For a Great, but not Over-Accomplished Student, Is there Any Reason to Look Outside Virginia?

[Anonymous]

My child is a strong student with good academics but never really forced himself to get a bunch of leadership positions or create clubs he had no interest in just for college. As a result, we don’t think he’d say Harvard or Duke caliber, but he’s still looking for a good school. Given that VA has so many strong options, does it even make sense to look outside of UVA, VT, W&M, etc.?

[Anonymous]

Nope it really doesn’t (parent of two at UVA).

[Anonymous]

Advise ED’ing UVA. Essays and ECs matter there, so ED will help.

[Anonymous]

How do you feel about JMU, GMU, or VCU?

[Anonymous]

He’ll get into WM. They needs boys and care less about ECs.

[Anonymous]

It would be dumb to not consider options

[Anonymous]

That's a big jump you're making there. There're a lot of schools between the Harvard/Duke level and the Virginia in-state options. Doesn't hurt to look outside, but yes the in-state tuition is nice at a lot of great schools. For sure it makes more sense to pay full and get out of state if your kid is getting into Harvard/Duke, but as you say they may be aiming a little lower.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How do you feel about JMU, GMU, or VCU?

Is he top 5 percent in his school? (Core APs and A’s and high SAT/ACT?) If so, aim for UVA ED or WM. He might be yield protected out of Tech.

[Anonymous]

Does your DC want to spread his wings at all? Some kids are fine staying close to home, but mine wanted out… went to California… If he is a strong student even though not elite, he will have options. It all depends on what he wants… and what you are willing to tolerate/pay for.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That's a big jump you're making there. There're a lot of schools between the Harvard/Duke level and the Virginia in-state options. Doesn't hurt to look outside, but yes the in-state tuition is nice at a lot of great schools. For sure it makes more sense to pay full and get out of state if your kid is getting into Harvard/Duke, but as you say they may be aiming a little lower.

+1 you’re right it shouldn’t be Harvard/Duke or bust, there are many other schools and options to consider before sticking to only Virginia schools

[Anonymous]

If you were buying a car, would you look at options or just get whatever your local dealer has.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you were buying a car, would you look at options or just get whatever your local dealer has.

Obviously the price is the difference. A BIG difference. Even if you can afford more, does it make sense to spend it when you could save it for grad school? These are such great schools of all different types in state VA. My kids applied elsewhere but in the end nothing compared.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you were buying a car, would you look at options or just get whatever your local dealer has.

The fair equivalent would be look at other options or look at local dealer for half price. If you want a Ferrari(Harvard/Duke) you look outside for sure, but as you get to lower quality it's less clear if you want to pay double than the local option.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you were buying a car, would you look at options or just get whatever your local dealer has.

The fair equivalent would be look at other options or look at local dealer for half price. If you want a Ferrari(Harvard/Duke) you look outside for sure, but as you get to lower quality it's less clear if you want to pay double than the local option.

You might be surprised at how generous financial aid / merit aid can be outside VA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That's a big jump you're making there. There're a lot of schools between the Harvard/Duke level and the Virginia in-state options. Doesn't hurt to look outside, but yes the in-state tuition is nice at a lot of great schools.

I agree with this. DD probably would have been headed to JMU (maaaaybe VT) or lower VA school but unexpectedly got into her around T50 private reach school. She really did a turn around academically and absolutely loved every minute of college. She thinks had she gone to VT (where most of her friends ended up) or other instate college that she would have just coasted along like she did in high school. So there's lots more that goes into the college success equation.