Advice for sophomores
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Anonymous
+1 My kid did everything right and still didn’t get into reaches. Keep your grades up and don’t do anything else. Set realistic expectations. |
Anonymous
And you're our least favorite. |
Anonymous
In addition to just doing well in school, spend some time on a hobby you enjoy and do just for the pleasure of it, not to compete with anyone or to strive for recognition. |
Anonymous
And actually spend time together as a family. Family dinner! |
Anonymous
You like anti-vaxxers. Cool. |
Anonymous
+3 but I’m pretty sure it’s a dad. |
Anonymous
+4. Stop the steal. |
Anonymous
The application process senior year is long and stressful. I thought the advantage to starting early would be to actually visit the schools before applying. We got some of that in before the COVID shutdown. I’m organized, always like to be prepared and wanted to have a plan. My son thought we wanted to go to a big state school sophomore year. As he matured, his perspective changed. So plan had to change when COVID hit and we couldn’t visit the schools he became interested in. I don’t think the earlier school visits shaped his view, I just don’t think he was ready. The admitted student sessions are much better than the general tours. In summary, I wish my son had that time back to just be a high school kid. Shorten the process: Test prep junior year Think about type of school junior year Visit maybe two/three schools spring junior year to confirm type Personal statement essay rising senior summer (supplemental if available too) Visit campus once admitted and buy spirit wear |
Anonymous
+1 DS was such a different kid as a sophomore. 2nd semester Junior year was when he matured and began to really think about that fit. Before that he was just happy in ECs that interested him. This served him well as he clearly demonstrated commitment by being actively involved in community service and club leadership for all 4 years of high school. The student should definitely nail down the college list by August before senior year so he can focus on writing the essay prompts as soon as the schools publish them. Switching schools in Oct and rewriting prompts to meet 12/1 or 1/1 deadline on top of everything else a senior has to do is just very hard. |
Anonymous
We like people with a sense of humor. DP |
Anonymous
I went to a college that is one of Alabama’s most fierce rivals. I love Roll Tide Mom, because of how much she annoys people like you. |
Anonymous
| ^^ Go Dawgs!! |
Anonymous
Guess what, friends can be female. And females are not "chicks" that males "chase." Try to evolve. |
Anonymous
Raging feminist mom alert |
Anonymous
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Maybe, casually, try to make broad sweeping decisions (such as big school vs small, urban vs rural). You can do this by dropping by campuses when they are on your way somewhere else or near home.
Also, if he has an interest (be it sport, hobby, cause), try to take on a leadership role in that arena (not a fake foray into something that will look good on his application) . Generally speaking, I would discourage comparisons with friends and start discussing the concept of "fit. " Otherwise, he will likely default to ranking and that is a poor indicator of where a particular kid will thrive. |