DC can’t decide

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:Where does he ultimately want to live? I have twins and one would consider living in the south, attended a sleepaway camp that was in nc but very southern for years, etc. His twin has zero interest in every living in the south. I think this matters bc ultimately if your dc would love to be in dc or ny them SC wouldn’t be as great an option. If he’s drawn to the south and wants to settle there then this is a no-brainer. I think he should look at where his alumni network will be strongest and where he’ll have the most college friends and connections.

This is dumb and not true anymore. Everyone is so connected now that you can go to school anywhere and settle down/find a job/internship anywhere these days. I went to college in Chicago and of all my former classmates, I can think of 3 who actually still live in Chicago. Almost everyone (including me) has moved on--living all around the world. Where you go to college does not determine or even necessarily factor in to where you one day will live.

It's not dumb and actually is quite true depending on what you want to do in life. Sorry...but you are at a huge disadvantage trying to get a job in SFO/Bay Area as a new college grad having gone to JMU or the University of South Carolina. Less so with William & Mary as it does have better recognition on the Coast. After your first job, that's a different story.

If you went to University of Chicago, that's different and not relevant. However, it is quite relevant for the actual schools under consideration here.

I don't think this is true at all. I think people vastly overstate the importance of where you went to college or going to college in the same region as where you want to live/work one day. For a big school like South Carolina, there will be strong alumni networks in every major city, not limited to the southeast.

There are alumni of the University of South Carolina in SFO...but you are delusional if you think it is extensive or strong.

And that matters why? Are you trying to say that in some imaginary scenario where OP's kid goes to University of South Carolina and then one day wants to work in San Francisco it'll be tough for him? I don't agree with that. I think if you are a strong student and hard worker/bright kid, you will be successful no matter where you end up, regardless of alumni network, the value of which I believe is very overstated here on DCUM.

You can incorrectly think that all you want. It's not even about an alumni network vs. being physically present where opportunities exist. There is a reason San Jose State University and Santa Clara and UC Santa Cruz show good outcomes for students...because they are physically in Silicon Valley and SFO and the vast majority of their grads end up working in the area. If you want to get school-year internships with start-ups or VC funds, you need to be physically where most of the opportunities reside. Stanford and Berkeley of course also do exceptionally well but have a national reach to boot.

Also, this discussion is first jobs out of college vs. deciding at 30 you want to make the move (and have relevant experience at that time).

OP's kid isn't considering San Jose State or Santa Clara or in fact any schools in CA...so why are you going on about CA schools?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Where does he ultimately want to live? I have twins and one would consider living in the south, attended a sleepaway camp that was in nc but very southern for years, etc. His twin has zero interest in every living in the south. I think this matters bc ultimately if your dc would love to be in dc or ny them SC wouldn’t be as great an option. If he’s drawn to the south and wants to settle there then this is a no-brainer. I think he should look at where his alumni network will be strongest and where he’ll have the most college friends and connections.

This is dumb and not true anymore. Everyone is so connected now that you can go to school anywhere and settle down/find a job/internship anywhere these days. I went to college in Chicago and of all my former classmates, I can think of 3 who actually still live in Chicago. Almost everyone (including me) has moved on--living all around the world. Where you go to college does not determine or even necessarily factor in to where you one day will live.

It's not dumb and actually is quite true depending on what you want to do in life. Sorry...but you are at a huge disadvantage trying to get a job in SFO/Bay Area as a new college grad having gone to JMU or the University of South Carolina. Less so with William & Mary as it does have better recognition on the Coast. After your first job, that's a different story.

If you went to University of Chicago, that's different and not relevant. However, it is quite relevant for the actual schools under consideration here.

I don't think this is true at all. I think people vastly overstate the importance of where you went to college or going to college in the same region as where you want to live/work one day. For a big school like South Carolina, there will be strong alumni networks in every major city, not limited to the southeast.

There are alumni of the University of South Carolina in SFO...but you are delusional if you think it is extensive or strong.

And that matters why? Are you trying to say that in some imaginary scenario where OP's kid goes to University of South Carolina and then one day wants to work in San Francisco it'll be tough for him? I don't agree with that. I think if you are a strong student and hard worker/bright kid, you will be successful no matter where you end up, regardless of alumni network, the value of which I believe is very overstated here on DCUM.

You can incorrectly think that all you want. It's not even about an alumni network vs. being physically present where opportunities exist. There is a reason San Jose State University and Santa Clara and UC Santa Cruz show good outcomes for students...because they are physically in Silicon Valley and SFO and the vast majority of their grads end up working in the area. If you want to get school-year internships with start-ups or VC funds, you need to be physically where most of the opportunities reside. Stanford and Berkeley of course also do exceptionally well but have a national reach to boot.

Also, this discussion is first jobs out of college vs. deciding at 30 you want to make the move (and have relevant experience at that time).

OP's kid isn't considering San Jose State or Santa Clara or in fact any schools in CA...so why are you going on about CA schools?

Maybe follow the comments...because folks are claiming that hiring isn't regional...which it is. Something you need to consider when choosing between JMU, W&M and South Carolina.

[Anonymous]

VT would be my recommendation if they get off the waitlist. But you have great choices. Keep us posted and good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Where does he ultimately want to live? I have twins and one would consider living in the south, attended a sleepaway camp that was in nc but very southern for years, etc. His twin has zero interest in every living in the south. I think this matters bc ultimately if your dc would love to be in dc or ny them SC wouldn’t be as great an option. If he’s drawn to the south and wants to settle there then this is a no-brainer. I think he should look at where his alumni network will be strongest and where he’ll have the most college friends and connections.

This is dumb and not true anymore. Everyone is so connected now that you can go to school anywhere and settle down/find a job/internship anywhere these days. I went to college in Chicago and of all my former classmates, I can think of 3 who actually still live in Chicago. Almost everyone (including me) has moved on--living all around the world. Where you go to college does not determine or even necessarily factor in to where you one day will live.

It's not dumb and actually is quite true depending on what you want to do in life. Sorry...but you are at a huge disadvantage trying to get a job in SFO/Bay Area as a new college grad having gone to JMU or the University of South Carolina. Less so with William & Mary as it does have better recognition on the Coast. After your first job, that's a different story.

If you went to University of Chicago, that's different and not relevant. However, it is quite relevant for the actual schools under consideration here.

I don't think this is true at all. I think people vastly overstate the importance of where you went to college or going to college in the same region as where you want to live/work one day. For a big school like South Carolina, there will be strong alumni networks in every major city, not limited to the southeast.

There are alumni of the University of South Carolina in SFO...but you are delusional if you think it is extensive or strong.

And that matters why? Are you trying to say that in some imaginary scenario where OP's kid goes to University of South Carolina and then one day wants to work in San Francisco it'll be tough for him? I don't agree with that. I think if you are a strong student and hard worker/bright kid, you will be successful no matter where you end up, regardless of alumni network, the value of which I believe is very overstated here on DCUM.

You can incorrectly think that all you want. It's not even about an alumni network vs. being physically present where opportunities exist. There is a reason San Jose State University and Santa Clara and UC Santa Cruz show good outcomes for students...because they are physically in Silicon Valley and SFO and the vast majority of their grads end up working in the area. If you want to get school-year internships with start-ups or VC funds, you need to be physically where most of the opportunities reside. Stanford and Berkeley of course also do exceptionally well but have a national reach to boot.

Also, this discussion is first jobs out of college vs. deciding at 30 you want to make the move (and have relevant experience at that time).

Why are you stuck on SF in this debate? Who said anything about SF? And why would this be a consideration for OP's kid? You seem crazy.

+1 this person needs to be reported for derailing this thread and spreading misinformation. Op, please ignore this troll.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Where does he ultimately want to live? I have twins and one would consider living in the south, attended a sleepaway camp that was in nc but very southern for years, etc. His twin has zero interest in every living in the south. I think this matters bc ultimately if your dc would love to be in dc or ny them SC wouldn’t be as great an option. If he’s drawn to the south and wants to settle there then this is a no-brainer. I think he should look at where his alumni network will be strongest and where he’ll have the most college friends and connections.

This is dumb and not true anymore. Everyone is so connected now that you can go to school anywhere and settle down/find a job/internship anywhere these days. I went to college in Chicago and of all my former classmates, I can think of 3 who actually still live in Chicago. Almost everyone (including me) has moved on--living all around the world. Where you go to college does not determine or even necessarily factor in to where you one day will live.

It's not dumb and actually is quite true depending on what you want to do in life. Sorry...but you are at a huge disadvantage trying to get a job in SFO/Bay Area as a new college grad having gone to JMU or the University of South Carolina. Less so with William & Mary as it does have better recognition on the Coast. After your first job, that's a different story.

If you went to University of Chicago, that's different and not relevant. However, it is quite relevant for the actual schools under consideration here.

I don't think this is true at all. I think people vastly overstate the importance of where you went to college or going to college in the same region as where you want to live/work one day. For a big school like South Carolina, there will be strong alumni networks in every major city, not limited to the southeast.

There are alumni of the University of South Carolina in SFO...but you are delusional if you think it is extensive or strong.

And that matters why? Are you trying to say that in some imaginary scenario where OP's kid goes to University of South Carolina and then one day wants to work in San Francisco it'll be tough for him? I don't agree with that. I think if you are a strong student and hard worker/bright kid, you will be successful no matter where you end up, regardless of alumni network, the value of which I believe is very overstated here on DCUM.

You can incorrectly think that all you want. It's not even about an alumni network vs. being physically present where opportunities exist. There is a reason San Jose State University and Santa Clara and UC Santa Cruz show good outcomes for students...because they are physically in Silicon Valley and SFO and the vast majority of their grads end up working in the area. If you want to get school-year internships with start-ups or VC funds, you need to be physically where most of the opportunities reside. Stanford and Berkeley of course also do exceptionally well but have a national reach to boot.

Also, this discussion is first jobs out of college vs. deciding at 30 you want to make the move (and have relevant experience at that time).

OP's kid isn't considering San Jose State or Santa Clara or in fact any schools in CA...so why are you going on about CA schools?

Maybe follow the comments...because folks are claiming that hiring isn't regional...which it is. Something you need to consider when choosing between JMU, W&M and South Carolina.

so why not discuss options in the actual regions OP's kid is considering? (DMV/VA and SE/SC) why go on about CA as if it's relevant in any way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Where does he ultimately want to live? I have twins and one would consider living in the south, attended a sleepaway camp that was in nc but very southern for years, etc. His twin has zero interest in every living in the south. I think this matters bc ultimately if your dc would love to be in dc or ny them SC wouldn’t be as great an option. If he’s drawn to the south and wants to settle there then this is a no-brainer. I think he should look at where his alumni network will be strongest and where he’ll have the most college friends and connections.

This is dumb and not true anymore. Everyone is so connected now that you can go to school anywhere and settle down/find a job/internship anywhere these days. I went to college in Chicago and of all my former classmates, I can think of 3 who actually still live in Chicago. Almost everyone (including me) has moved on--living all around the world. Where you go to college does not determine or even necessarily factor in to where you one day will live.

It's not dumb and actually is quite true depending on what you want to do in life. Sorry...but you are at a huge disadvantage trying to get a job in SFO/Bay Area as a new college grad having gone to JMU or the University of South Carolina. Less so with William & Mary as it does have better recognition on the Coast. After your first job, that's a different story.

If you went to University of Chicago, that's different and not relevant. However, it is quite relevant for the actual schools under consideration here.

I don't think this is true at all. I think people vastly overstate the importance of where you went to college or going to college in the same region as where you want to live/work one day. For a big school like South Carolina, there will be strong alumni networks in every major city, not limited to the southeast.

There are alumni of the University of South Carolina in SFO...but you are delusional if you think it is extensive or strong.

And that matters why? Are you trying to say that in some imaginary scenario where OP's kid goes to University of South Carolina and then one day wants to work in San Francisco it'll be tough for him? I don't agree with that. I think if you are a strong student and hard worker/bright kid, you will be successful no matter where you end up, regardless of alumni network, the value of which I believe is very overstated here on DCUM.

You can incorrectly think that all you want. It's not even about an alumni network vs. being physically present where opportunities exist. There is a reason San Jose State University and Santa Clara and UC Santa Cruz show good outcomes for students...because they are physically in Silicon Valley and SFO and the vast majority of their grads end up working in the area. If you want to get school-year internships with start-ups or VC funds, you need to be physically where most of the opportunities reside. Stanford and Berkeley of course also do exceptionally well but have a national reach to boot.

Also, this discussion is first jobs out of college vs. deciding at 30 you want to make the move (and have relevant experience at that time).

OP's kid isn't considering San Jose State or Santa Clara or in fact any schools in CA...so why are you going on about CA schools?

Maybe follow the comments...because folks are claiming that hiring isn't regional...which it is. Something you need to consider when choosing between JMU, W&M and South Carolina.

so why not discuss options in the actual regions OP's kid is considering? (DMV/VA and SE/SC) why go on about CA as if it's relevant in any way.

+1 SC has a larger reach on the east coast when compared to JMU

[Anonymous]

OP, sometimes it is all about the money.

If you look at the WSJ analysis of grads in different careers...W&M does very well on 6 of the 9 lists, JMU shows up on two of the lists and South Carolina never makes the cut on any of the lists.

https://www.wsj.com/news/collection/college-pay-80428504

[Anonymous]

One thing to remember is that in 10 years, your kid will probably barely remember a delayed start at W&M. I suspect they will be pretty well-integrated by sophomore year. I know when I graduated from college, my experience senior year felt very distant from freshman year.

Also, if they are undecided, it might be best to choose a place that doesn't lock kids into a major too early.

[Anonymous]

It’s amazing how many people keep pushing William and Mary when op has already made clear her kid doesn’t want to go there (but she likes it). Typical dcum.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Where does he ultimately want to live? I have twins and one would consider living in the south, attended a sleepaway camp that was in nc but very southern for years, etc. His twin has zero interest in every living in the south. I think this matters bc ultimately if your dc would love to be in dc or ny them SC wouldn’t be as great an option. If he’s drawn to the south and wants to settle there then this is a no-brainer. I think he should look at where his alumni network will be strongest and where he’ll have the most college friends and connections.

This is dumb and not true anymore. Everyone is so connected now that you can go to school anywhere and settle down/find a job/internship anywhere these days. I went to college in Chicago and of all my former classmates, I can think of 3 who actually still live in Chicago. Almost everyone (including me) has moved on--living all around the world. Where you go to college does not determine or even necessarily factor in to where you one day will live.

It's not dumb and actually is quite true depending on what you want to do in life. Sorry...but you are at a huge disadvantage trying to get a job in SFO/Bay Area as a new college grad having gone to JMU or the University of South Carolina. Less so with William & Mary as it does have better recognition on the Coast. After your first job, that's a different story.

If you went to University of Chicago, that's different and not relevant. However, it is quite relevant for the actual schools under consideration here.

William and Mary is not well known on the war coast either.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s amazing how many people keep pushing William and Mary when op has already made clear her kid doesn’t want to go there (but she likes it). Typical dcum.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, sometimes it is all about the money.

If you look at the WSJ analysis of grads in different careers...W&M does very well on 6 of the 9 lists, JMU shows up on two of the lists and South Carolina never makes the cut on any of the lists.

https://www.wsj.com/news/collection/college-pay-80428504

Rankings and lists don't matter if a kid is unhappy because the school is the wrong fit. It's really not all about the money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, sometimes it is all about the money.

If you look at the WSJ analysis of grads in different careers...W&M does very well on 6 of the 9 lists, JMU shows up on two of the lists and South Carolina never makes the cut on any of the lists.

https://www.wsj.com/news/collection/college-pay-80428504

Rankings and lists don't matter if a kid is unhappy because the school is the wrong fit. It's really not all about the money.

+1. I can see the appeal of U of SC for sure. In fact, I'd probably pick it myself if I was in OP's kid's position. Not because W&M isn't a more prestigious/higher ranked institution...everyone knows it is. But that's not the only consideration.

[Anonymous]

For all the posts about name recognition, a student would likely do better on the job market with a 3.9 from JMU or U of SC than a 3.2 from William and Mary. GPA usually trumps name recognition.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For all the posts about name recognition, a student would likely do better on the job market with a 3.9 from JMU or U of SC than a 3.2 from William and Mary. GPA usually trumps name recognition.

I think this is true for the first job after college, and for graduate school admissions. Otherwise, I think the name of the school matters much more than the major or anything else.