Where did you send your son/daughter to college?
Sep 21st, 2005, 10:25 AM
#141
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No, exactly, one size does NOT fit all.
And yes, I have encouraged people, and people I love, to go back to school despite making good money. Because I know the other benefits of educating young- and also that it is much harder to get the gift of time to educate when you are in mid-life. I know.
And sometimes formal education also is not a fit. There are some who remain cultural boobs regardless of their education and those who are Da Vinci's without.
And yes, I have encouraged people, and people I love, to go back to school despite making good money. Because I know the other benefits of educating young- and also that it is much harder to get the gift of time to educate when you are in mid-life. I know.
And sometimes formal education also is not a fit. There are some who remain cultural boobs regardless of their education and those who are Da Vinci's without.
Sep 21st, 2005, 10:31 AM
#142
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In the UNC system, some of the schools are busting at the seams. UNC and NCSU (the biggest campuses) and usually get most of the additional funding $$$ from state government (and it seems most legislators went to one of the two schools). UNC and NCSU say it's because they are the largest and other PR statements.
Schools like UNCA, UNCC, UNCG, UNCW, ASU, ECU are growing by leaps and bounds and are having growth problems. All the above except Charlotte can't really expand physically. And it's projected in the next few years UNCC will be as large as UNC and NCSU.
All schools in the system are doing their best to improve academic standards for all students.
However, perception is a problem. Some HS students won't apply to XXX (I've only listed half of the UNC schools above) so that school doesn't get the funding, doesn't get expansion funding, doesn't improve image, etc. Some of these students would rather go to community college for two years and then transfer to a 'better' school.
Community colleges courses in NC are accepted at all universities in the UNC system.
Schools like UNCA, UNCC, UNCG, UNCW, ASU, ECU are growing by leaps and bounds and are having growth problems. All the above except Charlotte can't really expand physically. And it's projected in the next few years UNCC will be as large as UNC and NCSU.
All schools in the system are doing their best to improve academic standards for all students.
However, perception is a problem. Some HS students won't apply to XXX (I've only listed half of the UNC schools above) so that school doesn't get the funding, doesn't get expansion funding, doesn't improve image, etc. Some of these students would rather go to community college for two years and then transfer to a 'better' school.
Community colleges courses in NC are accepted at all universities in the UNC system.
Sep 21st, 2005, 10:33 AM
#143
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JJ5, that reminds me of an Oprah episode I watched several years ago.
Oprah evidently was a couple of credits shy of her bachelors. She said that her father nagged her and nagged her to finish her degree. He told her she needed something to fall back on.
That certainly got a hearty laugh out of the audience because she didn't finish her degree until the 1990s after she was already very successful.
Oprah evidently was a couple of credits shy of her bachelors. She said that her father nagged her and nagged her to finish her degree. He told her she needed something to fall back on.
That certainly got a hearty laugh out of the audience because she didn't finish her degree until the 1990s after she was already very successful.
Sep 21st, 2005, 10:34 AM
#144
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JJ5, I'm with you on encouraging them to pursue higher ed. All the stats are there on earning potential, plus there is no substitute for being educated in our world. Some kids, though, have to go through the college of hard knocks to figure it out, though, and some find other ways that work well for them. Too bad each kid isn't born with a training manual instead of a placenta.
Sep 22nd, 2005, 07:17 AM
#145
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While it has taken an interesting twist, this thread has strayed considerably from the OP's original question: "My high school junior is beginning his search. Where did you send your son or daughter (to college), and how sad was it?"
LHG, is your son your only child? There's been a lot said and written about the 'empty nest' syndrome. I have a few friends who say they felt liberated when their last child left for college! My son, second of two children, is also a junior in high school and will be heading off soon. He isn't sure about how far he wants to go from home, but will certainly be out of the house in a couple of years. It's a bittersweet thought. My husband works late into the evenings, so I'll have to find something to do to fill my evenings. Maybe a second career...
But, like I originally said, a wise parent told me years ago that once the 'kids' reach 18, it's time for them to be living on their own, because they are so ready to spread their wings and get out from under parental shelter.
Take heart, it will all work out. So many good colleges and universities out there to choose from, you son will do fine.
What are his thoughts?
LHG, is your son your only child? There's been a lot said and written about the 'empty nest' syndrome. I have a few friends who say they felt liberated when their last child left for college! My son, second of two children, is also a junior in high school and will be heading off soon. He isn't sure about how far he wants to go from home, but will certainly be out of the house in a couple of years. It's a bittersweet thought. My husband works late into the evenings, so I'll have to find something to do to fill my evenings. Maybe a second career...
But, like I originally said, a wise parent told me years ago that once the 'kids' reach 18, it's time for them to be living on their own, because they are so ready to spread their wings and get out from under parental shelter.
Take heart, it will all work out. So many good colleges and universities out there to choose from, you son will do fine.
What are his thoughts?
Sep 22nd, 2005, 07:20 AM
#146
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While it has taken an interesting twist, this thread has strayed considerably from the OP's original question: "My high school junior is beginning his search. Where did you send your son or daughter (to college), and how sad was it?"
LHG, is your son your only child? There's been a lot said and written about the 'empty nest' syndrome. I have a few friends who say they felt liberated when their last child left for college! My son, second of two children, is also a junior in high school and will be heading off soon. He isn't sure about how far he wants to go from home, but will certainly be out of the house in a couple of years. It's a bittersweet thought. My husband works late into the evenings, so I'll have to find something to do to fill my evenings. Maybe a second career...
But, like I originally said, a wise parent told me years ago that once the 'kids' reach 18, it's time for them to be living on their own, because they are so ready to spread their wings and get out from under parental shelter.
Take heart, it will all work out. So many good colleges and universities out there to choose from, you son will do fine.
What are his thoughts and preferences for a college location and type and academic emphasis?
LHG, is your son your only child? There's been a lot said and written about the 'empty nest' syndrome. I have a few friends who say they felt liberated when their last child left for college! My son, second of two children, is also a junior in high school and will be heading off soon. He isn't sure about how far he wants to go from home, but will certainly be out of the house in a couple of years. It's a bittersweet thought. My husband works late into the evenings, so I'll have to find something to do to fill my evenings. Maybe a second career...
But, like I originally said, a wise parent told me years ago that once the 'kids' reach 18, it's time for them to be living on their own, because they are so ready to spread their wings and get out from under parental shelter.
Take heart, it will all work out. So many good colleges and universities out there to choose from, you son will do fine.
What are his thoughts and preferences for a college location and type and academic emphasis?
Sep 22nd, 2005, 07:36 AM
#147
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Interesting thread. Just proves that every family is different. Husband and I both went to Emory. Oldest son, possibly brightest of three, started at Auburn. After one year of begging to leave, he transferred to University of Central Forida, where we are paying out of state tuition for a state school. Ouch.
Daughter, academic star, nevertheless did not get into top choice school of Georgetown, altho did make the cut at Washington U., Emory, etc. She chose to attend Georgia Tech where she has a full scholarship for in-state tuition and scholarships for everything else, too (we're just paying sorority bill). Her position was that Emory and Wash.U, at around $40,000 per annum, while great schools would not provide that much value to her because they didn't have any special programs she particularly wanted. She did not want us to go to the expense just so she could attend a school she **liked** even though we were willing to fund it.
Number three son has no idea where he'll want to go to school, but we're now looking at boarding schools for high school that are in the same tuition range as private colleges. But, we've saved that and more on the daughter's tuition.
Daughter, academic star, nevertheless did not get into top choice school of Georgetown, altho did make the cut at Washington U., Emory, etc. She chose to attend Georgia Tech where she has a full scholarship for in-state tuition and scholarships for everything else, too (we're just paying sorority bill). Her position was that Emory and Wash.U, at around $40,000 per annum, while great schools would not provide that much value to her because they didn't have any special programs she particularly wanted. She did not want us to go to the expense just so she could attend a school she **liked** even though we were willing to fund it.
Number three son has no idea where he'll want to go to school, but we're now looking at boarding schools for high school that are in the same tuition range as private colleges. But, we've saved that and more on the daughter's tuition.
Sep 22nd, 2005, 09:56 PM
#148
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NIkki, just got back from 3 days out of town and got caught up on this thread. You're right, I did get a chuckle out of that description of Eastern schools. Altho' I don't doubt that there are schools like that, or at least that have some students like that, I don't think they're necessarily all Eastern. And, as you said, it's certainly not descriptive of Hampshire!
Someone else mentioned that, even though the students at private schools may be from all over the country, they're all from the same sort of background. Again, I don't doubt that that's true in some cases. But certainly doesn't seem to be true of Hampshire. My impression is that there are far more students getting substantial financial aid that ones who aren't. And, while there seem to be definite similarities amoung most Hampshire students, it has far more to do with mindset than financial background.
Someone else mentioned that, even though the students at private schools may be from all over the country, they're all from the same sort of background. Again, I don't doubt that that's true in some cases. But certainly doesn't seem to be true of Hampshire. My impression is that there are far more students getting substantial financial aid that ones who aren't. And, while there seem to be definite similarities amoung most Hampshire students, it has far more to do with mindset than financial background.
Sep 23rd, 2005, 12:12 AM
#149
I dropped my older daughter off in New Delhi India for her semester abroad. Not just sadsad, but kind of scary leaving her there. We had a hard time separating at the airport!
Flew from there to Boston to settle younger daugher in at BU. Not sad at all..she was so eager to get rid of us that we were almost irritated! Plus BU didn't really encourage the parents to hover like my older daughter's college did when she arrived as a freshman.
NOw that I'm home, the house feels very empty though!
Flew from there to Boston to settle younger daugher in at BU. Not sad at all..she was so eager to get rid of us that we were almost irritated! Plus BU didn't really encourage the parents to hover like my older daughter's college did when she arrived as a freshman.
NOw that I'm home, the house feels very empty though!
Sep 23rd, 2005, 09:17 AM
#150
Icuy, we had the exact same reaction on leaving our oldest at college this fall. She couldn't wait for us to get out of there. I remarked "well, she sure made that easy." On the other hand, I also think that there are those mothers who cry as they're leaving the campus, and then there are those of us who buck up when leaving, and stew for months. I'm thrilled that she is fairly independent, but couldn't she need me just a little bit more?
Sep 23rd, 2005, 10:08 AM
#151
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Me two, me three. Someone asked me the other day if I missed my daughter, who started college in August, and I said flatly, "No." I know people expect me to moan and grown, but she was so ready to go that having her home was not a lot of fun. For the last year she lived here, she was always with friends, at work, school, or holed up in her room. I knew she was around for the crumbs I would have to clean up and the laundry I would find in the washer and drier.
We are in better contact with her now that she is gone. In fact, she just found out that one of my best friends moved to Houston in August, something she didn't know when she lived here!
It's different than it was when I went to college. We had one phone down the hall. She has almost unlimited long distance on her cell phone, plus email. She's come home a couple of wkends and actually spent time with us! Distance and her new "independence" seems to suit us all well.
My sister says that being an empty nester is way underrated and I can hardly wait to find out for myself! One down, one to go!
We are in better contact with her now that she is gone. In fact, she just found out that one of my best friends moved to Houston in August, something she didn't know when she lived here!
It's different than it was when I went to college. We had one phone down the hall. She has almost unlimited long distance on her cell phone, plus email. She's come home a couple of wkends and actually spent time with us! Distance and her new "independence" seems to suit us all well.
My sister says that being an empty nester is way underrated and I can hardly wait to find out for myself! One down, one to go!
Sep 23rd, 2005, 11:05 AM
#152
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snowrooster: My mom is a Redskin (she refuses to call herself a Redhawk!) and I would love to get a sticker or t-shirt w/ that saying on it! She would get a HUGE kick out of it! I looked online & couldn't find. Do you have any other suggestions as to where I could find one? Thanks!!!
Sep 23rd, 2005, 12:10 PM
#153
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cassidy - I checked the official muredhawk store online and couldn't find anything. I have a t-shirt that says "Redskins Forever - Traditions Never Die" but I got it in Oxford at a smaller store (not the official campus booskstore). I know a lot of people were upset w/the name change since it had been a way to honor the Miami Indian tribe, with whom the school maintained relations, over a hundred years ago. Imagine being an alumnae football player with the redskin mascot tattooed on your ankle, only have the school change it! Anyway, I don't know of any way you could get one other than paying a visit to the school. It's a great little town!!
Sep 23rd, 2005, 02:19 PM
#154
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cassidy2002:
Below is a link that has alot of Redskin stuff...T shirts included.
Is that what you are looking for??
http://www.fansedge.com/Browse.aspx?...c=CustomCat256
Belle
Below is a link that has alot of Redskin stuff...T shirts included.
Is that what you are looking for??
http://www.fansedge.com/Browse.aspx?...c=CustomCat256
Belle
Sep 23rd, 2005, 03:17 PM
#155
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Actually the hunt is for Miami Redskin attire (Miami University in Oxford, Ohio). It is hard to find since Miami bowed to the pressure of political correctness several years ago and changed the name to Redhawks. If you go to a football game, you will hear the students and recent alumnae chanting "redhawks" but always some hold outs that refuse and stick with the original. It is somewhat irrelevant - our football program is hard to stomach after losing our glory boy Ben Roethelesberger (lucky Steelers fans!).
Nov 3rd, 2005, 01:25 PM
#156
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As a recent college grad, I'd like to say that I loved my time at the Univ. of New Mexico in Alb. There is an awesome art scene there and the ceramics dept. is nationally recognised. I will say this, apply for scholarships!!! I went to school for free and my high school grades were so so. A friend of mine who is majoring in Astro Physics (i.e. he is smarter than me) didn't apply for scholarships and he is $40,000 in debt now. The moral of the story is, if you are up to your eyeballs in debt after college, you can't travel, move to another country, take a year off, and 'find yourself' which is just as important as college itself. Encourage him to take a semester abroad too. Another friend of mine paid UNM tution and went to Barcelona. What a great move. She has since moved there semi-permanently. In conclusion, go to the best school that gives you a scholarship. Your son doesn't have to be brilliant, he just has to apply.
Nov 3rd, 2005, 03:40 PM
#157
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You are SO right!...sadly, though, some are too lazy to do so at that age....by the time they realize what they passed up, it's too late! (Mother of 2 sons, one successfully employed post graduation, the other preparing for grad school...and more debt, I might add!)
We had the pact programs for both, but again, they didn't take things seriously, and essentially wasted much of that! It actually took us taking them to the bank and putting THEIR NAME on the loans to wake them up!
Belle
We had the pact programs for both, but again, they didn't take things seriously, and essentially wasted much of that! It actually took us taking them to the bank and putting THEIR NAME on the loans to wake them up!
Belle
Nov 4th, 2005, 02:05 PM
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When I was applying for college back in 1997 (that doesn't seem that long ago, but I guess it was), there was a college application called the "common ap". Many schools accepted the "common ap" which was somewhat like a universal job application... you know, name, date, address, last four jobs held and details, and a few essays. the essays were pretty general as well: "What do you think you can contribute to so-and-so University" or "Name a situation where you helped out a classmate." My mom and I sat down and absolutely perfected my "common ap" and sent it out to a zillion schools. I had those essays to an A++ status. See if there is something similar now-a-days because it saves you lots of time.
My mom had a huge roll in my college acceptance to five schools (out of nine I applied for). I hated her for it at the time because all I wanted to do was hang out with boys. But in the end, it was my mom who was paying for college, not me. She had serious motivation to get some scholarships. She did lots of the research and MADE me sit down to write all those stupid essays. I know that a lot of people have full time jobs and don't have time like she did, but just think of it as a part time job that could earn you, say, $20,000 over 4 years. p.s. my favorite scholarship which was easy to get was the Amigo at U of New Mexico. They give out many each year for out-of-staters for in-state tuition. It only requires a 2.0 GPA throughout college and is valid for 4 years.
My mom had a huge roll in my college acceptance to five schools (out of nine I applied for). I hated her for it at the time because all I wanted to do was hang out with boys. But in the end, it was my mom who was paying for college, not me. She had serious motivation to get some scholarships. She did lots of the research and MADE me sit down to write all those stupid essays. I know that a lot of people have full time jobs and don't have time like she did, but just think of it as a part time job that could earn you, say, $20,000 over 4 years. p.s. my favorite scholarship which was easy to get was the Amigo at U of New Mexico. They give out many each year for out-of-staters for in-state tuition. It only requires a 2.0 GPA throughout college and is valid for 4 years.
