<p>Very good feedback–my S is looking at Americorps too, and I agree that it will reframe his perspective and help him choose better.</p>
<p>AK mom: A very wise and grounded CC poster assured me last year that my DDs would have a great admissions season in spite of the fact that neither is as shiny as your son in the stats dept. This has proven so far and knock wood to be true. Both are 5 for 5 on the yeses and are now awaiting news from their rd schools which for the most part are match/safeties. If his list is built from the bottom up, based on fit and not prestige, and features campuses that offer him something to love, he will also be more than fine when all the decisions are in!</p>
<p>AK Mom, fellow AK mom here. Take a deep breath, it will all work out. Take a look at where the previous top students from your son’s HS have been accepted and that might give you a framework. In my experience colleges love Alaskan kids, but certain colleges tend fish from the same high schools. </p>
<p>My DS is in his second year at one of those fancy east coast Ivys and loving it. His first week of school he made the front page of the school newspaper - dressed in shorts and Tevas, surrounded by suits and wingtips. “But MOM, it’s hot back here!”</p>
<p>I hope so. It (being from a tiny town) was the only hook <em>my</em> son had (other than an 800 Math SAT score). He did talk about it a little in his essay, at least about getting to school on a snow machine and how he is often on his own so he only gets to hang with students when he is doing drama or choir and why this group experience is important to him. Other than this <em>unique</em> perspective, he really had no other hooks, nor the stellar stats that so many of the CC kids have. I guess we’ll know in a few months.</p>
<p>Nothing like an 800 math score to help out! Last year’s valedictorian (a really brilliant kid) had perfect SATs and is now at MIT; a student from a few years ago went to Stanford and is doing well. The hardest part might be convincing him that elite schools are not the only ones worth attending, and any rejections he might get are not judgements of his ability to succeed in life!</p>
<p>We hope that score (since his other grades and GPA do not reflect his abilities) and his lack of opportunity here in such a rural place will interest his top choices. But if they do not, it is not the end of the world. He has gotten in to several decent second tier schools and a couple of safeties (that might even end up matches). Elite schools are definitely NOT the only ones worth attending, especially as an undergrad. Your son’s stats look very good to me, and as a well-rounded student (unlike my son), I am sure he will get several very good offers of admission.</p>