<p>I second adding Caltech.</p>
<p>You sound like you are on the right track. Keep letting parents here add to your knowledge base. I was the “smart one” and middle kid. My parents were so fair and equal they never gave me praise commensurate with my achievements- it was compared to my abilities and meeting expectations. Your situation is complex- a twin who they need to try to help and you, who they don’t want to have overshadowing the needy twin so he gets lost. Life is never fair and equal. Your parents are trying to help the one they feel is in the most need. No intentional neglect or less love. They, like my parents eons ago, may be trying to avoid playing favorites and making your twin feel worse/less of a person. The result is that you get those feelings. They also are likely less comfortable with college given their lack of experience with it. Talk to them about how you feel.</p>
<p>Hang in there. Use your guidance counselor’s skills in navigating college admissions. That’s part of their job- they should be able to answer many questions for you (and your parents). Be sure to make an appointment with this person first thing when school starts and get help often. Ask favorite teachers for advice- they know you and have been to college themselves. Use as many adults as mentors as you can.</p>
<p>You will do fine. Continue to reach out as well as research schools online. You sound like you are further ahead than most entering seniors. Think positively- you get to go to college and expand your horizons, plus you are asking for help.</p>
<p>Embry-Riddle?</p>
<p>And,
“Way to go, niklas. I’m so proud of you. You’ve done so well, and I know you did a lot of it without the support you deserve. Thanks for being everything that you are.”</p>
<p>This websight should be a good resource for you then, to talk with people all over America, who are all rooting for you.</p>
<p>You can also talk with the other kids in your school, guidance counselors, etc.</p>
<p>It sounds like your real gripe is that your parents aren’t gushing over your accomplishments.</p>
<p>That is sad, but in the end, if YOU know you are doing well, and are proud of your accomplishments, that’s what counts.</p>
<p>I do fear that you will have to wind up at a state university, because it doesn’t sound like your parents value academics.</p>
<p>I have 4 college degrees, and my ex wife has 3, so my son has been brought up to value academics.</p>
<p>Floridadad, in California, “ending up” at a state university isn’t a second-rate choice.</p>
<p>In the reach category, I would add Harvey Mudd due to its proximity and connections with JPL.</p>
<p>Something to look into - when my son’s friend was applying to aero/astro programs, UIUC (University of Illinois) offered her a significant merit scholarship. </p>
<p>Niklas, I’m so sorry that you’re not getting the kudos from your parents, but I’m sure that they’re incredibly proud of you. They’re just so worried/obsessed about your twin that it hasn’t occurred to them that you need some attention as well. Don’t let it get you down for any length of time but keep on following your dream.</p>
<p>Don’t worry about ‘winding up’ at a state university–just be sure it’s engineering school has a good rep. My nephew attended Ohio State University for engineering, got good grades, made sure his profs knew him, and interned for NASA (one of the places that offered him a job after graduation). He was one of the team leaders for the Buckeye Bullet as an undergrad(!) because of his hard work. After graduation, He took a good job with Rolls Royce (said it paid better than NASA and he wouldn’t have to move), stayed there for 2 years, pocketing the $, then decided to keep challenging himself, so he’s back at OSU (has decided to go into medicine–wants to develop intelligent artificial limbs for children!).</p>
<p>Point is 1) a good undergrad, even at a state school, can take you very far and 2) very few parents are in the profession they thought they’d be when they were 18! Use your smarts and your initiative to get a good foundation and keep all options open.</p>
<p>Oh, and I, too, was the mature one with good common sense, so basically ignored while they tended to the others. It wasn’t until I was older that my folks told me how much they bragged about me because they were so proud. Hope this helps!</p>
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<p>Based on the OP’s initial list of schools, the OP is in California, where some of the state universities are among the top universities in the nation for engineering. “Winding up at a state university” (especially since the OP’s initial list includes the better ones) would not necessarily be a bad thing.</p>
<p>The main thing that the OP needs to talk to the parents about (if they will pay attention to the OP instead of the brother who wants to go to the USMC) is cost and financial aid, because even state universities may be unaffordable if the family has a high EFC for financial aid purposes but can really only afford (or is only willing to pay) much less. Of course, if the OP gets into Berkeley with the full-ride Drake Scholarship, that would eliminate this problem, but there is no guarantee of admission or scholarship.</p>
<p>Caltech is 34+ ACT score… I’m 32.
And yes, I’m in CA, which is why UC sounds good (free tuition)
btw no affirmative action for me I’m white</p>
<p>Get a job with a company that will pay for you to go to college.</p>
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<p>You come from a family with income under the threshold that qualifies for Blue and Gold Opportunity?</p>
<p>Caltech is 34+ ACT score… I’m 32.
which is why I said add USC to your list. They also have one of the most generous FA programs in the country.</p>
<p>‘don’t hesitate use the Parents forum as a resource when you need’ - Yes, there are lots of parents here glad to help (many of use are in “pay back” mode after receiving great advise from other CC parents/student). And starbright is right - I have done a lot of research on engineering schools. </p>
<p>You will need to get parent involvement on the financial estimating parts. Or pursue a full ride scholarship… but those are rare.</p>