<p>We dropped DS14 off at his engineering seminar yesterday. It seems well organized. Very efficient check in, nice basic dorm, participants seemed happy to be there. </p>
<p>I commented to DH how every time I watch my kids enjoy a special learning opportunity,I feel a tinge of envy- wishing I could have a week of interesting seminars, activities, meals and lodging, and a like minded group of peers with whom to experience it. Of course he reminded me that our reward is knowing that, as parents, we have provided a lifestyle that supports these opportunities for our children.</p>
<p>I will use this quiet week to prepare for the Admissions Ship to set sail! And welcome to our new shipmates!</p>
<p>DD is finishing up her four week summer theater program and has had a blast. My only concern is that the dorm was so nice (two girls in a complete one bedroom apartment with beautiful views of downtown city life), I’m afraid that any future dorms will pale in comparison (and therefore interfere with the decision making process ). Oh well, things could be worse :)</p>
<p>We’re back.
Last night I asked K2 about a college a few hrs away…booked a tour and we went this am. The school has K2s intended major and EC. Was interesting because of our group there today 3 were from within the state, the majority were from the midwest or internationals. K2 had a postitive pre-read and the school is definitely staying on “the list”. I am trying to decide how many of the 9 (possibly 11) we should send off the SAT/ACT scores now, as with priority apps and snap apps/ K2 may have some decisions quickly with rolling admissions. Hoping I can get K2 to work on the essays. Frankly K2 will skip anything labelled “optional” much to my chagrin and knowing better…</p>
<p>Sydsim – no such problem with Spygirl. Dorm was four flights up. (80 stairs, she counted) Standard issue tiny room with a sink. She had to walk down two floors to shower. No lift, no a/c and it was brutally hot with high humidity the entire trip. I’d say she’s well primed for just about any dorm :)</p>
<p>Fogfog: So sorry to hear about your mother. My condolences to you and your family. </p>
<p>Minnymom: Congrats on the job!</p>
<p>Welcome new crew to the 2014 sailing of the USS Indecision, captained by well, The Captain!</p>
<p>Hmm. The college boards on CC seem quiet. . . too quiet. Last summer it seemed like the colleges we’re looking at had a post about every other day. This summer several, not so obscure colleges have not had posts in more than a month.</p>
<p>^^^Personally, I’m busy freaking out about DS’s upcoming Eagle project which needs to be done this summer and should happen within 3 weeks. The upside is, I have no emotional space left to freak out about college apps or other college issues. ;)</p>
<p>BTW, Agentninetynine, I LOVE your name and the name “Spygirl”!</p>
<p>Makes me think of the restaurant in Milwaukee called “The Safe House”. Very fun to visit - the theme is giving spies a “safe house” to stop and eat a meal. You exit a different way than you enter, you need a password or have to do funny stunts to be admitted, etc.</p>
<p>I believe at least one member of the family will be searching colleges with a bit more vigor. Reality is starting to hit hard here at Headquarters as Spygirl realizes she needs a few more colleges on her list to help increase the chances of merit aid. </p>
<p>Now, she says she could be persuaded to check out Rice but her ACT is closer to the bottom end and she doesn’t like Houston or Texas weather. I told her she’s welcome to apply but we’re NOT flying to Texas. </p>
<p>Calla: Thanks, Calla. We’re in a constant battle agains chaos – KAOS – around here so it’s a fitting handle. What a fun theme for a restaurant. I’ll be certain to eat there, if we’re ever in Milwaukee.</p>
<p>Calla - I’m with you on the Eagle Scout project! DS’ project is in the beginning stages - proposal being reviewed before he gets the green light. Birthday is in December, but would REALLY like to get it finished before school starts!</p>
<p>While I normally post in the 3.0 - 3.3 thread, I thought I’d pose a question to a wider net of families considering large universities.</p>
<p>D14 and I will be hitting the road and visiting six schools at the end of August when they’re in session and D has yet to return to HS (9/3). One of the schools we will be visiting, Indiana U, is in session, but is offering no tours the first week of school :-(. </p>
<p>Because we don’t know anyone who goes to IU (we’re in the Pacific NW), we’re kind of at a loss as to where to start to really get a feel for the school. D has gotten a lot more out of a college visit when we’ve done a formal tour vs. a self-guided one. IU meets a lot of D’s checklist and I think it might be a great fit for her, but I’m concerned that if we just walk around by ourselves, she won’t feel connected. It’s also the third day of school, so kids will still be settling in for the semester. </p>
<p>Other than eat in a cafeteria, any ideas on the best way to meet some students who can help with a mini-tour?</p>
<p>beadymom, good luck to your son! The level of detail required for planning these projects is amazing. Our troop requires the boys even provide a detailed list, with quantities and prices, of the snacks that will be provided! There’s a light at the end of the tunnel but I will believe it when it’s actually done.</p>
<p>Momofwon: Do you or your daughter know anyone at IU? I’d suggest looking at their online tour and then follow that. Eat in the cafeteria, talk to students and ask them if they could have a do over, would they still choose this school? Ask them what they like most about their dorm, what they like least.</p>
<p>Momofone … I know approx 1,537,950 kids who attend IU Bloomington - or Btown. ;). I would contact admissions personally and explain your predicament. I bet they could set you up with something considering the distance you’re traveling.</p>
<p>Momofwon - you could try posting something on the IU thread. We ran into a similar situation with my older D, and made a contact through CC who gave us a private tour of his university.</p>
<p>momofwon - I agree with checking via the forum on here. You could get a nice private tour. Mention any planned major/field.</p>
<p>We’re not going to be getting apps done too quickly. Summer reading/work is due Aug 7th for his DE class (even though school doesn’t start until 2 weeks afterward). Then the new jobs starts. Then middle son is coming home to visit for about a week. Apps won’t start until after all that unless older brother wants to help him with it… which could be a good idea now that I think about it. He would be open to any critique from him far more than us ‘less-than-knowledgeable’ parents I think. He and his brother get along great…</p>
<p>Momofwon - Cheergirl will also be applying to Indiana University so please post your trip report! We haven’t visited yet…</p>
<p>Anyhow, does your daughter have any idea about a college major or minor? If so, what about directly emailing a professor from that department to inquire about meeting with him or her AND possibly sitting in on a class? </p>
– around here so it’s a fitting handle. What a fun theme for a restaurant. I’ll be certain to eat there, if we’re ever in Milwaukee.</p>![http://i.huffpost.com/gen/1032170/thumbs/o-BARBARA-FELDON-PHOTO-570.jpg?5[/url]](http://i.huffpost.com/gen/1032170/thumbs/o-BARBARA-FELDON-PHOTO-570.jpg?5%5B/url%5D){kind=link}
