Anyone successfully get their stubborn kid to consider other schools?

[Anonymous]

My kid is a junior and is adamant that schools must have the following:

No snow/No cold temps (can get cold for short periods but nothing where it is in 30's for months at a time)
Must have football and strong school spirit
Must be >10,000 students

This basically translates to big state flagships in the SEC, Texas, AZ, etc.

I am trying to explain to him that as an OOS student with a weighted GPA of 3.9 and mediocre test scores, he really needs to cast a wide net. If he were willing to consider other geographical regions, or forgoing the football, or consider smaller schools, he could increase his chances. He is standing his ground. In the end whatever happens happens, but it is hard sitting back and thinking there is a possibility he doesn't;t get in anywhere. I truly do not think he sees that as a reality.

[Anonymous]

Your kid will get into most of the schools in his mind's eye:

Clemson, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky or any of the confederate states.

Probably not UT-Austin or Vanderbilt.

[Anonymous]

I think you're the narrow thinker here. There are schools that meet that criteria that are achievable with his stats. Maybe accept his preferences and find some less well known state schools?

[Anonymous]

While not the norm, TX gets snow and cold temps occasionally

I went to school in NC and it was generally warmer than my home. We did get a little snow from time to time, but the weather was nice most of the time

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kid is a junior and is adamant that schools must have the following:

No snow/No cold temps (can get cold for short periods but nothing where it is in 30's for months at a time)
Must have football and strong school spirit
Must be >10,000 students

This basically translates to big state flagships in the SEC, Texas, AZ, etc.

I am trying to explain to him that as an OOS student with a weighted GPA of 3.9 and mediocre test scores, he really needs to cast a wide net. If he were willing to consider other geographical regions, or forgoing the football, or consider smaller schools, he could increase his chances. He is standing his ground. In the end whatever happens happens, but it is hard sitting back and thinking there is a possibility he doesn't;t get in anywhere. I truly do not think he sees that as a reality.

You are fortunate to have a son who knows what he wants and what he wants is realistic.

[Anonymous]

I think he needs to apply to an in state school or two

Univ of South Carolina seems pretty popular these days. I know 2 freshman just among my friend group in west Fairfax (2 different high schools, didn’t know each other)

[Anonymous]

It’s funny. Your kid is more realistic than most DCUM parents.

[Anonymous]

I don't think he'll be shut out, but I do understand your anxiety. I think he'll be fine.

[Anonymous]

I got DS to apply to a couple safeties which he was sorely lacking. Not sure he would be excited about attending either. School one already approved and offered $25k merit. What does he care? He's not paying. 🙄

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Your kid will get into most of the schools in his mind's eye:

Clemson, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky or any of the confederate states.

Probably not UT-Austin or Vanderbilt.

With those stats, a student can omit UGA and Clemson from your "confederate" state schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is a junior and is adamant that schools must have the following:

No snow/No cold temps (can get cold for short periods but nothing where it is in 30's for months at a time)
Must have football and strong school spirit
Must be >10,000 students

This basically translates to big state flagships in the SEC, Texas, AZ, etc.

I am trying to explain to him that as an OOS student with a weighted GPA of 3.9 and mediocre test scores, he really needs to cast a wide net. If he were willing to consider other geographical regions, or forgoing the football, or consider smaller schools, he could increase his chances. He is standing his ground. In the end whatever happens happens, but it is hard sitting back and thinking there is a possibility he doesn't;t get in anywhere. I truly do not think he sees that as a reality.

You are fortunate to have a son who knows what he wants and what he wants is realistic.

+1

[Anonymous]

You need to talk about why he wants those things, but in the end, if he feels strongly about them, then he has to work extra hard to try and get into those schools.

My son's criteria are:
1. Schools known for his preferred major.
2. Preference for local.
3. Not too big or too rural.
These criteria reduce his list drastically. I've persuaded him to add schools that are missing one or more criteria, but he's working hard to get schools that satisfy ALL of them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your kid will get into most of the schools in his mind's eye:

Clemson, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky or any of the confederate states.

Probably not UT-Austin or Vanderbilt.

With those stats, a student can omit UGA and Clemson from your "confederate" state schools.

I know students admitted to those schools with lower GPAs.

I don't understand the problem, unless OP is against the schools themselves. There is no reason to assume he would not be admitted to Ole Miss, LSU, Tenn, Kentucky, Alabama, or some schools in FL.

[Anonymous]

University of Arizona & Arizona State University are almost guaranteed for him.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kid is a junior and is adamant that schools must have the following:

No snow/No cold temps (can get cold for short periods but nothing where it is in 30's for months at a time)
Must have football and strong school spirit
Must be >10,000 students

This basically translates to big state flagships in the SEC, Texas, AZ, etc.

I am trying to explain to him that as an OOS student with a weighted GPA of 3.9 and mediocre test scores, he really needs to cast a wide net. If he were willing to consider other geographical regions, or forgoing the football, or consider smaller schools, he could increase his chances. He is standing his ground. In the end whatever happens happens, but it is hard sitting back and thinking there is a possibility he doesn't;t get in anywhere. I truly do not think he sees that as a reality.

Your judgment is way off, OP. Your student will definitely get into schools like what’s on his list.