@kelsmom is this still true?
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Yes and no. It won’t be reported at any point for FAFSA only schools, but I suspect that Profile schools will continue to ask.
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Well, we don’t have much of anything else except that to pay for college, so I think I have to use it. We’re pretty low income. Travel costs themselves will be a lot, so we don’t have a whole lot beyond that without the grandparent money. Kid’s lucky to have a well-off generous grandparent, and it’s OK if the college expects them to use that whole fund – that’s what it’s for and lots of people are much less lucky. As far as things like Questbridge – income-wise we would qualify, but it seems like it wouldn’t be ethical to apply that way, since my kid has access to some college money that kids of similar income wouldn’t have. I just need to make sure that wherever she ends up fits within that fund.
Travel costs: No matter what it’s expensive with multiple hops (even the in AK part) and she’ll only fly home winter and summer breaks. West coast is somewhat easier, and that’s a factor, but I’d rather have a broader range to start the search. It seems less important when there’s already likely a required overnight in-transit just to leave the state. I suppose it would be a deal-breaker if there’s no way to get to the college from an airport without a car (bus, shuttle, whatever), but it doesn’t have to be super close.
Thanks to everyone for the suggestions, and keep them coming – It’s great to have things to start researching.
I looked at some of those official chance/match threads, but it seems like all those kids were seniors, and already had SAT scores and such. My kid has started studying for the SATs but not taken them yet, so her only standardized test scores are APs from 8th-10th grade (Bio 4, Chem 4, Physics C Mech 4, Physics C E and M 5). She never took the calc BC test since she finished the class over a summer and was already signed up for multivariable. She did get into an MIT fly-in visit for rural juniors next month, for whatever that’s worth. Not saying that she’d get into MIT, or even that it’d necessarily be the best place for her, but a free college visit is an amazing opportunity and will hopefully help her figure out some things.
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I could be wrong about Reed - but I’ve read on here before that the CS program has had issues.
Someone correct me if I’m wrong - I can’t find it on line but I recollect reading that.
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I know it had growing pains a few years ago, but the major had only been launched in 2017, and one hopes there has now been time for them to resolve the supply & demand issues re: CS coursework. Not sure I ever heard anything that would portend long-term issues.
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When we visited Reed in mid-2022 (I think), there were very sad little signs posted by students around the areas where we toured, warning visiting prospective students that the CS major was in trouble due to inability to hire enough staff to teach classes and supervise seniors for required thesis work, so students were unable to graduate on time. I also remember reading posts online at that time about the situation. However it has been a few years and I hope they would have worked through these issues by now.
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OK - but that’s a good note to OP - if they look at Reed - they should validate the current situation because it might not be the right school.
Thanks for pointing that out for them.
My unasked-for 2 cents is that if you qualify for questbridge, you qualify and should take advantage of that program. Use the grandparent money if available for extras at college (travel home, travel during study abroad, rent during an unpaid internship etc etc) or after (wedding, down payment on home, car). I don’t think it is unethical.
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Y I asked. If the gps are funding from cash flow, their money isn’t known or assured.
It’s the secret weapon. QB schools would come into play like Amherst, Barnard, Haverford, Macalester, etc. pick 15.
This student is statistically likely to be well above average - assuming they get rigor beyond math.
They’re from Alaska - another bonus.
Hopefully OP will weigh in on family income.
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William & Mary could be fine, except little to no $ for out of state students. The school itself is progressive and LGBTQ-friendly, and Virginia currently has two Dem senators but, these days, you never know what the future will bring. Also, a fair amount of distribution requirements.
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And there’s always grad school to think of, especially as funding for it is drying up.
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The lack of distribution may be an issue. At the same time schools have these for a reason. You need to know the world - well you don’t need to but it helps flexibility is a good trait
A potentially less expensive school that may fit is Kalamazoo. Big merit. Bet they see few from Alaska, if any.
The student is advanced in math. Can all schools meet their need if they go this route ?
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Beloit in Wisconsin (90 minutes northwest of Chicago) could be worth a look too. It definitely has a “quirky geek” culture, probably even more so than K-College, and financial aid is quite generous. Beloit has both CS and Data Science majors, in addition to math, bio, biochem, etc. Gender and Sexuality Inclusivity and Belonging • Dean of Students • Beloit College
Kalamazoo has cross-registration with Western Michigan U, only half a mile away, which could be a help if the student needs more math coursework than a small LAC can offer.
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Clark in Worcester MA would be a very good fit for her, and Worcester is a transgender sanctuary city. WPI would also be a good option. She would find her people at both of these schools and they also meet her desires for research, small classes, and professor access.They are homeschool friendly and moderately selective, as opposed to highly rejective. I do not know if the finances would work, but I’d definitely run the numbers for those schools.
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How about some of the colleges in British Columbia? Closer to home and are often less expensive than comparable US colleges.
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Are you perchance native American? Do you have tribal registry? That can be a huge plus if you/your kiddo does.
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Clark has been having financial challenges. Best to do a deep dive into this before committing there, sadly.
Rochester has something like that gen Ed system - at least three courses from each of the three areas: The Rochester Curriculum : New Student Academic Guide : University of Rochester
Oberlin wants two courses in each of three courses, though the courses in each areas also need to be in separate departments as well: Program: Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements - Oberlin College and Conservatory - Modern Campus Catalog™
I suggest you apply to Questbridge and explain your circumstances when applying, or at least ask them if they would encourage you to apply. Let them decide whether they want you.
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Beloit seems homeschool-friendly: Homeschooled Applicants • Admissions • Beloit College
But make sure to do the NPC before applying, of course.
If she is a rising/current junior: College Board National Recognition Program
And see if she enjoys this: ROSALIND | Problems | Locations
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