<p>Gibson-how great that your D was happy with her interview! I hope she gets to move forward. Even if she doesn’t, what a great experience to be nominated and to have the interview. </p>
<p>Maxwellequations, it seems harsh to me too but really, it’s only a quarter grade. Especially with teachers who just don’t jibe with your kid, you have to give it a little time for each one to figure out the other. My D is having a similar issue with a chemistry teacher who is new to the school and who is not very nice. One quarter in and he still can’t remember her name. He’s very disorganized and changes due dates all over the place, has inconsistent rules as to lab report form (contrary to the form the rest of the science department requires), and can’t remember what he’s taught and what he hasn’t when he makes up tests. I expect that he’ll settle down as time goes on and she’ll figure out how to deal with his class. If not, I have to remember that she was extraordinarily lucky to get the talented physics teacher she had last year.</p>
<p>I personally don’t think it’s a good idea to punish a student that severely (cost a letter grade) unless I know it’s a habit. I think a student does well as a sophomore in AP classes means turning work late is not her habit. But as 3girls3cats says, it’s only a quarter grade, she has chance to pull it back to an A. Plus it’s good for her to learn how to deal with teachers with different style. </p>
<p>D’s term will end next Monday. She did surprisingly well in AP chem. She does struggle but she works hard at it. I’m very happy. Just hope the teacher covers everything so they’ll be good with the national exam next spring. </p>
<p>@3girls2cats, that really doesn’t sound good, esp. “he can’t remember what he’s taught and what he hasn’t when he makes up tests.” That’s terrible. It’s great that she got a great physics teacher last year! Our physics teacher is a nice person, but he really is not a physics person. In her school history, nobody ever passed AP physics. (Can you imagine?!!!) I’m helping with AP physics this year, hoping to at least improve somewhat.</p>
<p>Thanks all for the nice words and comments.
If she learns her lesson, this might be a good thing. Hopefully she can pull it up for the semester.</p>
<p>@3grils3cats, I’m glad we don’t have a chem teacher like that! </p>
<p>Many high schoolers like psychology. One of my friends’ son chose it as a major. Now he is a junior in college and decided to change his major. I’m not saying it’s a false idea, but many like it because they are at the age when they started to see the world and themselves from a different perspective and hence found psychology fascinating. It may or may not be a good career choice for them in the long run. </p>
<p>She is busy with band this weekend - last football game, and two competitions in two difference places: The first place is 3 hours from home one way. The second place is 5 hours drive from the first place and another 3 hours drive back home. It’ll be a busy weekend.</p>
<p>Many here still without power. Waited over 2 hours to fill gas tank. The school I teach at may still be closed Mon. and Tues. Waiting to hear if my children’s school opening Monday. We usually have about 10-12 college reps visit our school each week, but I guess these will be rescheduled. Many students use these opportunities to narrow choices before visits, or jrs/srs to express interest or set up interviews. I feel bad for my srs. Hopefully, teachers got letters out before storm.
I know so many students who start at a college with one major but change as the years pass. In the past few years intern’l studies and int’l law seem to be very popular. I also have 5 of my students majoring in music. Last year I had 2 who won scholarships for film production. By far, the most popular is engineering or finance.</p>
<p>Engineering is popular partly because of the promising (relatively) job market.
How about international relations/business/law? (I mean job-wise after college.) My D. expresses strong interests in those areas. Both her parents are in physics/engineering. Of course she can’t allow herself going into those! lol</p>
<p>Eerboco, do you have power? My family is still dealing with no power and no gasoline in Long Island. My cousin’s business was flooded and the salt water destroyed the entire computer system. CT seems to have recovered a bit more with those family members connected again. School is still closed though. My sincere sympathies to any who have been affected. </p>
<p>Finance and engineering majors, yes this seems to be the path many kids are following. How about comp sci? That seems quite popular and quite lucrative too. My nephew is a senior in college and he’s already had several job offers that make my head spin. I joked to my sister that he may be outearning her in a year or so. I’m not sure that any sort of law is particularly lucrative or even assured right now but I assume that graduating from a school like Harvard or Yale still guarantees a person a stable future. Maxwellequations, does your D speak any other languages? The kids we know who have pursued this path are fluent or nearly so in at least one other language. </p>
<p>My eldest was a writer from the time she was very young so there was never a question what she would pursue, just what form her writing would take. Middle d is less directed but still not interested in finance or engineering. She’s a social sciences major who thoroughly loves what she studies and she’s worked at nonprofits throughout her time at school. She has a strong background in statistics (TA’d two classes) and will try to pursue a job that uses those skills before deciding on a grad school path. My high schooler is a strong student but really stands apart in reading/writing mode. While she has the skills to go in any direction, I’d guess the likelihood is that she, too, will buck the prevailing trends, study history, and end up in a low paying job humanities-oriented job at the outset.</p>
<p>maxwell: *I’m not saying it’s a false idea, but many like it because they are at the age when they started to see the world and themselves from a different perspective and hence found psychology fascinating. It may or may not be a good career choice for them in the long run. *</p>
<p>I think this is a good insight. My D has expressed some interest in psychology, and I wouldn’t be surprised if this is why.</p>
<p>maxwell, were you asking about international law or law in general? I’ll give my .02 on this as it relates to just being a lawyer. I’m a lawyer. Right now, the market is very tough. That being said, I think there is still room for new lawyers, at least in the smaller to mid-range markets. I graduated from a regional law school, but knew I’d be living in the area. (I actually ended up moving twice after law school, had to sit for another bar in another state, but always found a job.) Also, assuming no breaks, our 15ers would not graduate from law school for 9 and 1/2 years, so I imagine the market will be different then.</p>
<p>To all those in the northeast, I really hope things return to normal for you soon.</p>
<p>We are fortunate to have power and have heard schools will open tomorrow. They have some concerns about heat, buses, and food services though. It will be an adventure. We are collecting for many still without power. Have family in areas where houses totally gone. Thankfully we are all safe, but I am still praying for all in need.</p>
<p>Computer Sci. has its following. We offer an AP in this and those students do really well. I think many with a love for this start working the angle during hs. Many of our students have written and submitted “apps” and get money for this. I wouldn’t know where to start. Some have side businesses where they come to your home and fix your comp. issues. Mark Z. (facebook) grew up in our town, so I think some see him as inspiration. Students who pursued this do seem to be doing quite well.</p>
<p>Many of our students who plan to study int’l law or business usually take several lang. They also travel extensively. The “big” thing now is to take a summer course abroad. I agree with Suzy100 that who knows what will be “marketable” 10 yrs. from now. I do believe that if you are passionate about what you study and give your all, things will work out. (such an optimist) So many times it comes down to being in the right place or meeting the right person.</p>
<p>Don’t undermine the fact that your children can read/write well. Definitely becoming a lost art. For some of our students, the writing section of standardized tests is the lowest score.</p>
<p>Suzy and eerboco, thanks for your comments about international law and business.
For this reason, we’re trying to send her to England next summer. She chose international relations (major for the summer camp.) We don’t know if she can get in, or if we really can afford it. </p>
<p>
So true! my D. did well in her SAT writing part when she took it in 8th grade. To me, that means she understands grammar and has good vocab. But, when do they start to write like mature people? Some stuff she writes (including some of her school stuff) seems to be so childish - I’m not talking about the content. I wouldn’t call Clifford the Big Red Dog childish in this content, because it always has good plot, good and clear theme, and to the right audience.</p>
<p>Sorry to all those suffering from the impacts of that devastating storm. I hope enough help is getting to you that soon all will be back to normal. </p>
<p>Maxwell by daughter is going to get her 1st B ever too-and for pretty ridiculous reasons as well-it happens. My son got his first and only B’s second semester Senior year-they were quarter grades and they were both 89’s! I figure it’s going to happen to most sooner or later-goodness knows he isn’t a straight A student in college and he is working his butt off!</p>
<p>It is hard to know how to advise our children on what to study. They have to figure it out but it is scary with the cost of education how to justify the expense if they don’t graduate with some marketable skill.</p>
<p>The never ending soccer season continues! Well no matter what it ends this weekend they either will win the state championships or lose in either the semi’s or finals! It cannot end one minute to soon! She has done very well in school but it clearly impacted her in terms of not getting enough rest and a couple of times making mistakes due to being tired. I really wish she would not continue next year but she is insistent she will. Oh well the end is in sight!</p>
<p>To those here impacted by Superstorm Sandy my thoughts & prayers are with you. I know people in your area who have lost a lot and its heartbreaking to hear the stories. Wishing you all the best in these trying times.</p>
<p>Thanks very much to all the posters who offered advice re: DSs orchestra dilemma. We have a Youth Symphony here and DS auditioned for it (and made the cut) in 7th grade because his private instructor required him to audition. But cost/distance/time made it impractical then and now Symphony also requires school orchestra participation. I appreciate the advice about looking for ensembles in our area and perhaps DS can go that route next year but it would require time outside of school, which is more precious than gold these days. Oh, well, Im continuing to think this thru and we do plan to meet w/the teacher whenever we can work it out. She was MIA for parent/teacher conferences and has very limited time to meet with us at a time when DS is also available. Im not taking him out of another class to meet with the orchestra teacher at least not at this point.</p>
<p>@Pepper, I hear you on soccer and I cant imagine how DS will play a Fall HS sport next year with his course load, PSAT & SAT. It all happens in the same small window. Ugh. I do admire students who effectively manage heavy coursework while participating in HS sports, band, debate, theater, etc. (or more than one thing) and also testing. I guess we will just see </p>
<p>Ive recently been reading up on college FA, merit, etc. Wow lots of schools that DS might be interested in (assuming he would even have the stats) are probably already off the table (not tippy-top, but solid LACs located within 1 days drive of our home. So far, hes repeatedly said that he wants to stay close-ish to home). Weve saved over the years, and arent extravagant, but we have 4 kids. Holey Toledo I need to spend more time reading the FA section of CC, as well as finish the books sitting on my nightstand. Our neighbor has a smart, talented DD graduating this year and hes pretty depressed at her college prospects once finances are taken into consideration.</p>
<p>D’s Field hockey team played a 2nd round state tournament game today @ 12;30 PM winning 3-0. The 12:30 start was due to Sandy throwing a monkey wrench into the well thought out State Tournamnet schedule and the soccer team neading to play their state game at 2:30 PM.</p>
<p>The players ate lunch at 10 AM and were dismissed from class at 11:15 to change and warm-up. It was about 45 degrees and a bit breezy, but the sun was out. Luckily this was a home game and the visiting team was literally from the neighboring town.</p>
<p>Goask- There are scholarships out there! Don’t worry about it too soon, though it is prudent to keep saving. Is this your eldest child? Make sure you set expectations. We told D1 we would pay $x and she would require scholarships for the rest if she choose to attend the private LAC’s. We wouldn’t support her taking on debt for undergrad.</p>
<p>Pepper- good luck this weekend! GA has a spring HS soccer season. Many of d’s friends are soccer players, one is really talented and travels over the south east to play in tournaments. I am sure she will play in college.</p>
<p>Maxwell- I hear you on the writing style. If my kids ask me to read a paper. I only check for typos, spelling etc and keep my opinions on the content to myself. Except, my pet hate of the use of “got”.</p>
<p>Threes dad- Whoo hoo! Are they now trough to final 8?</p>
<p>Gibson Thanks for the encouragement re: college FA & scholarships, and youre right that theres still time to plan, save & set expectations. </p>
<p>But I feel like giving myself a big slap upside the head, too. In my initial research of college financing , Id gleaned that a student needing merit aid should target colleges where he/she is in the top 25% of the applicant pool, based on prior years stats. Thus far, DS is a very solid student, so I wasnt overly concerned. He wouldn’t be aiming for top schools & probably wouldn’t want to leave the midwest. </p>
<p>However, as Ive further researched merit aid very recently, Ive been (honestly) shocked at the significant financial gap that would be left between COA & <em>potential</em> merit costs we could never afford, escp w/ 3 other kids coming up behind DS. Im embarrassed to say that I had absolutely no idea how much college costs have increased since the Stone Age when DH & I were in school. Despite our savings and relatively frugal lifestyle, theres just no way we could fund $25-30K+/year for one student. I suppose Im beginning to see why so many families at DSs HS go to our state flagship.</p>
<p>Please, nobody berate me! Im just being honest. And Im still working my way through the FA education process, so insight from experienced parents is welcome.</p>
<p>No berating from me, GoAskDad! I’m totally in the same boat and I think there are lots of parents out there who still haven’t looked into the cost of college and who are in for a big shock. We are definitely going to need a lot of merit aid for my D. I’m in that position where I make too much to get any aid, but I can’t afford much. I think my D will have high stats, but I think we’ll be in the spot of casting a very very wide net come application time.</p>
<p>D1 is at our state flagship on a free ride
[Welcome</a> to the University of Georgia Honors Program](<a href=“http://honors.uga.edu/c_s/scholarships/f_f/benefits.html]Welcome”>Foundation Fellowship - UGA Morehead Honors College)
She had several other free ride offers. I had people comment they were surprised she didn’t go to the top 20 schools she was admitted too. Hmmm, let me think about that $57K per year or $0. Thankfully, it was an easy choice for D1. She is planning on grad school and we can help her with that. If she chooses not to go to grad school, D2 will have a lot of options with the 529 money that is still growing.</p>
<p>She loves her college- think most kids do. At this point, D2 is stating she may also attend there. She is thinking she make go to med school, so we are quietly encouraging that thought process… though we will do the college road trip. One of our best trips with d1.</p>
<p>I read this book when S’12 was a junior…it was REALLY helpful, in fact led me to CC (and here I still am!). It’s worth reading NOW, while the kids are sophs:</p>
<p>Libraries have it and it doesn’t change a ton from year to year so older editions are fine.</p>
<p>Hard to know what our kids will qualify for two years from now in terms of merit, need based aid and full/partial rides, but for good students those options are definitely out there.</p>
<p>Gibson: Final 8 correct. They also have a Prep school tourney where they have advanced to the Final 4.</p>
<p>Sandy really put a monkey wrench into the schedule and the weather is inconsistent here now: Rain/snow tomorrow & Thursday with the coastal storm but it may reach 60 early next week.</p>
Some stuff she writes (including some of her school stuff) seems to be so childish - I’m not talking about the content. I wouldn’t call Clifford the Big Red Dog childish in this content, because it always has good plot, good and clear theme, and to the right audience.</p>