Smaller East Coast college for a low-performing kid?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does he want to go to college? Those grades are pretty bad and maybe he is not academically inclined. Perhaps working part-time and going to CC part-time is a good balance. Lots of marginal students get a self-esteem boost out of the friendships and extracurriculars of high school. For those kids, those positives balance the negative academic experience. Plus, they don't really have a choice. Sounds like this kid needs a positive in his life and going to a school with lots of strangers and school may not be a good fit.

I know a lot of academically inclined kids who went off the rails following a difficult personal situation. I think a small, nurturing college would be a great way of helping him get back on track.

[Anonymous]

14:34 here.

I wanted to add something about the support aspect. In college, support can be offered but it has to be sought out. My sibling went to a school with a very broad support structure for students coping with learning disabilities. But, the students have to ask for the help and seek out the tutors and study aides. My brother never did. He needed spoon feeding. Short of that, he wasn't going to do it because it was effort. Fast forward, he left college, found out how hard it is too get a decent job without a college degree and finished up at a local school that offered zero support. So, if the kid you are thinking about will avail himself of the support, great. If he needs spoon feeding and handholding, that is not going to end well--especially with the social temptations of being away at school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does he want to go to college? Those grades are pretty bad and maybe he is not academically inclined. Perhaps working part-time and going to CC part-time is a good balance. Lots of marginal students get a self-esteem boost out of the friendships and extracurriculars of high school. For those kids, those positives balance the negative academic experience. Plus, they don't really have a choice. Sounds like this kid needs a positive in his life and going to a school with lots of strangers and school may not be a good fit.

I know a lot of academically inclined kids who went off the rails following a difficult personal situation. I think a small, nurturing college would be a great way of helping him get back on track.

You miss my point. I think his grades were marginal before the event. After the event, the grades described are not college worthy. Maybe he was never college bound. I know that is super unpopular to say in this area but there it is.

[Anonymous]

How about doing a gap year program?

I have a friend who did one about 20 years ago - very uncommon at the time. The program should be very structured - not just hanging out - but it may offer an opportunity for him to rflect and figure out things.

On the other hand ..... if he is making progress academically you may not want to take a break from that.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Maybe Susquehanna in PA or Hiram in Ohio.

[Anonymous]

Try the University of Hartford.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does he want to go to college? Those grades are pretty bad and maybe he is not academically inclined. Perhaps working part-time and going to CC part-time is a good balance. Lots of marginal students get a self-esteem boost out of the friendships and extracurriculars of high school. For those kids, those positives balance the negative academic experience. Plus, they don't really have a choice. Sounds like this kid needs a positive in his life and going to a school with lots of strangers and school may not be a good fit.

I know a lot of academically inclined kids who went off the rails following a difficult personal situation. I think a small, nurturing college would be a great way of helping him get back on track.

You miss my point. I think his grades were marginal before the event. After the event, the grades described are not college worthy. Maybe he was never college bound. I know that is super unpopular to say in this area but there it is.

+1. College is not (and should not be) for everyone.
Its just 4 more years of misery for the kid.
I thought the trade school idea sounded good; there is really good money in the trades.