<p>I think it is an excellent summary, leaving out only that some full pay kids will get into such schools above kids seeking FA. You mihgt argue that this philosophy is unbecoming a church-affiliated school, but I commend their candor.</p>
<p>It also shows how, by aiming below “reach” level, you get much more merit aid.</p>
<p>I also think that at some schools, for the first time in American history, being Jewish can be a hook, even if you are not a Merit scholar.</p>
<p>Muhlenberg was extremely transparent with their expectations when we were down for the open house. They also stated that the GPA is not the be all end all as they look more at the classes the students take and if they are challenging themselves…in other words…a B in an AP or Honors class will rank higher to them than an A in a regular class. As my son has taken honors since 9th grade and AP’s this and next year, that gave me some hope. Im glad being Jewish is a “hook” because we will take any hook we can get!! Its definitely not quite a hook in NE. Thanks for the info about Green Mountain/Marlboro. We will definitely keep that in mind.</p>
<p>Raken, at our HS, Green Mountain is regarded as a school for nonacademically oriented kids. If your son has taken honors and AP, check the fit.</p>
<p>I am second guessing Green Mountain…may be a bit granola crunchy for him anyway. He’ll know the minute he walks onto campus. He walked onto the Campus at Hartwick and immediately knew it wasn’t for him. No specific reasons, just didn’t fit. So one off the list.</p>
<p>Kids are like dogs, who hear sounds we don’t. Every kid crosses schools off that seem like great fits to us.
Kids would turn down full rides to Harvard if the tour guide seemed geeky.</p>
<p>I am laughing at the “hooks”… child did not play instrument or a sport! So told her that her hook for Alfred was “you are a white girl from _______ (New England State)”. Which actually was the truth as Alfred has 8%-9% of its student body from New England. AU definitely wants more students from OOS. Somehow my D laughed at this & it did make her realize she had a hook she didn’t know about! She has all her Red Sox, Patriots, apparel to wear, too. For someone who never paid attention to MLB or NFL teams, she does now! Even said she found those Buffalo Bills fans to be obnoxious! LOL…</p>
<p>How are we all doing? Anyone shopping for stuff yet? My son thinks I’m nuts to even be asking him about bedding in May. I’m tempted to just not send him with any and see if he likes <em>that</em>!!</p>
<p>RTR: you still here? haven’t heard from you in ages…come on over to the other B thread when you get a chance…</p>
<p>My son hasn’t even figured out what to take to the post-prom beach house, much less the dorm room</p>
<p>Don’t be disappointed if sons are not interested in participating in the great college dorm shopping trip. It’s normal. Neither of mine were. Both told me to buy a comforter in a dark color and any sheet set of my choosing. That covered their entire list of dorm needs as far as they were concerned.
DH went along with me to give male input on my choices. It all worked out for the best that way. In my experience, boys really don’t care that much as long as it’s functional.</p>
<p>S1 was way more concerned about the lofting of the beds.
S2 really wanted a futon whereupon he and his roommate, a h.s. friend, could have optimal viewing of football games on the big screen tv the roomie got for graduation.
Gotta have your priorities:)</p>
<p>My daughter and I bought 90% of the stuff for my oldest son’s dorm room. We had lots of fun shopping for it and son was happy to have “stuff” without the shopping angst! All he picked out was the color and the type of clothes hamper.</p>
<p>S is spending endless hours mulling over laptop choices. I expect I’ll be going solo to get his dorm supplies.</p>
<p>What do you all think about the University of Rochester for someone in this range? I’ve made some mistakes (Sophomore year) but Rochester is far and away my number one school. I’m planning on visiting and interviewing this summer.</p>
<p>ReadytoRoll, not much interest from son about dorm shopping! Can see the difference with 3 daughters & one son! But somehow I can’t see him taking his Star Wars comforter! (they all have these comforters from their early days, right?) I mentioned the extra long twin sheets he would need & he just rolled his eyes. But he is more interested in the laptop purchase! Has been drooling over H’s brand new Dell from work! 
</p>
<p>CIA, without your scores and transcript, knowing about any hooks, I’d say it UR is a reach.</p>
<p>SLUMOM, I have purchased comforters along the way, but we have a Batman and Mickey Mouse blanket still floating around our home! They have been used as blankets for long car trips for years. We have not done any shopping yet and my son also only cares about his laptop. He already has his new laptop and he loves it! I will do the shopping and a lot of the packing. He would not remember small details such as school supplies!</p>
<p>I think the biggest rip-off of all, is the linen purchase info the schools send you as a fundraiser, with all kinds of stuff in it: sheets, pillows, bathroom stuff, towels, etc. A parent can do much better at Bed Bath & Beyond! Plus if you are on their mailing list, you are always getting those 20% off coupons (for one item) in the mail. They will apply it to the most expensive item you have purchased.</p>
<p>Don’t forget that BBand B has that great service where you shop in your local store and pick the stuff up in the one close to campus. We also did really well at Target, Kohls and even K-Mart for certain items. Of course that was with girls. The most surprisingly expensive purchase was the mattress cover. Got the bedbug and allergen protective one @BB and B which made me feel better but it was over 70.00!</p>
<p>Most boys have simple needs. Comfort, food and entertainment :)</p>
<p>
As someone whose household recently spent six months eradicating a bedbug infestation, let me just say that this is a very, very small price to pay for avoiding a similar chapter in your son’s life (or yours, when he comes home).</p>
<p>"How are we all doing? "</p>
<p>Son is a junior, so no shopping yet, but I just had to say it somewhere; He’s going in to finals with all A’s and one B+ (87% in algebra II). Unprecedented! I’m posting it while it’s true!
Also, “we” decided to cancel Sat II’s for now, and he’s repeating the reasoning test next Saturday instead.</p>
<p>Shrinkrap: Congrats on your son’s amazing grades!!! but you are in serious danger of being out of this thread hahaha…what a good thing!!!</p>