Our Current Situation - Not thrilled

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:God this is brutal. My Junior got a B once (teacher checked out during covid), and won’t have as many APs…seems like she won’t get in anywhere even if she can bring her SAT up to 1550.

She will definitely get in somewhere! There are more than 2- colleges in this country. She should have reasonable list and love her safeties--like everyone else.

+1 she only "won't get in anywhere" if your definition of "anywhere" is very limited.

My DD has a uw 3.7/w 4.0 and is very happy with her five acceptances so far.

[Anonymous]

OP - I am so sorry. This is such a hard process for our kids. The truth of the matter is that it is hard at this age to be told “no” - even if the kid should have known it was coming. I know a kid with a great profile and a good head on her shoulders whose parents were taken aback by how hard her Stanford rejection was. She should have known it was a reach. They had talked about how it was a reach. And it still struck her pretty hard. It’s because kids at this age are supposed to believe in themselves and that they can do anything. It’s how they make the most of their lives. It is going to be fine for all these kids and getting some life experience along the way, while not fun, is probably a good thing. Your son has the drive to land on his feet and make the most of whatever opportunities he is given. In the long run, this is what will matter. Best to you.

On the CS thing, it’s the fad of the moment. I am sure it will pay dividends for all who study it but really it isn’t going to be the make or break field for the long run. Sucks that kids like yours who have a real passion for it are the victims of the over subscription of this major.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I am not a troll i am just an upset parent with a son (sorry for the typo my finger hit the s but good lord everyone jumped on it).
My son is a very passionate caring normal kid who is naturally smart and comes by his stats honestly through both hard work and encouraging involved but not up in his business at every moment parents. I care about my son and his future and push him when it’s necessary but allow him to fall on his own and work his way out of problems. He is well liked at his school and has been innately into computers, coding and creating things related to such things since I can remember. He was the kid begging for Lego mindstorms as soon as I could trust him not to swallow the pieces.

His school choices are well thought out (for him). He wants a strong cs program in a school with a strong STEM reputation but he also wants to have fun and not necessarily attend a top 20 pressure-cooker. He wants ideally to get out of va for many reasons and I respect his reasons. He does not mesh at all with VT and doesn’t relish the atmosphere at UVA but did apply to UVA bc he felt he needed it in his quiver due to cost in state vs reputation vs he could possibly see himself there. Did not apply to VT. GMU is an option bc the program is decent and it’s near DC (he loves cities). Plus it’s dirt cheap and although we are full pay and said we will pay for wherever he will consider cost in his ultimate decision. VCU is also in a city with a tolerable program for him and he knew he needed safety schools. Pitt is a very very good option and he really likes the school.

Boulder actually was a top pick. We as a family have a goal of moving west and love Colorado, the mountains, etc… it’s a great program in a great location for him and he loved it when we toured. I think that decision hit the hardest bc he really wanted to go there. Even got 25,000 merit but not in CS direct admit and despite what people think starting in exploratory studies is NOT a guarantee you will eventually land in CS. If you do you can bet on taking 5 yrs to finish bc there’s no way you’re getting your first year cs courses unless you’re actually a first year cs student. We have talked with MANY friends and people in and around Boulder that verified this. Why pay all that money and just gamble (no matter how high the odds) when you know your true passion is CS (which he does). There are little details like your AP credits not counting towards your exp studies courses etc that make me think it’s a money grab to ensure some kids stay more than 4 yrs.

Purdue is incredible for CS and the school spirit and size made up for the lack of a nearby city when he toured.

We are proud and express openly our pride about his current admissions but I feel like I am allowed to vent about the deferral and Boulder situation bc we thought he would have a better outcome at those 2 schools and it makes us leery of the ones to come (which are all statistically harder admits for CS). Just reading the tea leaves and upset that he worked so hard, honestly and truly loves and is gifted in CS and is realistically looking at more deferrals and denials. It sucks for ALL our hardworking kids; a lot of us are in this high stat, high demand major admission crap shoot.

That’s what I was trying to get across but there are some bitter mean people on this forum.

I don’t know, OP. Seems like some backtracking in order to get sympathy. This was more than a vent. You called the CU exploratory studies garbage and basically called Pitt, VCU, and GMU ridiculous. It came across as very arrogant and rude. As someone who has exceptionally bright children with LDs, who worked hard, are very well-rounded, and would be happy with any of those acceptances, I found your OP to be pretty obnoxious. Sorry.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I am not a troll i am just an upset parent with a son (sorry for the typo my finger hit the s but good lord everyone jumped on it).
My son is a very passionate caring normal kid who is naturally smart and comes by his stats honestly through both hard work and encouraging involved but not up in his business at every moment parents. I care about my son and his future and push him when it’s necessary but allow him to fall on his own and work his way out of problems. He is well liked at his school and has been innately into computers, coding and creating things related to such things since I can remember. He was the kid begging for Lego mindstorms as soon as I could trust him not to swallow the pieces.

His school choices are well thought out (for him). He wants a strong cs program in a school with a strong STEM reputation but he also wants to have fun and not necessarily attend a top 20 pressure-cooker. He wants ideally to get out of va for many reasons and I respect his reasons. He does not mesh at all with VT and doesn’t relish the atmosphere at UVA but did apply to UVA bc he felt he needed it in his quiver due to cost in state vs reputation vs he could possibly see himself there. Did not apply to VT. GMU is an option bc the program is decent and it’s near DC (he loves cities). Plus it’s dirt cheap and although we are full pay and said we will pay for wherever he will consider cost in his ultimate decision. VCU is also in a city with a tolerable program for him and he knew he needed safety schools. Pitt is a very very good option and he really likes the school.

Boulder actually was a top pick. We as a family have a goal of moving west and love Colorado, the mountains, etc… it’s a great program in a great location for him and he loved it when we toured. I think that decision hit the hardest bc he really wanted to go there. Even got 25,000 merit but not in CS direct admit and despite what people think starting in exploratory studies is NOT a guarantee you will eventually land in CS. If you do you can bet on taking 5 yrs to finish bc there’s no way you’re getting your first year cs courses unless you’re actually a first year cs student. We have talked with MANY friends and people in and around Boulder that verified this. Why pay all that money and just gamble (no matter how high the odds) when you know your true passion is CS (which he does). There are little details like your AP credits not counting towards your exp studies courses etc that make me think it’s a money grab to ensure some kids stay more than 4 yrs.

Purdue is incredible for CS and the school spirit and size made up for the lack of a nearby city when he toured.

We are proud and express openly our pride about his current admissions but I feel like I am allowed to vent about the deferral and Boulder situation bc we thought he would have a better outcome at those 2 schools and it makes us leery of the ones to come (which are all statistically harder admits for CS). Just reading the tea leaves and upset that he worked so hard, honestly and truly loves and is gifted in CS and is realistically looking at more deferrals and denials. It sucks for ALL our hardworking kids; a lot of us are in this high stat, high demand major admission crap shoot.

That’s what I was trying to get across but there are some bitter mean people on this forum.

I don’t know, OP. Seems like some backtracking in order to get sympathy. This was more than a vent. You called the CU exploratory studies garbage and basically called Pitt, VCU, and GMU ridiculous. It came across as very arrogant and rude. As someone who has exceptionally bright children with LDs, who worked hard, are very well-rounded, and would be happy with any of those acceptances, I found your OP to be pretty obnoxious. Sorry.

Quit nitpicking and get a life. This is an anonymous message board, not a Ph.D program. People are not careful and hold stuff back. Nothing about OPs post came off as rude. Certainly no more rude than those of you piling on and picking apart the OP. YOu folks would NEVER say sh-- like that in person, with your names attached. So stop doing it here.

(And, no I'm not OP. But sick of this behavior).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I am not a troll i am just an upset parent with a son (sorry for the typo my finger hit the s but good lord everyone jumped on it).
My son is a very passionate caring normal kid who is naturally smart and comes by his stats honestly through both hard work and encouraging involved but not up in his business at every moment parents. I care about my son and his future and push him when it’s necessary but allow him to fall on his own and work his way out of problems. He is well liked at his school and has been innately into computers, coding and creating things related to such things since I can remember. He was the kid begging for Lego mindstorms as soon as I could trust him not to swallow the pieces.

His school choices are well thought out (for him). He wants a strong cs program in a school with a strong STEM reputation but he also wants to have fun and not necessarily attend a top 20 pressure-cooker. He wants ideally to get out of va for many reasons and I respect his reasons. He does not mesh at all with VT and doesn’t relish the atmosphere at UVA but did apply to UVA bc he felt he needed it in his quiver due to cost in state vs reputation vs he could possibly see himself there. Did not apply to VT. GMU is an option bc the program is decent and it’s near DC (he loves cities). Plus it’s dirt cheap and although we are full pay and said we will pay for wherever he will consider cost in his ultimate decision. VCU is also in a city with a tolerable program for him and he knew he needed safety schools. Pitt is a very very good option and he really likes the school.

Boulder actually was a top pick. We as a family have a goal of moving west and love Colorado, the mountains, etc… it’s a great program in a great location for him and he loved it when we toured. I think that decision hit the hardest bc he really wanted to go there. Even got 25,000 merit but not in CS direct admit and despite what people think starting in exploratory studies is NOT a guarantee you will eventually land in CS. If you do you can bet on taking 5 yrs to finish bc there’s no way you’re getting your first year cs courses unless you’re actually a first year cs student. We have talked with MANY friends and people in and around Boulder that verified this. Why pay all that money and just gamble (no matter how high the odds) when you know your true passion is CS (which he does). There are little details like your AP credits not counting towards your exp studies courses etc that make me think it’s a money grab to ensure some kids stay more than 4 yrs.

Purdue is incredible for CS and the school spirit and size made up for the lack of a nearby city when he toured.

We are proud and express openly our pride about his current admissions but I feel like I am allowed to vent about the deferral and Boulder situation bc we thought he would have a better outcome at those 2 schools and it makes us leery of the ones to come (which are all statistically harder admits for CS). Just reading the tea leaves and upset that he worked so hard, honestly and truly loves and is gifted in CS and is realistically looking at more deferrals and denials. It sucks for ALL our hardworking kids; a lot of us are in this high stat, high demand major admission crap shoot.

That’s what I was trying to get across but there are some bitter mean people on this forum.

I don’t know, OP. Seems like some backtracking in order to get sympathy. This was more than a vent. You called the CU exploratory studies garbage and basically called Pitt, VCU, and GMU ridiculous. It came across as very arrogant and rude. As someone who has exceptionally bright children with LDs, who worked hard, are very well-rounded, and would be happy with any of those acceptances, I found your OP to be pretty obnoxious. Sorry.

It does raise the question of why her kid applied to those “ridiculous, garbage” schools at all. If they were safeties, you shouldn’t apply to ridiculous, garbage safeties but to schools you’d be happy to attend. Or is it that the kid would be happy to attend those schools but tiger mom thinks they are garbage?

[Anonymous]

Not sure if it's true, but what I keep hearing is that really exceptional students are for the first time being rejected from many state universities due to protecting yield. The colleges make the assumption the kid won't accept the offer due to being high stats. If it's true, it's just wrong. Many kids can only afford state tuition, but apply to privates with hope of getting aid to make it possible--and/or are just truly undecided when they apply to several universities.

I hear about students rejected from UVA, W&M, Tech, etc., that are above and far beyond admission profiles.

Again, I don't have a kid applying this year. My oldest is a Junior, but that is what neighbors and classmates with older siblings have been telling us.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not sure if it's true, but what I keep hearing is that really exceptional students are for the first time being rejected from many state universities due to protecting yield. The colleges make the assumption the kid won't accept the offer due to being high stats. If it's true, it's just wrong. Many kids can only afford state tuition, but apply to privates with hope of getting aid to make it possible--and/or are just truly undecided when they apply to several universities.

I hear about students rejected from UVA, W&M, Tech, etc., that are above and far beyond admission profiles.

Again, I don't have a kid applying this year. My oldest is a Junior, but that is what neighbors and classmates with older siblings have been telling us.

^ and if they don't apply ED--they just reject them outright. Which, of course, if you are undecided and have some reaches--you likely don't want to commit to ED.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not sure if it's true, but what I keep hearing is that really exceptional students are for the first time being rejected from many state universities due to protecting yield. The colleges make the assumption the kid won't accept the offer due to being high stats. If it's true, it's just wrong. Many kids can only afford state tuition, but apply to privates with hope of getting aid to make it possible--and/or are just truly undecided when they apply to several universities.

I hear about students rejected from UVA, W&M, Tech, etc., that are above and far beyond admission profiles.

Again, I don't have a kid applying this year. My oldest is a Junior, but that is what neighbors and classmates with older siblings have been telling us.

^ and if they don't apply ED--they just reject them outright. Which, of course, if you are undecided and have some reaches--you likely don't want to commit to ED.

What makes the situation more difficult is that in-state applicants with stats well beyond the 25-75% admissions profile range ARE being accepted to these schools. This is certainly the case per Naviance for our FCPS high school. So why is one 4.6wGPA/1560 SAT student accepted by X school despite yield protection concerns but another with identical stats is rejected by the same school, especially if the CDS for the school states that demonstrated interest is not considered?

[Anonymous]

OP - I don't think you should take the deferral so hard. Have your child let the defer school know they are still interested. I'm certain things will be fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not sure if it's true, but what I keep hearing is that really exceptional students are for the first time being rejected from many state universities due to protecting yield. The colleges make the assumption the kid won't accept the offer due to being high stats. If it's true, it's just wrong. Many kids can only afford state tuition, but apply to privates with hope of getting aid to make it possible--and/or are just truly undecided when they apply to several universities.

I hear about students rejected from UVA, W&M, Tech, etc., that are above and far beyond admission profiles.

Again, I don't have a kid applying this year. My oldest is a Junior, but that is what neighbors and classmates with older siblings have been telling us.

^ and if they don't apply ED--they just reject them outright. Which, of course, if you are undecided and have some reaches--you likely don't want to commit to ED.

What makes the situation more difficult is that in-state applicants with stats well beyond the 25-75% admissions profile range ARE being accepted to these schools. This is certainly the case per Naviance for our FCPS high school. So why is one 4.6wGPA/1560 SAT student accepted by X school despite yield protection concerns but another with identical stats is rejected by the same school, especially if the CDS for the school states that demonstrated interest is not considered?

1)Because the state probably feels some responsibility to educate it's own taxpayers. Also kids who grew up locally are far more likely to stick in Colorado after graduation.

2)Is a super high stats kid from across the US REALLY going to have CU as their first choice and best option? No. Let's be honest. CU knows this. They don't want to accept OPs kid when they know the chance of him matriculating is probably less than 5%. It figures into their matriculation stats (which are a big deal for a university) plus it's just a PITA to have to find another top kid (if enough decline).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The Facts:
Son UW GPA 4.0. NEVER made below an A (even middle school). WGA 4.5 (only classes that are weighted are AP level) Top 1% class (everyone with a 4.0 gets rank of 1 so % rank based on WGPA)
9 APs total after Senior year including good mix of science (AP Physics 1,2 and C), math (Calc BC), computer science, humanities (history, government)....
1550 SAT one sitting May of junior year (balanced math/verbal score)
Attends specialized engineering courses through CC and Magnet program
Eagle Scout with lots of leadership positions and projects through the scouting program
Lots of EC focused on computer science that he does because he loves them and does totally on his own (has website blog with details of all projects that is very well written)
Community service since 9th grade (even through covid) at same organization - has many hours
Awesome LOR from computer science teacher and AP physics teacher and community leader
Coherent, funny, on topic essays

Deferred Purdue CS
Offered Exploratory Studies CU Boulder
Admitted to Pitt CS and GMU CS with honors
Admitted to VCU CS

Waiting to hear from GT, UT Austin, Wisconsin Madison, U Washington, Rice and not expecting good results based on the deferral and exploratory studies garbage can offer.

If choices end up being Pitt, GMU or VCU so be it but that seems ridiculous. She has so much potential. Pitt seems to be the winner so far

FYI your list of stats are generic for the dc area, everyone has those. If they showed something specific to STEM individual like starting their own business, tutoring STEM, building apps deployed to the google/apple store etc that would make it standout.

[Anonymous]

My daughter goes to Pitt and loves it there. Nice small city feel. Also, Pitt has a cross registration agreement with CMU to 1 class per semester.

[Anonymous]

NP. I get what everyone is saying but please stop saying a kid with:

4.0, never less than an A in 7 years
9 APs including the most rigorous sci & math
Strong ECs strongly aligning with academic interest
1550 one sitting
Eagle Scout

is a dime a dozen, HUNDREDS of THOUSANDS of kids, SO typical.

No. Not true. Not here. Not anywhere.

OP's kid will thrive because that's who he is and we can all look at this theoretically and say, oh whatever college is fine he'll be a success who cares it's such an honor to go to gmu...

It is disappointing and yes, on some level, unfair how this is all going down.

She's allowed to be upset. You are allowed to criticize her. And I am allowed to call you a clown.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You people crapping on the OP are off base IMO. Let’s be honest; this kid had top 1% GPA, top 1% SAT scores and all the rest of the package. Schools like Perdue and CU aren’t swimming in kids like this. It’s completely reasonable to be upset that someone with a resume like this isn’t being immediately accepted into the schools mentioned.

I'm sure he got yield protected at CU and probably Perdue too. CU for sure knows he will never enroll there.

Boulder has 80% acceptance rate they don’t do yield protection FFS.

And OP’s son is in that 80%. Just not for his preferred major. Which is too bad of course.

Yes---he "got into CU". Personally, I don't call general admission "getting in", but I guess that is what happens at large State schools

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:God this is brutal. My Junior got a B once (teacher checked out during covid), and won’t have as many APs…seems like she won’t get in anywhere even if she can bring her SAT up to 1550.

She will definitely get in somewhere! There are more than 2- colleges in this country. She should have reasonable list and love her safeties--like everyone else.

+1 she only "won't get in anywhere" if your definition of "anywhere" is very limited.

My DD has a uw 3.7/w 4.0 and is very happy with her five acceptances so far.

Yes---you just have to have a balanced, reasonable list. You need schools that have greater than 50% acceptance rates for YOUR DESIRED MAJOR, and your kid at 75% stats