Which T30 colleges are your kids happy at ?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our Georgetown Freshman really is loving the experience. Great classes, a fun cohort of friends and some great clubs and activities. They have not expressed any angst about food, rats or facilities at any point so far.

I have a sophomore there who struggles a bit academically, but is happy otherwise. Likes friends, activiites. Parties too much. Hates the food and has never once mentioned rats.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our Georgetown Freshman really is loving the experience. Great classes, a fun cohort of friends and some great clubs and activities. They have not expressed any angst about food, rats or facilities at any point so far.

I have a sophomore there who struggles a bit academically, but is happy otherwise. Likes friends, activiites. Parties too much. Hates the food and has never once mentioned rats.

+1

Some people feel they have to punch up, and actually think it serves them well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:I'll play. My kid and his tight friend group:

Yale - happy
Brown - mixed bag.
Swarthmore - mixed bag but happier than Brown guy.
Vanderbilt - mostly not happy
Georgetown - decidedly unhappy
Deep Springs - deliriously happy

If you’re not happy at Vanderbilt or Georgetown that’s what my grammy would call a “you problem”

This is a strange comment. These schools are pretty social in a way that doesn't really appeal to everyone. I think one of my kids would love these schools and the other not so much.

Weird thing to say, and it’s my point exactly - then why even apply there of you are kid #2. These schools don’t hide their culture

Well, funny you should mention this because kid #2 DID apply there. The thing is, they don't quite have a clue and they didn't pick up on the fact that it's a place they probably won't like socially. They wouldn't listen if I said anything...and it's their choice to make. So - as noted - I can see a person ending up there and realizing - wow - this isn't my style. But I wouldn't look down on them for it...it's all part of life's lessons.

Curious what is the style vibe at Georgetown?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'll play. My kid and his tight friend group:

Yale - happy
Brown - mixed bag.
Swarthmore - mixed bag but happier than Brown guy.
Vanderbilt - mostly not happy
Georgetown - decidedly unhappy
Deep Springs - deliriously happy

If you’re not happy at Vanderbilt or Georgetown that’s what my grammy would call a “you problem”

This is a strange comment. These schools are pretty social in a way that doesn't really appeal to everyone. I think one of my kids would love these schools and the other not so much.

Weird thing to say, and it’s my point exactly - then why even apply there of you are kid #2. These schools don’t hide their culture

Well, funny you should mention this because kid #2 DID apply there. The thing is, they don't quite have a clue and they didn't pick up on the fact that it's a place they probably won't like socially. They wouldn't listen if I said anything...and it's their choice to make. So - as noted - I can see a person ending up there and realizing - wow - this isn't my style. But I wouldn't look down on them for it...it's all part of life's lessons.

Curious what is the style vibe at Georgetown?

As with any school, college is about fit for that particular student. Obviously, not all schools fit all students. You should visit yourself and go on one of their tours, and ask questions pertinent to your student, to see if the school is a right fit for you.

[Anonymous]

Dying laughing at all the pathetic NOVA strivers on here caught up on the exact rankings. No one is posting about random community colleges. We are still interested in kids' experiences even if they do not fit whatever rankings outfit's list you are carefully referencing. No one is questioning your TJ stats. RELAX.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does it have to be T30?

If my DC is super happy at #36 or #42, would you be open to that?

NP here. I would!

[Anonymous]

DD is a Junior at WashU in St Louis. Very happy there. It fits her very well.
- Ranked #15
- Good support provided to students (free group or 1 on 1 tutoring, free writing center as long as you schedule)
- Excellent faculties
- Has a deep pocket of money. their study abroad program is top notch. I mean TOP NOTCH!
- Not a party school but good social life
- Research opportunities are ample if you look for it
- Gorgeous campus.
- Award winning dorms.
- Good food. Used to be very good food but thing changed after the pandemic.
- Students are in general you may call Nice Kids and smart nerd.

Not for Sport fans though.
Not recommend to venture outside the WashU bubble at night.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oberlin. I have a senior there. She has loved it.

I’ve been hearing awful things about Oberlin lately

Me too. Won't touch it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Dying laughing at all the pathetic NOVA strivers on here caught up on the exact rankings. No one is posting about random community colleges. We are still interested in kids' experiences even if they do not fit whatever rankings outfit's list you are carefully referencing. No one is questioning your TJ stats. RELAX.

Why so bitter? And stop with the "strivers" comments. Every single parent is a striver because they want the best outcome for their child. It's elitist and judgmental to throw around such terms.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Dying laughing at all the pathetic NOVA strivers on here caught up on the exact rankings. No one is posting about random community colleges. We are still interested in kids' experiences even if they do not fit whatever rankings outfit's list you are carefully referencing. No one is questioning your TJ stats. RELAX.

Why so bitter? And stop with the "strivers" comments. Every single parent is a striver because they want the best outcome for their child. It's elitist and judgmental to throw around such terms.

It's pathetic and thirsty to police the Top 30. I am elitist in the sense that I understand that if you get hives over your kid going to #31 (whatever you perceive that to be), I judge you for being status obsessed in a way that looks sad, and not prestigious. It's like when you go on tours of nice private high schools and there are parents there asking about what SAT scores the kids get. Missing the point of education.

[Anonymous]

May I hear about striver parents who enroll their five year olds in private sports leagues and spend evenings and weekends driving their kids to practices and games. These parents spend more time in the cars driving their kids for sports and by standing on the sidelines watching their kids play than they spend teaching their kids values, morals, culture, traditions, and the world around them.

[Anonymous]

Have a kid at Stanford and they are very happy. Work very very hard but also play hard.

Another child at HYP and its a mixed bag. Grade deflation and more limited social opportunities have to compete to get in to clubs etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My dc loves Carnegie Mellon. It is not for everyone, but it is a great fit for my dc. If your kid is a nerd type and enjoys challenging STEM classes, it's an excellent place.

My non-STEM dc loves Carnegie Mellon and is involved in ECs related to the major and general ECs. Agree with it’s not for everyone. Smart and unassuming students all around. Added bonus the surroundings and the city with professional sports, museums, concerts, parks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:May I hear about striver parents who enroll their five year olds in private sports leagues and spend evenings and weekends driving their kids to practices and games. These parents spend more time in the cars driving their kids for sports and by standing on the sidelines watching their kids play than they spend teaching their kids values, morals, culture, traditions, and the world around them.

You seem bitter that kids may enjoy sports, exercise, the concept of teamwork and working within the confines of rules and regulations. All of this to accomplish the positive end goal of winning but also learning the disappointment of losing and learning from it to grow into a better person., learning from it and getting better. If you knew anything about sports and playing them you would know that it does assist in the highlighted above, especially for kids that may have a single parent household...a good coach that can be an additional mentor and change a kids life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:May I hear about striver parents who enroll their five year olds in private sports leagues and spend evenings and weekends driving their kids to practices and games. These parents spend more time in the cars driving their kids for sports and by standing on the sidelines watching their kids play than they spend teaching their kids values, morals, culture, traditions, and the world around them.

You seem bitter that kids may enjoy sports, exercise, the concept of teamwork and working within the confines of rules and regulations. All of this to accomplish the positive end goal of winning but also learning the disappointment of losing and learning from it to grow into a better person., learning from it and getting better. If you knew anything about sports and playing them you would know that it does assist in the highlighted above, especially for kids that may have a single parent household...a good coach that can be an additional mentor and change a kids life.

I played sports growing up. They aren’t all that cracked up to be as you describe! Everyone knows that. But those who are angling athletics to aid their kids in getting into top colleges wax what you just stated.