Welcome ideas on HS junior who needs some focus in his search

juillet
Sat, 17 Apr 2021 19:50:05 +0000

DadTwoGirls:

To me this does not sound like “top 20” is a good fit. I also enjoyed down time and “chilling”, and a lack of time to do this plus a lack of time and energy for other activities was perhaps the big reason why I found (many years ago) that a “top 20” university was not a good fit for me for undergrad. For graduate school I was ready and a “top 20” was a good fit. It sounds at least possible that your son might be similar. At least this is something to think about.

Yeah, I agree with this. I was also more interested in down time and chilling when I went to college, so I chose a great LAC that was not top 50. Much more relaxed, fun, social environment - and I still got a great education, went to a top grad school (like DadTwoGirls, I was more ready for the pressure cooker by then), am working at a large recognizable tech company.

There are a great many good schools out there, and the vast majority of them are not in the top 20. I’d focus on colleges that have the vibe that he really wants. It doesn’t sound like he’s interested in the top 20s.

Other than that line, there’s not a lot in here about what he’s looking for in a school. Urban, suburban, or rural? Close to home or far away? Small and close-knit or large with lots of opportunities and activities? What kinds of students does he want to go to college with?

And oof, he probably doesn’t realize this now, but I would totally take the down payment over the full pay college. Especially if he already wants a laid-back vibe.