<p>D is a Jr in mich parochial school with varied interests. Great writer doing well in AP Eng, AP Hist. Suggestions for colleges in Midwest? Already visited UMich, UChicago, ND, NW,Oberlin, Kenyon visit coming up. Can’t decide large or small school, public or private.</p>
<p>GPA 3.95, #2 in hs class, taking ACT in Apr, varsity soccer cap, VB all-league, community service, NHS officer, Student Govt officer, vocal.</p>
<p>UPDATE March 13th:
Things just got a little more complicated. D’s HS will announce Tuesday it’s closing end of school year and will offer Jr’s opportunity to graduate end of summer if they take Govt and English class. At this time I don’t see an advantage for her to graduate HS early…app dates are long gone, fin aid deadline gone, and of course, don’t know if D’s ready/interested in college for this Fall. </p>
<p>Any advantage to grad early and take comm coll classes? Not sure if colleges are likely to accept transfer after one year of cc.</p>
<p>Plans to visit Beloit, Knox, Grinnell this summer still on. Any info regarding Dominican U in Il? </p>
<p>Mack, I’d contact the schools on your daughter’s list and ask them about their early start programs for high school juniors who want to start college a year early. I believe some of the schools you have mentioned have this program. </p>
<p>I have heard good things about Dominican - looks like a beautiful campus. If you do a search for “Dominican” on CC, I asked about it with in the past few months and got some good information.</p>
<p>The other suggestion would be a “gap” year where she travels in an organized program or does an internship. I have a link for some suggestions that I will post in a second. Colleges tend to look very favorably on gap years as long as they are spent well.</p>
<p>One other thought occurred to me. Make sure your daughter gets written letters of recommendation from her guidance counselor and at least two or three teachers BEFORE the school closes. I’d suggest using the Common Application Forms for this (<a href=“http://www.commonapp.org%5B/url%5D”>www.commonapp.org</a>) because many schools accept them. Be SURE to have the guidance counselor note in her recommendation that the school is closing as of this June. Even if your daughter goes to a new high school she will still have those rec’s in hand from people who know her better to send to colleges.</p>
<p>fully agree with idea of a gap year. I wish I could take a year off from work right now. </p>
<p>Given that your daughter is in private school - figure out how much that costs you and use the same amount to fund something exciting/interesting/useful for your daughter. My oldest daughter, who is now a sophomore at McGill spent last summer in a Spanish languauge school in Cusco, Peru - she spent weekends traveling to places like Macchu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, etc. The school - 6 hours of spanish a day plus room and board with a family - cost $200 per week. My daughter is almost fluent now and one of her majors will be Latin American studies. </p>
<p>I would think that any program/activity that creates an appreciation for learning when she gets to college would be good.</p>
<p>Although D has not made HS vs college decision, we did enjoy the Albion Jr Day last weekend. Friendly helpful administration and faculty. Admissions very supportive. 2 Albion students had similar situations as D, both chose different routes to Albion. The college president introduced himself at AM registration and walked us through admissions. pre-law advisors and counseling depts. Unbelievable!</p>
<p>Does anyone have inside info in Albion? Seems very academically challenging yet supportive.</p>
<p>Also seeking info on Aquinas in Grand Rapids.</p>
<p>Mach 1,
Listen to Carolyn, she’s a wealth of good advice.
But talk to all of the schools your daughter may be interested in, they may not have a specific Early Admission program but might bend some rules for your specific situation. Also consider applying for January start.
Do the research now, you and your daughter can address the HS vs college decision later and well informed.</p>