college chances for with high tests but low GPA before therapeutic boarding school

[Anonymous]

DD has high PSATs that return schools like NYU and Columbia. She is 2e but was doing poorly with school refusal. Now she has current 3.7 with AP classes, but cumulative GPA is 2.7. Although we don't have ACT or SAT scores yet, they will be high based on strong testing profile. What do colleges do with a student like this? With a strong essay, do they evaluate the circumstances and does she have a shot? There is a list of colleges to visit, but these may not be viable. School didn't even tell me she was registered for AP tests, so I don't get great guidance from them. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I would look for a college counselor who has experience with students like your DD. Maintaining her mental health/functioning should be priority and they can perhaps guide you toward schools that have strong supports or make other suggestions (college near home, etc.)

[Anonymous]

I would talk to therapists about suggestions for the right environment for her. She probably isn’t a viable candidate for highly selective schools because of GPA, but there are plenty of moderately selective ones that will be more flexible (and might give merit for high test scores). College comes with a lot of stresses so I would look for an environment where she is well supported. We ruled out schools more than a few hours away, and I am glad about that (kid is a freshman).

[Anonymous]

I have a similar DC although grades are good but from a non-traditional school with less academic rigor. My hopes for this DC were always more selective colleges, but there is no way they could handle the level of pressure at those schools. We are still figuring out next step, but as with high school, it’s tough to find a stimulating academic environment and like minded peer group without the inherent pressure and competition that overwhelms DC.

[Anonymous]

I have a similar profile child -
Anxiety/depression that we were able to "manage" without therapeutic boarding school. 1500 SAT without test prep but a 3.5 Weighted GPA (this GPA is in the lower 1/2 of the grade)
My DC is currently a HS senior and we guided towards smaller schools where we thought the admissions team might have the bandwidth to read an essay and look at the full application.
Some schools significantly discount 9th grade scores. It might be worth going to college fairs and asking this question - or scheduling time with admissions officers to ask.
We really liked how connected we felt at the smaller schools and thought our child would be supported.
Finding the school where you think your child is going to get accepted to - and be a fit can be hard.
What does your DD want to major in? Do you need aid to make it work? Does region of the country matter? If you share some more, I would be happy to provide perspective from our recent search.

[Anonymous]

NYU and Columbia are two different animals. A T-30 is not happening. Probably not a T-50, but there is lots we don't know. Just start visiting some schools she has general interest in so she can get a feel for private vs. public. Large vs. small. Educate yourself on college admissions (or hire someone).

[Anonymous]

I recommend you do a search on the DCUM college thread. Even if your child were to get their GPA up to 3.7. They would not be likely to be admitted to NYU or Columbia. And as a parent of a 2e child, I don’t think that would be what is best for your child anyway. Your child will need a supportive, likely small environment. I recommend you join Parents of College Bound Students with Learning Disabilities, ADHD, and ASD on Facebook. You may get some really good suggestions there. And of course, your child’s school has likely dealt with this situation more often than not, and should be giving you some direction here. Have you met with them?

[Anonymous]

What was at the root of school refusal? Can she retake any of the classes she failed and replace the grade? I had a sort of mini school refusal in high school due to serious family issues but was able to turn it around and retake the failed classes.

Also it sounds like she is self-motivated if she’s doing well in the AP classes on her own? I’m not sure she needs to be pushed to limit her choices to small, unambitious SLACs. Sometimes we do better mentally when we are appropriately challenged and assuming that she needs to be wrapped in cotton and not challenged may not be right. She deserves a chance to consider a broad range of options - for example she may be a candidate for a public flagship where high test scores balance out a lower GPA.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for these replies. I was unclear about College preferences; NYU and Columbia were identified by PSAT score. Top picks (to be visited this spring so may fall off) are Bennington and Ithaca. Univ of Iowa would be a reach school, but on the list because creative writing is desired major. Excels in performing arts. Late diagnosis of ASD-1 is the main disability, but with the common co-morbid anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
I’m not sure whether SMCU, Ursinus or others should be in the mix. Small liberal arts colleges preferably not in cities are the target. SCAD was on the list a year ago, but no longer because she says wants a more well rounded education.

[Anonymous]

DC went to uni abroad. Many schools just want relevant test scores and APs.

[Anonymous]

I would seriously consider looking at colleges with autism supports. Syracuse, George Mason have good programs. If you are looking smaller Mercyhurst has a good program. Its more important that she is supported and feels successful than the name of the school.

[Anonymous]

The environment of Ithaca New York can be pretty depressing in winter and it is still a very isolated area.
Have you spoken to her doctors on if she will be able to be served via Zoom on therapy or have a need to go to a school with a local therapist? There is likely to be times of pressure and a support need more than a counseling center could provide.

Have you thought of a smaller college or a community college even for the first year with the ability to transfer. In your case a college search counselor might be very useful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for these replies. I was unclear about College preferences; NYU and Columbia were identified by PSAT score. Top picks (to be visited this spring so may fall off) are Bennington and Ithaca. Univ of Iowa would be a reach school, but on the list because creative writing is desired major. Excels in performing arts. Late diagnosis of ASD-1 is the main disability, but with the common co-morbid anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
I’m not sure whether SMCU, Ursinus or others should be in the mix. Small liberal arts colleges preferably not in cities are the target. SCAD was on the list a year ago, but no longer because she says wants a more well rounded education.

These are all reasonable from an admissions standpoint. I know someone who attended a therapeutic boarding school and was admitted to Ithaca. Didn’t go though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The environment of Ithaca New York can be pretty depressing in winter and it is still a very isolated area.
Have you spoken to her doctors on if she will be able to be served via Zoom on therapy or have a need to go to a school with a local therapist? There is likely to be times of pressure and a support need more than a counseling center could provide.

Have you thought of a smaller college or a community college even for the first year with the ability to transfer. In your case a college search counselor might be very useful.

why shouldn’t she aim high? I don’t get it. she’s a strong student who has overcome a setback and has ambitions. trying to relegate her to a community college out of fear makes no sense.