<p>I stumbled into c.c. last Spring when Son had a particular academic problem and teachers did not want to help. ( He had to do ‘research’ for application to an excellent college) This site is very helpful. But it is becoming increasingly obvious it is the abode of parents who seek the finest education for their children. Some of us, those with 3 or more kids, really can’t consider a Brown or a Penn. I mean, our kids may want to go there for grad school, but a smaller or state college is our immediate consideration at this time. </p>
<p>I am a college grad but my computer skills are not the greatest. I am not a professional person. Oftentimes I make an efford to respond only because I feel there should be representation here by someone like myself.All is not glitz and glamour in life and the children of these parents will have to work with my children someday. But there are parents here who do not like me because I have not expressed myself as they thought I should. And there is a condesending attitude sometimes by some because we cannot afford the best college or seek it at this time.
Do you think I should bow out of here?</p>
<p>No! I always enjoy hearing your perspective and I think you often speak for many of the lurkers (myself among them) who are perhaps too intimidated by the accomplishments of some of these kids and their parents to post themselves.</p>
<p>Please do not bow out! I wish there was more information on here about the less selective colleges… These schools have so much more to offers whether it is curriculum, activities, feeling of community, religious orientation… there is so much more than just prestige that should be considered.</p>
<p>Last year when my D was applying, she was starting to get more and more attached to her safeties that if her ED acceptance did not work out she would not have been devastated. If fact she was really enjoying the process and could appreciate the strengths of each school.</p>
<p>Ha, ha, you know, my children do have the accomplishments. And I know yours do also. We just are not considering top tier colleges. I don’t lurk anywhere! If I’m here, I contribute. Just thinking, maybe this isn’t my place?</p>
<p>Backhandgrip, what brought this on? I have always regarded you as one of “my people” on CC because we’re from the same area and like to dish it up about locals schools, Phila society, etc. </p>
<p>Stay!! Be yourself!! Talk about State Schools and smaller schools. I have often wished that more parents would come on and discuss schools outside of the top 40 or whatever. I have found that many of the parents here are honest about finances and say that they can’t afford this or that school - hence, the many, many discussions about how best to negotiate aid, scholaships, etc. The thing about message boards is that they take on the personality of the users…and if only “top 40 school” users post, that’s what the board becomes. I know there are tons of lurkers out there…and I wish more would speak up on schools such as those you are considering. I think you might be surprised at how much interest you’ll generate if you start such discussions. </p>
<p>By the way: my son got into Penn State a few days ago. I’ve heard that so many kids get int othe “Honors College”. I have no idea how people get into the honors college. We never saw an app for it or an option on the website to apply for it. We thought that maybe he would be “assigned” to it when his acceptance came, but he wasn’t. So, I would like to know how kids get into PSU Honors College. I was going to start a thread on it yesterday but got caught up in the ED mania. I still want to know. </p>
<p>There is a need for discussions on the topics you mentioned. But, you have to start them. </p>
<p>You know, these top tier colleges are approachable. Many of my daughter’s friends went to college and are now taking grad work at top colleges. If that’s what you want. Just thinking this site is for a particularly oriented parent.</p>
<p>Vanish, that’s cute.
Momsdream;oh, you are TERRIFIC! Yes, we would get on just fine if we met.We are a lot alike, bet we go the same places, do the same thing, know the same people- yup. Know about the same programs too.
The problem is family size.We went for the large family. It’s a huge drain on money . We are part of that strange crowd who is like yourself, but we are not.</p>
<p>BHG, there is sometimes a flavor of wealth and privilege about what is said here that has made me feel like an outsider as well. That doesn’t make me think I should leave just because my background and choices have led me to a different place. I am no less valuable a voice for it, and neither are you. If anything, people need to hear from those who see things from a position that requires more of them because of what they don’t have.</p>
<p>You should stay. Agreed that majority of parents here are talking about selective schools, but there has been plenty of discussions and suggestions about other aspects of academic life as well.</p>
<p>True, currently the ED season for those school is up on us, and the threads gravitate towards those schools. But, I don’t remember of any one holding out on any topic if they had something useful to contribute.</p>
<p>Actually, this board has given me the perfect career opportunity during my retirement. I have decided to be volunteer college counselor for some over crowded school, and hope that I will still have resources/wisdom of many parents here.</p>
<p>Your answers are pertinent and I enjoy hearing from you! The “Regional Stereotypes” thread illustraed the great diversity in our country, and how valuable it is. Similarly the different situations and concerns of CC parents ensure a diverse group of opinions will be offered in a lively discussion.</p>
<p>Please don’t go. Here we are, quite often, talking about the value of a diverse population in college for our kids. There’s a value of a diverse community here as well. In my “real life,” my population is not diverse at all and that’s one of the reasons I love being HERE so much.</p>
<p>Please stay. Your posts are valuable and your perspective is very important.
This site benefits greatly by having thoughtful posters from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.</p>
<p>Stick around BHG! I think you recognize that there is a lot of “group speak” going on here. Often it is because there is a clear answer to a particular OP. However other times it is because of a condescending attitude.</p>
<p>But keep in mind that while you honestly offer your opinions and experience, I suspect some(many?) others exaggerate or fabricate stuff out of thin air. I always suspect posters who offer little or not specificity to their posts. Stats? How many students get SAT scores of 1500+? Far less than !5. Well that score seems to almost be the norm here!! Sel-selection or some fiction? Some posters, Suzzievt(?) offer post rich in detail and can be trusted.</p>
<p>This is very interesting, and I really appreciate your comments. True.
Sometimes some folks have the stats and can get into select colleges but do not have the confidence to try to for undergradate school. Some just don’t feel ready for it.</p>