Turning down a much higher-ranked/more prestigious school

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DC turned town UChicago for a SLAC. FA was key.

This statement presumes that all SLACs have less prestige than Chicago, but much as I esteem the school where "fun goes to die," I wouldn't think it odd, let alone a "step down," for someone to choose, say, Amherst, Williams, Swarthmore, Wellesley, Pomona, Harvey Mudd, Barnard or Bryn Mawr instead.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, didn't think the schools mattered that much.

He's wanted to attend the Coast Guard Academy for years and was accepted EA. Then the Naval Academy admit came through, and now he's torn. He admits the culture isn't for him but that he's blinded by the higher prestige. I don't want to sway him, but I also don't want to see him make a big mistake.

In this case I think the schools do matter because the cost factor is the same (0) but the mission and the required service (the job) are part of the decision. Is there an accepted student programming or some other way for them to visit and see the options again?

Congrats to your son - both are tough admits.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, didn't think the schools mattered that much.

He's wanted to attend the Coast Guard Academy for years and was accepted EA. Then the Naval Academy admit came through, and now he's torn. He admits the culture isn't for him but that he's blinded by the higher prestige. I don't want to sway him, but I also don't want to see him make a big mistake.

If he’s mature enough to know the culture isn’t for him, he should not go.

If he doesn't want a career in the Navy then don't go to the Naval Academy

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:Naval Academy is impressive. Congrats!

You just demonstrated the difference in prestige.

+2 There is a difference. Most non-military people don’t even realize there is a Coast Guard academy. Getting into the Naval Academy is a big deal. If prestige matters to you, 100% go Navy.

As a private sector person with zero academy experience…first I know there is a coast guard academy…second, are you implying an employer will think that listing the coast guard academy on your resume is fake if they don’t know there is one?

Again, most of us think all academies are difficult admits. I would have no clue nor care if Navy is harder than the others.

Since all the kids that you hire are late 20s after service…explain how any of this prestige translates to the private job market.

OP didn’t asked about the job market or resumes. Specifically asked about prestige.

The question was actually how to remind him that he's wanted the Coast Guard for years and shouldn't get caught up in the prestige aspect of the Naval Academy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid will likely pick JMU over Virginia Tech.

Mine too, and over spring admit at William and Mary.

Well, they're all about the same prestige, so your comparisons aren't even close.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, didn't think the schools mattered that much.

He's wanted to attend the Coast Guard Academy for years and was accepted EA. Then the Naval Academy admit came through, and now he's torn. He admits the culture isn't for him but that he's blinded by the higher prestige. I don't want to sway him, but I also don't want to see him make a big mistake.

In this case I think the schools do matter because the cost factor is the same (0) but the mission and the required service (the job) are part of the decision. Is there an accepted student programming or some other way for them to visit and see the options again?

Congrats to your son - both are tough admits.

Probably can't do another visit, but he's visited both within the past year - definitely meshed more with the USCGA. I know it's the answer. Convincing him that he knows it too is the next step.

[Anonymous]

Does he want to be in the Navy or the Coast Guard. That is the real question. He will have a commitment and so it is not just 4 years of college. It is also the 4 years (presumably 4) years after that. He is making a minimum 8 year decision. So, it might help to focus on things like what jobs there will be in summer, that he will be DoD and possibly sent to active fighting areas which won't happen in Coast Guard unless Coast Guard is called up to DoD, what are the likely locations and jobs he might have in each, what kinds of career after. They are very different services.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does he want to be in the Navy or the Coast Guard. That is the real question. He will have a commitment and so it is not just 4 years of college. It is also the 4 years (presumably 4) years after that. He is making a minimum 8 year decision. So, it might help to focus on things like what jobs there will be in summer, that he will be DoD and possibly sent to active fighting areas which won't happen in Coast Guard unless Coast Guard is called up to DoD, what are the likely locations and jobs he might have in each, what kinds of career after. They are very different services.

Coast Guard, hands down. Navy was a backup plan for him. He needs that reminder right now - thanks.

[Anonymous]

Just wanted to say congratulations OP. Those are very impressive options! Your DS must be something special!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just wanted to say congratulations OP. Those are very impressive options! Your DS must be something special!

Thank you. I'm bursting with pride and a nervous wreck at the same time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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That said, am I dense in that I don't associate any relative measure of prestige between the service academies? I think the academies are all prestigious and they primarily serve the military purpose to which they are designed.

Oh, there are definitely differences in prestige. Quite a bit of it is intangible, yes, but the difference in USNWR rankings are stark.

That USNA is labeled a liberal arts college in USNWR and at same level with Bowdoin is absolute insanity. Proof that these rankings are baloney.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
That USNA is labeled a liberal arts college in USNWR and at same level with Bowdoin is absolute insanity. Proof that these rankings are baloney.

This just means they don't confer graduate degrees.

(I've never heard of Bowdoin, by the way.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Who's done it? How do you keep the ranking from clouding your judgement? DC was 100% sure of their decision to attend the lower ranked school, but this latest admit was a total shock, and I think they're a bit swayed by the prestige of it.

My DC is in the same boat. Had a first choice (T100) school, then accepted at a T25. Every time they mention the T25 acceptance, the positive reaction makes them question their decision. Visiting both for admitted students' days - we'll see.

[Anonymous]

Some "religious" schools give generous aid and merit scholarships and contrary to popular liberal beliefs, provide good education and religious factor is minimal for someone who isn't religiously inclined.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Who's done it? How do you keep the ranking from clouding your judgement? DC was 100% sure of their decision to attend the lower ranked school, but this latest admit was a total shock, and I think they're a bit swayed by the prestige of it.

My DC is in the same boat. Had a first choice (T100) school, then accepted at a T25. Every time they mention the T25 acceptance, the positive reaction makes them question their decision. Visiting both for admitted students' days - we'll see.

OP here - yes! Other people's reactions have definitely been a problem in this regard. Thankfully mine quickly came to his senses. Hope you have good, helpful visits.