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<p>It would not be surprising if the most common “gap years” involve work (or multiple gap years in enlisted military service), rather than these types of programs that require the support of high SES parents.</p>
<p>Yes, I’m not sure where the term "gap year’ became popular but plenty of kids can’t for one reason or another go to college right after high school and work or do something else for a year or two or three… If this student needs to pursue something that would bolster his college application there are probably more solutions that having him repeat a year of high school, which I agree, is dicey on the college applications. I too, thought a “super senior” was for a student who needed to round out an academic record or an athlete. I’m not sure the OPs plan is the best for her kiddo. I wondered if the parent were more “scared” of the kiddo’s potential college choice outcome than the kiddo and was looking for a way to postpone the inevitable. </p>
<p>I think it is probably too late to have considered options as this route was already taken. We are rapidly approaching xmas and if he is a chronological senior he pretty much wants to have his selective college applications on the way. The OP never did return, right? </p>
<p>It doesn’t make sense to try to build a human being to suit a school. It will be much better for him if he finds some schools that want him based on who he already is. I know it’s hard when your kid has his heart set on a particular school (my son has a similar feeling about Brown), but the best advice parents can give in this situation is to make a list of other schools that will be equally acceptable. </p>
Update:
Lots of negative feedback. Some of it on target. Other not so much. Thanks for your time to comment.
If anyone still reading this, here is latest:
- "we decided" meant I raised option, and HE liked it and chose it. --->his motivation was both to possibly increase shot at Stanford, and chance at 4th yr in sports, which he missed while homeschooling.
- he scored a 2330 on his SAT this month. It'll be his last test. Still need the extra EC beyond sports.
- he is officially at Jr. at the local private school on his transcript, but a senior at SOHS.
- it is my expectation that any suspicion re his academic performance will be quickly removed when his grades, GPA, and SAT is seen. They'll want explanation I'm sure, but not likely due to fears of academic issues.
- we're totally clear on very low chances to Stanford, even with high SAT. If rejected by Stanford or other single digit elites for any of the reasons given here, he still hasn't lost anything. I'd be more worried if it'd hurt him at next group of selective schools. For that matter, I'll be excited for him to be at any Top 100 school. Just wanted to support his best shot at Stanford due to his hopes. Finally, he has friends at both schools, is being challenged by AP classes. He's learning.
- if AP's save even just one semester, that could be $20-30k. Even if he stays a 4th year in undergraduate college, it'll be taking higher level classes.
- his local school is private, not public, and was the only good option for any sports EC's, his favorite EC. He's playing basketball now too, and loving it. These opportunities were a lot harder to come by when just doing SOHS.
- only looking for one more good EC. Needs to be unique... I get that. Revising plan somewhat here. Will encourage taking earlier commitments to another level rather than something new. Great feedback on this issue.
- his recruit-ability as an athlete is doubtful to Stanford. He could compete at a lot of DII's and most DIII's..
Note: To the “helicopter” criticism… Please… Your posts and this site reflects some very involved parents, as does the competition existing at the level it currently is for admittance to the elite schools. Moreover, the sheer amount of websites, guides, and commentaries on all things related to getting kids into top schools and then paying for it reflects the complexity of gaining admittance and financing at elite schools these days. I do most of the research and present options. He reviews and makes the choices, then does the work. That’s a pretty healthy system. With a 70 hr weekly workload in academic+sports+EC, he’s got enough ownership for me. How many of you gave that effort level in high school? Less than 5% I’d wager. If that’s “helicopter”, so be it. Spare me the judgments.
To all who gave significant time in reply, thanks again!. This is a great board.
Glad you’re making progress, best wishes to your son for accomplishing his dreams. He sounds like a stellar candidate and ultimately who knows what his dream school will turn out to be – maybe one that isn’t even on his radar right now!
Since it sounds like you are committed to this program, there is no sense second guessing yourself now. IMO the mistake was saying that you were doing it only to improve your S’s chances at Stanford – no matter what you have accomplished (short of being a recruited athlete or paying for a new building on campus) Stanford is a reach for everyone – no matter how many activities and APs the applicant has. You and your S should try to view this two year senior year as a chance to expand his horizons, not a way to better his chances at Stanford. Take time to look at and get excited about other schools as well – there are so many fantastic options out there. Good luck.
Totally agree. Didn’t want to look back and say “what if”. My true feelings are that he could do graduate or PhD work at Stanford if he stays interested enough to do well at good undergraduate. Looking at these other options:
MIT,Princeton, Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge - similar to Stanford- low odds of admittance
Rice, GTU, USC-better odds, but still lower- I think he’d get in here…
Wheaton, Westmont, Gordon (intriguing small LA faith-friendly schools)
Baylor, A&M, UT@Austin (in state options as “safe” schools)