Reality sets in and application is unfinished

Debruns
Sat, 02 Jan 2010 06:46:07 +0000

I also think “safety” when it’s a financial safety, is different from a safety just because of percentage of students admitted and other factors.
My son got into all his colleges but only could afford 2, maybe 3 if I appealed, without a lot of loans. For many students, loving a state school is hard if they aren’t suited to a large school or a large, urban school. Their state school might not be the best school for their intended major or not have other things on a “wish list”. They might have to adjust, but the “fit” people talk about, isn’t there. For them, applying to many schools to see if they might get a nice scholarship from a private school is different from a student who have parents that can pay and it’s just that they are part of many in a small pond.
You can’t force anyone to love a school, but pointing out good points, money saved, etc. and being practical is wise.
For example, my daughter’s friend applied to an Ivy, a few top LAC’s and if she doesn’t get in, can afford with a small scholarship to go to Marist or Stonehill. She wouldn’t like it as much, but she still liked them and they have more “checks” in the fit column than not.
Some students don’t get that choice so they have to be more practical.