DC shut out from all but one, now wants a gap year

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think this is such a smart idea. I'm surprised by the pushback.

I don't like that he went to grandparents first, but maybe he wanted to see if it was even an option. I'll give him a pass on this one.

Right now I'd ask him, How much are going to be paid? (adulting lesson - ask about money, even with family)

And assuming that's okay (farm help doesn't pay a lot and minus room/board it may not be much, but it should be something and that something should be saved), I'd tell him you want to see a list of what colleges he'll apply to in the Fall. You want that now. It's a draft, but it should be a considered draft. He won't know a lot more about this process 4 months from now than he does right now.

Some kids think a gap year is a gap year, but look at juniors .. they're being told right now to do their essays this summer. This is where gap year kids fall apart a bit.

So before he goes, you write out a timeline. Testing is done now. No retakes. Essays done by x date. You don't need this done by Sept 1 but you want this all done early enough that the gap year will be spent working, not stressing every deadline. Replaying this stressful year AGAIN is not good for anyone's mental health.

IMO his list should include Cornell's International Agriculture/Rural Dev major which is super interesting, pretty transferrable, and likes kids with this experience. He could also switch if it's not perfect. The argriculture/climate change space is also really expanding in both colleges and the job market.

From one farm kid to another (potential) one, GL!

You think that a kid who went 1/11 on his college apps is going to be accepted to Cornell University because he spent some more time working on grandma's farm ?

His farm experience didn't resonate too well on his first round of college applications.

Yep, I'm pretty familiar with that program and I think he has a good shot if he can talk real science. His apps need to be re-worked obv, but I suspect they were pretty vanilla. "Grandma's farm" has a hint of derision about it, but there's nothing rinky-dink about a year on a farm. It's a data-driven business that is changing all the time with new technologies in every department. I get that you're not impressed, but it's apparent you have very little insight in this area.

It is apparent that you have very little insight to Cornell University admissions--and especially with respect to the quasi-public ag school.

I mean, you can find my name on their website. But okay! (and quasi-public .. eyeroll)

Well, your eyeroll just confirmed that you do not know much about Cornell University.

DP. I know nothing about Cornell, but as a senior tech exec whose posts about CS are often criticized by SAHPs whose familiarity with CS seems to come from TV shows, I sympathize with the eye roller who — unlike most — seems to actually know that they are talking about.

Dismissive PP’s post is the epitome of DCUM ignorance and arrogance. This forum is Dunning Kruger central.

Unfortnately, you were writing your post while you should have been reading. Clearly, you know little to nothing about Cornell University and its seven colleges--four of which are partially funded by the state of New York.

[Anonymous]

I transferred after 2 years. Worked out very well for me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would, but I have a decent amount of knowledge in this area.

I wonder what the responses would be if this kid had an in at a start-up or DCUM-approved company. "he would live w his aunt and work with her at Airbnb HQ for a year in an area that's relevant to his intended major" etc.

That would scream privilege/nepotism to an AO

Farming, not so much.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think this is such a smart idea. I'm surprised by the pushback.

I don't like that he went to grandparents first, but maybe he wanted to see if it was even an option. I'll give him a pass on this one.

Right now I'd ask him, How much are going to be paid? (adulting lesson - ask about money, even with family)

And assuming that's okay (farm help doesn't pay a lot and minus room/board it may not be much, but it should be something and that something should be saved), I'd tell him you want to see a list of what colleges he'll apply to in the Fall. You want that now. It's a draft, but it should be a considered draft. He won't know a lot more about this process 4 months from now than he does right now.

Some kids think a gap year is a gap year, but look at juniors .. they're being told right now to do their essays this summer. This is where gap year kids fall apart a bit.

So before he goes, you write out a timeline. Testing is done now. No retakes. Essays done by x date. You don't need this done by Sept 1 but you want this all done early enough that the gap year will be spent working, not stressing every deadline. Replaying this stressful year AGAIN is not good for anyone's mental health.

IMO his list should include Cornell's International Agriculture/Rural Dev major which is super interesting, pretty transferrable, and likes kids with this experience. He could also switch if it's not perfect. The argriculture/climate change space is also really expanding in both colleges and the job market.

From one farm kid to another (potential) one, GL!

You think that a kid who went 1/11 on his college apps is going to be accepted to Cornell University because he spent some more time working on grandma's farm ?

His farm experience didn't resonate too well on his first round of college applications.

Yep, I'm pretty familiar with that program and I think he has a good shot if he can talk real science. His apps need to be re-worked obv, but I suspect they were pretty vanilla. "Grandma's farm" has a hint of derision about it, but there's nothing rinky-dink about a year on a farm. It's a data-driven business that is changing all the time with new technologies in every department. I get that you're not impressed, but it's apparent you have very little insight in this area.

It is apparent that you have very little insight to Cornell University admissions--and especially with respect to the quasi-public ag school.

I mean, you can find my name on their website. But okay! (and quasi-public .. eyeroll)

Well, your eyeroll just confirmed that you do not know much about Cornell University.

DP. I know nothing about Cornell, but as a senior tech exec whose posts about CS are often criticized by SAHPs whose familiarity with CS seems to come from TV shows, I sympathize with the eye roller who — unlike most — seems to actually know that they are talking about.

Dismissive PP’s post is the epitome of DCUM ignorance and arrogance. This forum is Dunning Kruger central.

Curious as to whether or not you believe in karma ?

Bet you don't feel so superior now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think this is such a smart idea. I'm surprised by the pushback.

I don't like that he went to grandparents first, but maybe he wanted to see if it was even an option. I'll give him a pass on this one.

Right now I'd ask him, How much are going to be paid? (adulting lesson - ask about money, even with family)

And assuming that's okay (farm help doesn't pay a lot and minus room/board it may not be much, but it should be something and that something should be saved), I'd tell him you want to see a list of what colleges he'll apply to in the Fall. You want that now. It's a draft, but it should be a considered draft. He won't know a lot more about this process 4 months from now than he does right now.

Some kids think a gap year is a gap year, but look at juniors .. they're being told right now to do their essays this summer. This is where gap year kids fall apart a bit.

So before he goes, you write out a timeline. Testing is done now. No retakes. Essays done by x date. You don't need this done by Sept 1 but you want this all done early enough that the gap year will be spent working, not stressing every deadline. Replaying this stressful year AGAIN is not good for anyone's mental health.

IMO his list should include Cornell's International Agriculture/Rural Dev major which is super interesting, pretty transferrable, and likes kids with this experience. He could also switch if it's not perfect. The argriculture/climate change space is also really expanding in both colleges and the job market.

From one farm kid to another (potential) one, GL!

You think that a kid who went 1/11 on his college apps is going to be accepted to Cornell University because he spent some more time working on grandma's farm ?

His farm experience didn't resonate too well on his first round of college applications.

Yep, I'm pretty familiar with that program and I think he has a good shot if he can talk real science. His apps need to be re-worked obv, but I suspect they were pretty vanilla. "Grandma's farm" has a hint of derision about it, but there's nothing rinky-dink about a year on a farm. It's a data-driven business that is changing all the time with new technologies in every department. I get that you're not impressed, but it's apparent you have very little insight in this area.

It is apparent that you have very little insight to Cornell University admissions--and especially with respect to the quasi-public ag school.

I mean, you can find my name on their website. But okay! (and quasi-public .. eyeroll)

Well, your eyeroll just confirmed that you do not know much about Cornell University.

I'm eyerolling the fact that you think it's notable here. I think this board is pretty clear about the structure of Cornell CALS. I get that you think it's a slam, for some reason. I mean, is it too good for this OP's child and he'll never get in or is it not good enough? The idea isn't really clear, but your weird judgement is.

Well, you are about to get eye strain.

Cornell University is composed of seven schools/colleges, four of which are contract colleges partially supported by the state of New York. New York residents pay a much lower tuition--the discount is $15,000 per year.

Cornell University college of agriculture is regarded by many as the best in the world. The website states that students should be in the top 10% of their high school class and have extremely high ACT or SAT scores. Applicants to the ag school typically have farm work experience as well as scientific research or other academic indications of an intellectual interest in the science of farming and agriculture.

A student whose college apps results were 1/11 including more than one safety school is not going to be a strong candidate for admission. An additional partial year of working on grandma's farm is unlikely to materially affect his chance for admission. Plus, he probably is not a resident of the state of New York. New York partially funds this ag school for a reason.

when I said I thought most people here were familiar with Cornell CALS this is what I meant. I've seen it here posted again and again. "Did he get into the REAL Cornell or the SUNY Cornell". We all know this and it's a really good situation for SUNY, Cornell, and honestly the future of agriculture/America. And yes, kids with actual experience do better in admissions. Even kids with 4H experience do better. (which is why there was and probably still is a Cornell 4H outreach) But .. go ahead and copy and paste more if you like.

[Anonymous]

Farm year would make a good essay and interview material for admission next year. He can also learn a new language (even a tech one) or polish his second language to advance level with online courses.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Farm year would make a good essay and interview material for admission next year. He can also learn a new language (even a tech one) or polish his second language to advance level with online courses.

According to OP, the student has worked on the farm during prior summers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think this is such a smart idea. I'm surprised by the pushback.

I don't like that he went to grandparents first, but maybe he wanted to see if it was even an option. I'll give him a pass on this one.

Right now I'd ask him, How much are going to be paid? (adulting lesson - ask about money, even with family)

And assuming that's okay (farm help doesn't pay a lot and minus room/board it may not be much, but it should be something and that something should be saved), I'd tell him you want to see a list of what colleges he'll apply to in the Fall. You want that now. It's a draft, but it should be a considered draft. He won't know a lot more about this process 4 months from now than he does right now.

Some kids think a gap year is a gap year, but look at juniors .. they're being told right now to do their essays this summer. This is where gap year kids fall apart a bit.

So before he goes, you write out a timeline. Testing is done now. No retakes. Essays done by x date. You don't need this done by Sept 1 but you want this all done early enough that the gap year will be spent working, not stressing every deadline. Replaying this stressful year AGAIN is not good for anyone's mental health.

IMO his list should include Cornell's International Agriculture/Rural Dev major which is super interesting, pretty transferrable, and likes kids with this experience. He could also switch if it's not perfect. The argriculture/climate change space is also really expanding in both colleges and the job market.

From one farm kid to another (potential) one, GL!

You think that a kid who went 1/11 on his college apps is going to be accepted to Cornell University because he spent some more time working on grandma's farm ?

His farm experience didn't resonate too well on his first round of college applications.

Yep, I'm pretty familiar with that program and I think he has a good shot if he can talk real science. His apps need to be re-worked obv, but I suspect they were pretty vanilla. "Grandma's farm" has a hint of derision about it, but there's nothing rinky-dink about a year on a farm. It's a data-driven business that is changing all the time with new technologies in every department. I get that you're not impressed, but it's apparent you have very little insight in this area.

It is apparent that you have very little insight to Cornell University admissions--and especially with respect to the quasi-public ag school.

I mean, you can find my name on their website. But okay! (and quasi-public .. eyeroll)

Well, your eyeroll just confirmed that you do not know much about Cornell University.

DP. I know nothing about Cornell, but as a senior tech exec whose posts about CS are often criticized by SAHPs whose familiarity with CS seems to come from TV shows, I sympathize with the eye roller who — unlike most — seems to actually know that they are talking about.

Dismissive PP’s post is the epitome of DCUM ignorance and arrogance. This forum is Dunning Kruger central.

Unfortnately, you were writing your post while you should have been reading. Clearly, you know little to nothing about Cornell University and its seven colleges--four of which are partially funded by the state of New York.

I think everyone here knows this. And did you know William & Mary is a public school? Zzzzz. Let's move on.

[Anonymous]

If money isn't an issue then ask him to enroll any way so if he feels differently in August, he has option to go.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Farm year would make a good essay and interview material for admission next year. He can also learn a new language (even a tech one) or polish his second language to advance level with online courses.

According to OP, the student has worked on the farm during prior summers.

Yup but one whole year as a full time employee and few weeks during summer vacations with grandparents are completely different experiences.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Farm year would make a good essay and interview material for admission next year. He can also learn a new language (even a tech one) or polish his second language to advance level with online courses.

According to OP, the student has worked on the farm during prior summers.

Yes, did he write about his farmwork experience in his essays the first time? There are some students who do work on farms while in HS. Does that give them a bit of a leg up with colleges? I'm not so sure, especially if they worked on their grandparents farm. You know the kid is going to get special treatment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Farm year would make a good essay and interview material for admission next year. He can also learn a new language (even a tech one) or polish his second language to advance level with online courses.

According to OP, the student has worked on the farm during prior summers.

Yup but one whole year as a full time employee and few weeks during summer vacations with grandparents are completely different experiences.

as is working on a farm that your grandparents own vs someone else owns.

[Anonymous]

OP's came up with this gap work idea and set it up by himself. That tells us OP is now dealing with an adult, though a young, inexperienced adult. You can't push someone like that into something they don't want to do.

Shoving him into a college he doesn't want to go to with the vague plans he has for his major will just be a waste, with kid blaming OP every time something goes wrong.

Deferral with a gap year to reapply elsewhere, stipulating to kid and grandparents (make sure that they know that you will be very unhappy if they try to influence DS to stay beyond next year) that DS enters college next year is the best you can do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Totally disagree with those who say working on the farm for a year will make applying to college more difficult. Colleges will understand the maturity this kind of work builds and will value that. He will do better with admissions after a year on the farm, and will have had a chance to clear his head and figure out exactly what he wants.

This is just wrong. Generally, gap years are fine if a student is deferring an acceptance. Colleges have been transparent that a gap year rarely improves an application. Students don’t have enough time between graduation and submitting new applications to meaningfully improve their profile, and getting letters of recommendation, etc. becomes much more difficult. Who will write an updating recommendation to address the gap time? Obviously, the grandparents cannot do this.

The best advice in this thread is to engage a knowledgeable private counselor to do a post-mortem on this application cycle and discuss the gap year plan and it’s implications.

+1
If targets and safeties were picked appropriately, the kid should have gotten into more than 1 of them. So they kid needs a college counselor to help pick a good list. However, with senioritis and possibly lower grades 2nd semester, I'm not sure how the kid will be any more impressive for the next round of applications. Sounds like the kid needs to wrap their head around the fact they targeting "too high" of schools and they might only have more success with targeting "lower ranked schools" and if the kid does not like where they got accepted, they may not like where else they can get into.
Sounds like kid is just upset they only got into 1 school and is making a drastic decision based on that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think this is such a smart idea. I'm surprised by the pushback.

I don't like that he went to grandparents first, but maybe he wanted to see if it was even an option. I'll give him a pass on this one.

Right now I'd ask him, How much are going to be paid? (adulting lesson - ask about money, even with family)

And assuming that's okay (farm help doesn't pay a lot and minus room/board it may not be much, but it should be something and that something should be saved), I'd tell him you want to see a list of what colleges he'll apply to in the Fall. You want that now. It's a draft, but it should be a considered draft. He won't know a lot more about this process 4 months from now than he does right now.

Some kids think a gap year is a gap year, but look at juniors .. they're being told right now to do their essays this summer. This is where gap year kids fall apart a bit.

So before he goes, you write out a timeline. Testing is done now. No retakes. Essays done by x date. You don't need this done by Sept 1 but you want this all done early enough that the gap year will be spent working, not stressing every deadline. Replaying this stressful year AGAIN is not good for anyone's mental health.

IMO his list should include Cornell's International Agriculture/Rural Dev major which is super interesting, pretty transferrable, and likes kids with this experience. He could also switch if it's not perfect. The argriculture/climate change space is also really expanding in both colleges and the job market.

From one farm kid to another (potential) one, GL!

You think that a kid who went 1/11 on his college apps is going to be accepted to Cornell University because he spent some more time working on grandma's farm ?

His farm experience didn't resonate too well on his first round of college applications.

Yep, I'm pretty familiar with that program and I think he has a good shot if he can talk real science. His apps need to be re-worked obv, but I suspect they were pretty vanilla. "Grandma's farm" has a hint of derision about it, but there's nothing rinky-dink about a year on a farm. It's a data-driven business that is changing all the time with new technologies in every department. I get that you're not impressed, but it's apparent you have very little insight in this area.

He will only have 2-3 months on the farm before he has to start finalizing his applications for this cycle. Not much time to build a new application to be impressive.