@mommdc …I’m not losing sleep about it but I do think she should’ve mentioned it.
@Gator88NE In talking to our counselor’s the tell us Vandy is all about Test Scores these days. They want to be considered an Ivy so they are driving that is the number 1 for them. Interesting approach based on people we know who have gotten in sounds right.
^^Huh. I don’t know if I can get D to even look at Vandy because it seems very preppy and southern to her. But they’ve been spamming the heck out of her with flyers.
@NCComputerNerd I think what’s happen at Vandy, is that it’s become a much more popular choice and the (huge) increase in number of applicants is driving up the test scores. Not only has the number of applicants increased, but it’s yield has also increased (ED1 and ED2 likely has something to do with it).
In the 2005-2006 cycle (rounding):
Number of applicants: 11,600
Number of admits: 4,000
Number of enrolled students: 1,600
Compare this to last year:
Number of applicants: 32,000
Number of admits: 3,500
Number of enrolled students: 1,600
We see the same sharp increase in test scores at other schools, like Georgia Tech, where they have more than tripled the number of applicants.
With these large increases in applications, it makes the school even more competitive, which requires even higher test scores. Of course, applicants then also need solid EC’s, higher GPA’s/rigor, and stronger essays. It’s getting crazy 8-}
@Gator88NE Totally agree!!! I’ve had to get my D17 to ensure we have a few sure things just in case. She has the Test scores, GPA, academic rigor but still seems like a roll of the dice to me. Glad I’m not applying to college!! Probably could not get in anywhere.
@MotherOfDragons For us, Vandy has to be in the top 3 when it comes to physical mail spammers. Most of the mailings stress how affordable they can be. They do a nice job of meeting need with grants (no loans).
In the presentation, they had a slide showing that 65% of students get some financial aid. Talking with my son after the presentation, he had the same immediate response to that data point that I had…
35% of students can easily afford to pay $67K a year to attend Vandy?! $%#%^&*
GT’s application #s went crazy when they went to the CA in 2014.
@Gator88NE I wonder if 35% really can or if according to Vandy 35% easily can. I ran the NPC for Brown yesterday and about fell on the floor when I saw our familial contribution (including dd’s in here bc I think it is bogus to separate out student from parent as if somehow the numbers don’t add together for total cost. I really detest the way they subtract loan from the total amt, too, like somehow that $$ doesn’t count.) Anyway, the # was ridiculous, even more so than most other schools’ NPC.
@carachel2 You may remember D17 submitted the Pitt short essay answers before she was done with them. We asked admissions if there was a way to edit what was submitted, and got this response:
So, D17 is going to resubmit her answers (all 3) via this link. I also called admissions to ask the same thing, and they gave me the same answer, so either the first answers will be over written, or they will just read the last ones sent.
Don’t sweat it! Just resubmit.
ETA: I see the issue is not just that your D ‘forgot’ to add the job info. That’s a different story if she ‘chooses’ not to add it.
@Mom2aphysicsgeek LOL I know the numbers don’t really tell probably the real story. I know when I do the NPC’s it is always the same results. I pay all costs.
Thanks, all, for the comments about the summer programs. I’ve been wondering about whether to include them on apps. How much money paid to attend is considered expensive? Does it make a difference if S would include the programs to show continued interest and exploration in a specialty area related to his intended major?
None of S’s are well known or prestigious, but they do demonstrate his willingness to seek out and attend programs that help him learn something he couldn’t get in his current high school program, similar (in my opinion) to a short DE program.
I hope that all those kids applying to Vandy and others like it (Duke, GTwn, etc.) is going to relieve the pressure from some of the schools D17 is considering.
Go Vandy!
Dd has shared her final draft of her CA essay. It is so her. I love it! 
@Mom2aphysicsgeek CONGRATS!!! I know that is a big milestone.
Phew, no need to get all dragony on the guidance counselor-she emailed me back and they fixed it. D18 can see if her fixed schedule matches up with her BF. Probably not since he’s doing all AP stuff this year and she’s doing regular track, but maybe lunch together.
I still need to look up recommendation letters for each school. Sigh. It’s either that or repaint a bathroom. My life is so glamorous.
Hi everyone, I haven’t posted in a long time, but regarding summer programs-- my D17 is currently at a UC COSMOS program and we paid $3400 for 4 weeks. She absolutely is going to list it on her applications. The UCs want to know about summer programs and encourage the students to list COSMOS. She attended a CTY program 2 years ago and I imagine she will list this also. I think the sentiment on this thread, which I agree with, is that these summer programs are not necessarily going to help a whole lot in the college application process, but that is different than saying it will hurt to list them. It’s hard for me to imagine admissions folks would be that punitive. I’m fine if they ignore it or it doesn’t compare to another applicant who did something more amazing during the summer. For my D, it counts as part of her life experience and she has enjoyed these programs for so many reasons—learning new topics, making friends, having roommates, etc. She’s also gained confidence and she is excited to have college around the corner. She is so ready—me, not so much!
Add us to the list of kids who’s GC flew the coop this Summer. Just found out today (only because I called and asked) that she has left for a different opportunity. Good for her. S-cks for us.
Just means more work for me, but no surprise there.
Regarding Brown - yeah the NPC was the “worse” of all the schools I’ve checked which is unfortunate because it seems to be a great fit for my daughter. We removed it from the list but now it’s back on and we’ll be visiting in mid-August. My D has a scheme to get into it and UPenn and getting Brown to match the FA. Well good luck with that.
@Mom2aphysicsgeek great job getting the essay done! My son is just finishing an online class and then he’ll start on that this week. Hope to get it done by end of next week.
Re: Vandy …… I’m convinced that the rise of the Common App is the reason why it’s harder to get into school nowadays, at least partly. You can apply to 5-25 schools more easily than ever before ,so too many apps flood the top 150 schools and the schools have to make decisions on what they’ve received.
Common App- filled out a bunch of stuff, will just need to fine tune it.
I am not seeing the ease of the Common App unless the school has no supplements. D has a bunch of essays for each Common App school - supplements, scholarships, honors, special programs.