when the dream school isn't particularly well-known for kid's intended major

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
For my kids, the "dream" school is the school that has their preferred major.

Makes sense, no?

Not really because something like over 70% of college students change their major at least once in college. Mine has already changed and she just started sophomore year. SO if you are only going to school because of a major you THINK you like at age 17, you may be very disappointed. I am 100% a fan of going to the best overall option, weighing atmosphere, price, location, AND major. Not just major.

[Anonymous]

It never ceases to amaze me how convinced parents are that they know, and their kids know, what they want to major in when they are 16, 17 years old. These kids have never taken an engineering class yet somehow they are absolutely convinced that their princess/prince is going to need to go to THE top engineering school in the world. First of all, your kids desired major does not define YOU, and second of all, they will like change anyway.

My kid was pre-med, which I didn't agree with because I didn't think it was a fit for them. But they were dead set. All it took was freshman chem and they are out. How's law school sound? Its their journey, not yours.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
For my kids, the "dream" school is the school that has their preferred major.

Makes sense, no?

Well that's just sad. I think there are more to college choices than just what school is best in your preferred major. Location, traditions, culture, residential life, alumni network, are all things to consider beyond intended major, which will likely change after freshman year.

[Anonymous]

Majority of highschoolers end up with a completely different major then what they write on their application. I would rather go for an overall good college with flexibility to find which major interests you more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
For my kids, the "dream" school is the school that has their preferred major.

Makes sense, no?

Well that's just sad. I think there are more to college choices than just what school is best in your preferred major. Location, traditions, culture, residential life, alumni network, are all things to consider beyond intended major, which will likely change after freshman year.

This^. College isn't a trade school.

[Anonymous]

Yes kids change their majors frequently, but not most kids who go the engineering route.

Does she have the resume to get into a top engineering program without a hook, op? If so, I would have her explore those options to see if any of those schools can give her some of the things she likes about Vandy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes kids change their majors frequently, but not most kids who go the engineering route.

Does she have the resume to get into a top engineering program without a hook, op? If so, I would have her explore those options to see if any of those schools can give her some of the things she likes about Vandy.

40% Switch or fail out of engineering majors.

[Anonymous]

Provided she has the academic profile to get accepted, if any consideration is given to legacy applicants, have her go to Vandy.

T25 is T25 regardless of major - which can change.

[Anonymous]

Once your child passes the engineering licensing exam to become a licensed Engineer the actual college that they graduated from matters less.

[Anonymous]

Vandy would be a great option regardless of the eventual major if that is where they really want to go! The other big thing is to make sure you speak with them about it in some depth. Kids who grow up with parents who loved a school can come to embrace the family tradition but can also realize, sometimes after years of calling it a dream school, that it isn't ultimately for them and telling their parents that fact can be extremely difficult.

[Anonymous]

Unless she is URM don’t count on it. I went there and kniw alum kids who are valedictorian with perfect scores who are getting rejected

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Vandy would be a great option regardless of the eventual major if that is where they really want to go! The other big thing is to make sure you speak with them about it in some depth. Kids who grow up with parents who loved a school can come to embrace the family tradition but can also realize, sometimes after years of calling it a dream school, that it isn't ultimately for them and telling their parents that fact can be extremely difficult.

Yes I wonder if this isn’t the case. Both dh and I went to T10 schools and our oldest is a senior. She won’t be applying to either (and one has a particularly strong legacy hook). Happy for her to have her own unique experience.

[Anonymous]

Vandy is a research university with a strong school of engineering. Is it MIT or, say, Carnegie Melon? No. But if she’s happy there, the academics are strong and she won’t be limited in any way in life if she gets an engineering degree there. Signed, STEM prof.

[Anonymous]

Vandy is sooo overrated. Don't encourage your daughter to waste her future just because you want to fulfill some weird vicarious complex.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
For my kids, the "dream" school is the school that has their preferred major.

Makes sense, no?

Except the vast majority of 17 year olds don’t really have the worldly experience to know what they want to do with their adult life. That’s why a majority change majors.