the kid hears from teachers, neighbors and guidance counselors that they could get into “great” schools then of course these kids get have an attitude when they are rejected or realize it is unaffordable.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>I don’t blame the students. They are 16-17 years old when applying to schools.
I don’t blame most of the parents. They rely on the counselor. Back in my day, the counselors actually DID help with college planning. Back in my day, the 4 yr cost did not exceed the cost of the homes in my town. </p>
<p>I DO blame the high schools. </p>
<p>The entire process should be started before May of 11th grade. Many around here don’t take the SAT until Oct of senior year. Simply does not leave enough time to have scores, know where you stand, compile a list (which include running NPC) and apply.</p>
<p>Let’s face it, we are all here because we are proactive. My SIL thought I was a complete helicopter Mom. But, my kid had choices which were financially feasible. Her kid is going to be crippled by debt. Irresponsible.</p>
<p>I wish Counselors would just simply post items on a website and hand out information at the end of 10th grade with a timeline and websites. Kids should know of the NMF opportunities. Parents should be aware that each school now has a Net Price Calculator. I can’t tell you how many parents in my son’s class said they wished they understood the process earlier in the game. This game is so different than it was 20 years ago.</p>