I’m currently feeling bad for my best guy friend, he hasn’t gotten into his top school which is a safety for him, because they never got his SAT scores and didn’t notify him of that until Monday. So boo CB!
Congrats to those who have made their ports of call! It’s such a great feeling to just KNOW.
@Waiting2exhale , we found that many of the HBCU’s have long-standing traditions. Several have convocations for various events throughout the school year. This one is the induction of freshmen into the college-they are “pinned” by their orientation leaders, with the entire school, faculty, staff and current students watching. There is another ceremony right before graduation. We won’t be there for this ceremony as it takes place at the end of the first week of freshman orientation, but it sounds so meaningful.
@Cheeringsection @carolinamom2boys @me29034 - celebrate!!
@Ballerina016 - love your avatar.
Ours would be more like: <----One Way---->
@sseamom @waitingtoexhale many HBCUs also have ‘parting ceremonies’ where kids and parents say goodbye on move in weekend-- those can be a real tear-jerker. At the school where I used to teach, they did a candlelight ceremony (with about 1500 new freshmen… scary to see that many open flames!) HBCUs are great places for strong traditions.
College of Charleston also has a convocation ceremony where new Freshman pass through the arch at Porters Lodge and enter the Cistern Yard outside Randolph Hall to sign the Class Ledger a book including former CofC students. When they graduate, they hold graduation in the Cistern Yard and exit through the same arch. Lots of traditions were part of the draw of CofC to DS16. He’s an old soul.
Women’s colleges seem to have lots of traditions too. Lots. At mine, there’s a matriculation ceramony on move in day where you sign some book, class colors and mascots, class banners and songs, and many many more. Everyone I talked to there just loves the rich history and family feel. And I’m part of the centennial class!
Yes, ours will have a parting ceremony. I’m going to need industrial strength mascara for that one!
@Ballerina016 I like that avatar too!
@sseamom I’d be researching that mascara now. I’d be a blubbering mess. If you find a good brand, please share .
@Ballerina016 Why didn’t you have that Avatar months ago to help all of us see that there were many “right ways”? I love that Avatar!
At this point in our decision making process…there are 4 front runners…2 with amazing scholarships, 1 with a really good scholarship, and the last one with minimal scholarships and some need based aid (but also the one that probably has my son’s “heart” the most, even though he is being cautious and trying to stay “neutral” because of the money and the potential that it would stretch our finances and his to the limit!).
I am at a loss in how to provide support and guidance, without “influencing”. And…it’s not like he has a definitive “type” of college to help narrow things down. Two of his top contenders are polar opposites in size…one is the biggest (or close) public university in the country…the other is very close to the smallest college in the country. How do you help your child pick from a list like that?
He keeps saying he could attend any of those schools and probably be quite happy.
Dart board anyone?
WashU, where my D attended, also has a wonderful Convocation ceremony on move in day. I don’t want to give away the details but as a parent, you leave feeling like your child is part of a wonderful community.
Anyone’s D16 going Greek?
@4kids2graduate we just sat D down with 4 years of numbers. We are in very similar situation.
There is an opening convocation at DS’s school. I do not have any details yet but it is only for students so no need for industrial strength mascara. #:-S
@Cheeringsection You may need some for the ride home .
This article may help with discussing final decisions.
http://grownandflown.com/college-decision-teen-needs-your-help/
@Justathought1 great article! Thanks for posting. I do truly believe that this process has been the sum of many teachable moments.
@carolinamom2boys at that point the mascara will be the least of my concerns but yes, that ride home will require tissues.
@dyiu13 no greek for mine. She chose to attend a school with no greek system. One of the schools that was top of her list for a long time she “researched” and decided greek life was too prominent and since she did not want to go greek she felt that social opportunities would be more limited. Where she got that information I have no idea.
My school does not have sororities but Greek life is still prominent as the school down the road has atleast a dozen frats. But, we do have “Bigs and Littles” which I guess sororities do. On the night before classes start each first-year is matched with a junior and they remain your big until they graduate but in the eyes of most people forever. It’s one of my favorite things about the college
@Booajo How did it go with your D when you talked numbers? We too have talked about the numbers, although with the most expensive school the last two years are a bit of a mystery right now since D14 will be out of college by then, so cost for S will go up for those last two years.
S struggles with the fact that the program at the small (more expensive) school is so unique and different (which is very appealing to him)…and that makes it harder to compare and decide. He feels he would be giving up a very unique experience if he goes to any of the three other schools on the top of his list (all of which would be a more traditional college experience).