Is your child happy with their college choice?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So, college has been in session a couple of weeks now. Did your college meet/exceed your expectations or is it not what it seemed?

My daughter choose Colby in Maine over a number of schools. She's super happy there. Kids are nice and smart; classes challenging. The new Davidson Center is already setting up an internship for her. Having a fabulous time.

Others?

Colby dropped from #12 to #18 in US News. Quite a drop.

And exactly what changed making Colby six places lower?

Quite a stupid comment, for many reasons. Rankings are subjective, for one. #12 and #18 are virtual ties out of 3,000 colleges. And, also, you are just being a jerk to a parent who is expressing some joy. Sorry you are joyless.

Colby dropped because US News adjusted its formula to reward schools who are successful in enrolling and graduating an economically diverse student body. Colby is less economically diverse than many other SLACs.

I knew that, and that was the point -- that it wasn't in fact something that changed lowering the educational quality of Colby.

I don't know why Colby is less diverse than others, and I wish it wasn't as I think economic (and racial) diversity are good things. But the suggestion that Colby is less of an excellent college this year than last is complete and utter bullcrap.

Colby is less diverse because it's located in one of the whitest states in the country and because its endowment is lower than some of its competitors, making it less able to be as generous with financial aid. I would argue that diversity is very important to education, and that 18th for Colby is a more reasonable ranking than 12th as a result. But glad the OP's daughter is happy there. Let me guess: UMC white?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd love to hear names. My next child is applying soon and I'd like to hear about what colleges worked for you and your family (or didn't).

Then probably you want info based on more than two weeks’ experience at a particular college! I get why parents of freshpeople want to compare notes (they’re nervous — or relieved), but honestly, at this point kids have minimal experience with workload, standards, resources, etc. They’re just in a new place with lots of people their own age and minimal adult supervision....

[Anonymous]

My son loves Pomona College! I knew it would be a good choice for him and it has been. At least so far!

[Anonymous]

Pomona - great weather! Great school!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DS did not get into his dream school and got wait listed from his second choice. The school he ended up attending is one I thought would be the best fit for him and strongly urged him to apply to. He did make the final decision to attend this school on his own. He absolutely LOVES it there. He was very nervous when we dropped him off and he even cried. But three weeks in, he told me he LOVES it. He admitted to me that he wasn't really excited about the school three weeks ago. But once he got there and started meeting people, and going to classes, he said he realized that this is where he belongs.

This is wonderful!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DS doesn't text us and we only get a weekly Facetime so how would we know!!

Yes, us too! Oh well. He told my DH last week he was getting food from the cafeteria and just bringing it back to his room to eat, so that was kind of depressing. I won’t name the school because it isnt a national university or SLAC so it wouldnt matter to anyone on DCUM.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So, college has been in session a couple of weeks now. Did your college meet/exceed your expectations or is it not what it seemed?

My daughter choose Colby in Maine over a number of schools. She's super happy there. Kids are nice and smart; classes challenging. The new Davidson Center is already setting up an internship for her. Having a fabulous time.

Others?

Happy that your daughter is doing well but, really don't understand the post. If I tell you my kid is hating it or loving it how does that affect you and your daughter?

Perspective maybe? Why does it have to “affect” them? It’s called human interaction. Obviously you suck at it.

OP, mine had a rocky first two weeks but I’m seeing a change. He could’ve come home for the storm and he said no.

Wow, pp! You are a peach. Must have struck some kind of nerve. I don't see how a simple question could have you analyze that I "suck at human interaction" Then again maybe you were talking about yourself?

I still don't see how my kid's liking a school has anything to do with op's kid doing well at school. Surely, we all know there are kids who are going to thrive right away, some struggle and then thrive and then some who drop out.

[Anonymous]

My DC is enjoying his start at Juniata. The inbound (small orientation) groups did the trick in terms of providing some familiar faces for the first week of school. The professors seem supportive. There is a wide variety of clubs/extra-curriculars. The classes seem to be going well. He sounds like he is managing his time responsibly and keeping in touch (which I secretly appreciate a lot!). The roommate relationship seems to be working out. Maybe best of all , he is finding it to be less stressful than high school in Montgomery County. That reinforces his choice in my mind.

[Anonymous]

It's been a roller coaster month. She transferred from community college to a state school and is getting her bearings. Just wish it wasn't 2 1/2 hours away!

[Anonymous]

Yes, more please if you all are willing to share! I am interested in the “colleges that change lives”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So, college has been in session a couple of weeks now. Did your college meet/exceed your expectations or is it not what it seemed?

My daughter choose Colby in Maine over a number of schools. She's super happy there. Kids are nice and smart; classes challenging. The new Davidson Center is already setting up an internship for her. Having a fabulous time.

Others?

Colby dropped from #12 to #18 in US News. Quite a drop.

And exactly what changed making Colby six places lower?

Quite a stupid comment, for many reasons. Rankings are subjective, for one. #12 and #18 are virtual ties out of 3,000 colleges. And, also, you are just being a jerk to a parent who is expressing some joy. Sorry you are joyless.

Colby dropped because US News adjusted its formula to reward schools who are successful in enrolling and graduating an economically diverse student body. Colby is less economically diverse than many other SLACs.

I knew that, and that was the point -- that it wasn't in fact something that changed lowering the educational quality of Colby.

I don't know why Colby is less diverse than others, and I wish it wasn't as I think economic (and racial) diversity are good things. But the suggestion that Colby is less of an excellent college this year than last is complete and utter bullcrap.

Colby is less diverse because it's located in one of the whitest states in the country and because its endowment is lower than some of its competitors, making it less able to be as generous with financial aid. I would argue that diversity is very important to education, and that 18th for Colby is a more reasonable ranking than 12th as a result. But glad the OP's daughter is happy there. Let me guess: UMC white?

Omg! You guys are ruining what could be an interesting thread! Move on!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, more please if you all are willing to share! I am interested in the “colleges that change lives”

Those are called Ivies..

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes, more please if you all are willing to share! I am interested in the “colleges that change lives”

Those are called Ivies..

NP, i actually think Ivies DONT change lives. The majority of ppl who go to Ivies are rich and connected and their successful lives stem from the fact that they are rich and connected not where they went to school or the education they received.

[Anonymous]

Agreed, with few exceptions, Ivies perpetuate the status quo.

But, let's get back to the original spirit of this thread (which was meant to help others, not snipe)

[Anonymous]

Just hope we can remember that the first few months can be full of ups and downs. It’s great if some happy, but it doesn’t mean others won’t be happy in the future.