false. go look up what R1 means |
OP— your kid takes their lead from you. So, you fake it til you make it. A slightly incredulous “did you really just say that out loud?” look at someone making a rude comment. Then you say “we think he make a wonderful choice and we are so proud of him.”
That’s it, discussion over. You don’t owe anyone an explanation and you should never let yourself be put in the position of playing defense. So don’t. My kid went to a SLAC, despite getting into schools including WM. Again, significant ADHD played a role. And I had people say things like “why would you pay so much for a school no one has heard of when he could go to WM?” In front of him. So rude. So, they got my “did you really just say that out loud?” Look and “X is a wonderful school for the Kid and we think he made a great decision (also, significant merit and not more expensive than WM in state. But I’m not explaining or debating the merits of a college that is actually very well known if you get outside of the VA State College bubble). Every time you “fake it,” you believe it more. And once college actually starts and you see your kid doing well, you are no longer faking it at all. You tell your kid that going against peer pressure to make good personal decisions is tough, even for people in their 40s and 50s. And you are proud of them for having solid priorities and making a decision that is in line with them, rather than taking the easier path of attending a peer approved school. It shows self awareness and wisdom, and you now know they have the maturity to succeed in college. That part you shouldn’t have to fake. It’s 100% true. My kids were classes of 20 and 22. And the 22 kid had some peers who tanked during distance learning and went from expecting UVA/WM/VT/JMU etc to starting at NOVA. By next year, they will all be settled as juniors in solid to excellent 4 year schools. The time at NOVA was a blip on their radar. |
You just get used to it. The furor over who is going where for college lets up once college starts in the fall. Congrats to your kid on making a responsible choice, not falling for Top 20 hype and realizing what everyone knows but doesn’t want to admit “it’s not where job go but what you do when you get there.” |
Being wise is knowing who you are and doing what is the best for yourself, striving is keeping up with the neighbors.
Which works better long term? GMU is a great academic school, I know GMU grads going to MD programs and UVA and WM going to PA/NP school. With this being said, its not for everyone, the social scene isn't what most kids want and that is fine! I know this wouldn't be the place for my daughter , so I don't push it with her. I also know that for some kids this is exactly the social environment they need the next four years and that is wonderful! You cannot compare apples and oranges. Its like saying everyone looks good in crop tops--some look great and some dont--wear what works for you! |
No, it does not. Have you seen certain anti-(college name here) threads about particular colleges? They are revived regularly, and the OP and FOP (Friends of OP) normally revive the thread, then have to slowly back away once they have been disproved, yet again. |
TBH, I have not heard anyone say anything negative about Mason's academics, but my child is interested in engineering, and I know that is a relatively strong program there. I've heard a lot of people say it is not a fun social environment/commuter school, which may be true. |
Op can’t be serious. Get a grip. |
We know plenty of GMU grads who had great outcomes and a good experience at the school. We live near it and there is a lot to do, both on campus and off.
Support him. He sounds like a smart kid with a good head on his shoulders. |
So... I have a high stat kid at GMU. Reading the other job market thread makes me feel better and better about my kid ending up at Mason for undergrad. |
DCUM =/= real life Most people don’t actually care where your kid is going to college when they announce. Most sane people will have moved on by the fall. 5 years from now? No one will remember or care where your kid went. Step away from DCUM. |
Just smile and think of all the money you are saving and how well he will do there, and then be able to apply to any grade school he wants. |
Grad, not “grade” school!! Haha |
It sounds like your kid is setting himself up for success. When people say really? Yup! We are so excited for him! |
Or worse, depending on the major. CS related jobs are at a glut. |
I didn't read all of the responses but just got my first response from a parent today looking down on my kid going to UMD. She chose UMD from many others (including selective SLACs) for very similar reasons your DC chose GMU. It feels shitty but proud of our smart kids who know themselves and made the best choices for them. |