Please help with VA college list for average student

[Anonymous]

OP-

UVA's deadline was 1/1-
GMU is 1/15

The rest are Feb/March

[Anonymous]

OP here, with an update and a request for advice.

So far the kid in question has been accepted to the following schools:

Norfolk State
ODU
Virginia Wesleyan
Chowan
Marymount
VCU
George Mason

He's still waiting to hear back from Hampton, but I think that's it. Also, apparently NSU (where he was accepted to their honor's college) and Va. Wesleyan have given him fairly generous financial aid packages, but so far, pretty much nada from the other schools. He liked Marymount when he visited, particularly the small class sizes and individual attention from professors.

Given the above list, where would you advise him to consider? I'm of course happy that finances wouldn't be a concern at the first two, but I'm also worried that they are less prestigious and not very well known out of the region. I think it would be better to have say, George Mason in his résumé when applying for jobs, esp. if out if state. But, I don't want to advise him to go to a school where he may flounder--not for lack of intelligence, but lack of maturity. I get the sense that his single mom stays on top of him to get things- done currently--I worry that without her there to help/ride him, that getting into the school that's strongest academically may not be the best advice. A risk if some of the bigger schools is a kid like him getting lost, IMO. But, who knows--he could do well if he gets his act together early on.

Given this picture, which of the above schools might be best? I just heard from his dad on their way back from visiting one of these schools--when I asked which they're leaning towards, he said the kid is "reconsidering everything" (I'm going to talk with him further later). Any other considerations we should keep in mind?

Thanks very much.

[Anonymous]

For a diverse student population and an urban campus, decent premed/pharm program, fun sports (BB is still good) and not too far away, I'd recommend VCU.

[Anonymous]

OP--he initially mentioned VCU as his first choice a few months back, as he was thinking about pharmacy school eventually. However when pressed, he admitted he wasn't really sure about that plan. Would you still say VCU would be a good bet even if he didn't go that route? Apparently, they are not giving him much aid (although perhaps he could do work-study, etc.).

[Anonymous]

Don't discount ODU. Most don't think of it northern VA and often consider it too southern, but ODU has tons of programs, diversity, strong graphics and performing arts, fantastic marine science classes and exciting football and other D1 sports. And the price is right for someone who wants a large school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don't discount ODU. Most don't think of it northern VA and often consider it too southern, but ODU has tons of programs, diversity, strong graphics and performing arts, fantastic marine science classes and exciting football and other D1 sports. And the price is right for someone who wants a large school.

OP here--sure, I know plenty of folks who attended ODU (I'm also from VA). Only thing is that it's very close to where the kid lives--I think getting a little further away for college would be nice, just to stoke independence...e.g., VCU.

[Anonymous]

Morgan State in MD might be worth a look depending on the Out of state tuition.

[Anonymous]

I know a handful of people who attended Virginia Wesleyan with good financial aid. It's s good school and a nice learning community. It's worth looking into and taking a visit.

[Anonymous]

VCU and George Mason would be my pick.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here, with an update and a request for advice.

So far the kid in question has been accepted to the following schools:

Norfolk State
ODU
Virginia Wesleyan
Chowan
Marymount
VCU
George Mason

He's still waiting to hear back from Hampton, but I think that's it. Also, apparently NSU (where he was accepted to their honor's college) and Va. Wesleyan have given him fairly generous financial aid packages, but so far, pretty much nada from the other schools. He liked Marymount when he visited, particularly the small class sizes and individual attention from professors.

Given the above list, where would you advise him to consider? I'm of course happy that finances wouldn't be a concern at the first two, but I'm also worried that they are less prestigious and not very well known out of the region. I think it would be better to have say, George Mason in his résumé when applying for jobs, esp. if out if state. But, I don't want to advise him to go to a school where he may flounder--not for lack of intelligence, but lack of maturity. I get the sense that his single mom stays on top of him to get things- done currently--I worry that without her there to help/ride him, that getting into the school that's strongest academically may not be the best advice. A risk if some of the bigger schools is a kid like him getting lost, IMO. But, who knows--he could do well if he gets his act together early on.

Given this picture, which of the above schools might be best? I just heard from his dad on their way back from visiting one of these schools--when I asked which they're leaning towards, he said the kid is "reconsidering everything" (I'm going to talk with him further later). Any other considerations we should keep in mind?

Thanks very much.

Looks like he's got some great options!

[Anonymous]

Just wanted to say to OP. Kudos for helping this boy. I really commend you for it.

[Anonymous]

OP here. It's crunch time, so want to advise this family. Here's the final list of where he got in:

Norfolk State (hefty financial aid package and would be in honors program)
ODU
Virginia Wesleyan
Chowan
Marymount
VCU
George Mason (actually, he was wait-listed, not cc emptied as I initially thought)
Hampton (just found out; waiting on financial aid decision)

Not sure how to advise. Mom is weighing financial aid heavily, so may be leaning towards NSU. Hampton is by far the most selective (29% of applicants admitted, vs. > 60% at other schools), but mom is concerned about costs. I still think he should consider fit, feel, and the reputation of the school and its ability to open doors in the future. Any sage advice? He apparently really liked VCU and also Marymount due to small class sizes; not sure if he's visited all the rest.

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

OP. ^^^ Re: GMU, that should read accepted, not 'cc emptoed' (auto correct).

[Anonymous]

First, OP, you're an angel for helping this kid out!
I don't know anything specifically about the NSU Honors college, but the info on the website sounds good and you did mention that he might need a little oversight which this program would give. Also being around a highly-motivated peer group might push him a little. (I have a kid who is like this and I'm worried about sending him to too big a school.) And they're giving him money...I don't know, but if it were me that would be hard to turn down.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for keeping us updated on this! He has some great options.