Opinion/Suggestions on List for DS (Class of 2011)

Parents Forum
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<p>Having finished our first visit (WUSTL), and having done more research, just wanted some opinions about our list and any additions/subtractions, etc. DS is finishing his junior year.</p>

<p>Pertinent stats:</p>

<p>GPA 3.85 (uw)/4.15 w (3.92 uw since freshman year, with a B+ in jazz band and an A- or two)
Rank: 30/570
ACT: 28 Composite, 32 English, 31 Reading, 25 Math, 26 Science, 11 Writing (He historically does poorly on standardized tests, particularly in math/science, but has improved dramatically–is retaking ACT in September to bring up Math/Science scores)
AP: US History 4 (as sophomore), taking Literature, Physics, Government as Senior. Band impacts his schedule and ability to take some AP Classes.
Honors English all years, plus 2 astrophysics/robotics courses that are invitation only, part of a grant program for which his HS is one of 9 in the country that offer this)
EC: NHS, Renaissance Society, Eagle Scout, Academic Letters and Honors awards (all years), Citizenship Award, Boys’ State delegate, Top Band all years (2 different instruments), Superior Ratings in Solo/Ensemble Competitions, Band Council, Squad Leader, First Chair in Honors Band at invitational music camp, member of regional Youth Symphonic Band, leader of various charitable drives for church/community, Who’s Who in American High Schools (yeah, I know . . . ). Faculty member, youth leadership conference, for the past three years. Tutor in Science and History at High School. Extensive foreign travel (24 countries), and numerous presentations to various groups on his travels.</p>

<p>He wants to stay in the midwest or mid-atlantic regions, wants to continue his music (as an EC or minor, not as major), and wants a school that is not overly huge (i.e. not Ohio State), but not smaller than his HS (2,200).</p>

<p>We visited WUSTL last week, and were suitably impressed, though the music program is marginal. We have visits next month at Miami (Ohio) and CWRU. Here is his list right now, in no particular order.</p>

<p>WUSTL
Northwestern
Case Western
Miami (Ohio)
Johns Hopkins
Lehigh
Bowling Green</p>

<p>As we view things right now, WUSTL, NW and JHU are reaches to one extent or another, Case is a good match, and Bowling Green is a safety. Miami (RD) would be a safety, but he would apply for one of their Honors programs, which should make it a fit. I’m not sure where Lehigh would fit in. Miami has a great music program across the board, while Case has a good concert program and an iffy marching program. NW is also excellent.</p>

<p>When he retakes the ACT, I’m willing to bet he gets the composite up to a 30 or 31. Hopefully higher, but given his standardized test bugaboo, that is reasonable.</p>

<p>What are your thoughts? Any additions or deletions? His interviewer at WUSTL thought he was a good fit for the college, but they probably say that to all of the visiting students.</p>

<p>Thanks for the input in advance.</p>

<p>Jeff</p>

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<p>Jeff, sounds like a good list. One suggestion, I would not count out Ohio State at this point. It’s a big school which trys really hard to seem like a small school (seriously!). If he can get his ACT up to a 29 or 30 he would be an auto admit to the Honors college which would make OSU even smaller. I’ve visited OSU three times and have been impressed every single time. I thought that Ohio State facilities are top notch, they work hard to personalized the experience for every student. We’ve visited Purdue and Michigan and Ohio State does not feel at big as either of those schools and in fact I like the fact that the campus is all together. Michigan is really spread out, I thought, and Purdue felt big and impersonal (Just my opinion).</p>

<p>A couple of suggestions, I would look at Pitt. I know someone in the marching band there and it’s been a great experience. She also received good merit aid, if that is a consideration. I am not a big fan of BG, I would look at Cincinnati rather than BG, although the BG band program is good. You do not have to be a music major to be in the marching band at Cincinnati, in fact with CCM, the band is not part of the music school, but I don’t have first hand knowledge.</p>

<p>Another suggestion is to have private tutoring for the ACT math and science. He has great stats and if he can up his math and science scores, he will have a lot more options. I think that it is very doable, and a little bit of tutoring should go a long way.</p>

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<p>Hrm, depending on how he does in his ACTs I think he may even have a shot at the ivies.</p>

<p>Nice list of schools though</p>

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<p>I’m thinking it’s a nice list. I like that it doesn’t include schools which are usually out of reach without stellar scores (HYPSM etc). My S, who was also a kid whose test scores reflected a standardized testing “bugaboo,” was accepted to Lehigh (710M/610V old) and I think that it would be a match for your S. </p>

<p>Don’t know where Lehigh ranks in your S’ list, but I see it as one of the those schools which gives a real edge for the ED applicant, as it is often used as a safety for kids targeting even more selective schools; thus, the ED helps them with yield. Unfortunately, they don’t have EA (or didn’t in the past). They do have EDII. Just something to consider, but only of course if it’s the top school on his list.</p>

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<p>Bumping up to see if any more input out there.</p>

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<p>OG, it may be smaller than your son wants, but I’d give Lawrence U a look (Appleton, WI). They have a conservatory on campus, so music is a strong part of the campus culture, even for non-performance majors. They also have a good reputation in the sciences.</p>

<p>I’d keep a close eye on the Case website to check the stats of their Class of 2010. Case is catching on (from what I can tell), and it may become reachier as a result.</p>