What to focus on during middle/high school for increasing admission chances for a good collage

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Pay attention to the middle school math track, which often determines what level a student can reach by the end of high school. For example, if there are placement tests, make sure he reviews beforehand so that the results are accurate.

Actually, do NOT review beforehand. If someone needs to "review" for a ES/MS math placement test, they will end up over their head.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have no idea how OP is defining “good college” but you absolutely do not need to take Algebra in 7th grade to get into an instate flagship.

Looking for institutions with good ratings and reviews for the specialization in whatever his interests are at that point. Not sure if we can afford 100k a year in todays dollars but if he gets into a prestigious institution and is interested in joining, we can look at partially funding his education using loan too. For MD, we like UMCP/BC and JHU. Don’t know much about other in-state collages yet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Be upfront to your DC about whether or not you’re willing to pay for a top private college. They will cost over $100,000/year when your child applies.

Good point. Thanks - OP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have no idea how OP is defining “good college” but you absolutely do not need to take Algebra in 7th grade to get into an instate flagship.

Looking for institutions with good ratings and reviews for the specialization in whatever his interests are at that point. Not sure if we can afford 100k a year in todays dollars but if he gets into a prestigious institution and is interested in joining, we can look at partially funding his education using loan too. For MD, we like UMCP/BC and JHU. Don’t know much about other in-state collages yet.

Be aware that your child can only take out up to $27,000 total (not per year, total, spread over 4 years) in federal student loans in his name without needing you to co-sign them. That $27K limit hasn’t increased since 2007, so it’s unlikely to change anytime soon. Those are the most favorable type of student loans to get, in terms of repayment plans & interest rates, if student loans will be necessary.

Beyond the $27k, the other loan options are risky with very high interest rates.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Please don’t get on the crazy train when your kid is only in 6th grade.

He should continue to try his best. Also pursue something outside of school he genuinely enjoys (club/hobby/sport/volunteer work).

Agree. We are totally open to whatever he develops his interests in — and this was just to learn from others. Things can change a lot in next 5-6 yrs. - OP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Be upfront to your DC about whether or not you’re willing to pay for a top private college. They will cost over $100,000/year when your child applies.

Good point. Thanks - OP

PP here. There are also what are called “net price calculators” online that you could plug your assets into to see if you’d have a chance at qualifying for need-based, Grant financial aid from such schools. Broadly speaking, they give very generous financial aid to families making under $150k/year (with exceptions). So don’t rule those schools out immediately if you believe your child might qualify for FA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, your kid is in 6th grade.

Let them be a kid.

Let them discover if they like to play music, act or paint.

Let them find out if they like to write, think, do math, solve problems.

Let them learn if they can kick or throw a ball, or climb a wall, or run fast.

Do not foist anything on them.

There is a lot of time to worry about "college"

We had a similar line of thinking when we were deciding if he should go to the Clearspring (4th grade) and Roberto (6th). I posted the question above just to learn from the community. We’ve seen mental health issues arising out of too much pressure and expectations and will never want him to suffer or feel burdened in coming years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:1. Keep your kid reading all the time.
2. You (parent): get a job at a top school. You would not believe how many marginal/underqualified faculty/staff children get admitted to T20s.

Not sure if #2 was a serious answer but we don’t have that option. Interesting to learn this though - OP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Your aims should include as follows

Top Grades in the most challenging classes of every subject

ECs - you don't need 10 ECs you need 1 or 2 that your kid is genuinely into and can focus on / consistently take part in over MS and HS

SSL - again, this doesn't have to be a hugely diverse enterprise - but if you accrue many hours, aim to have them for similar charities / organizations.

Joining school clubs or better yet - establishing a new club and running it

Appreciate practical suggestions. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Foster good mental health above all else. That’s my #1 piece of advice. It’s important to getting into a top college and also to thriving if your kid doesn’t.

I am bit confused about the last stmt but agree with overall -gist- msg. Thx

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do Debate or Fencing. Obviously, get good grades and test scores.

fencing? - OP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Encourage him to read, pay attention in math class, and explore his interests outside of class.

For you: it is not too early to get an understanding of what college costs, at least in today's dollars, and get a handle on what your budget is likely to be. If you will need financial aid, try using the Net Price Calculators for various colleges to see an estimate of financial aid for your current family financial situation. Lately, top private universities tend to have a full cost of attendance (including room and board) >80k per year.

Thx! -OP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Be upfront to your DC about whether or not you’re willing to pay for a top private college. They will cost over $100,000/year when your child applies.

Good point. Thanks - OP

PP here. There are also what are called “net price calculators” online that you could plug your assets into to see if you’d have a chance at qualifying for need-based, Grant financial aid from such schools. Broadly speaking, they give very generous financial aid to families making under $150k/year (with exceptions). So don’t rule those schools out immediately if you believe your child might qualify for FA.

Good to know. Thx. BTW, too many acronyms in DCUM…I though I knew all…DC, DS, DH, DW, DD, OP…and now I see PP

[Anonymous]

Try to support him finding things in school and out of school he loves and is passionate about. If you do that, you'll be in good shape!
Don't treat getting into a great college as an end.
If you didn't attend US schools and are on DCUM, you are probably proof you can do just fine here without a top US credential. I work in tech and am shocked how few here even know about Tsinghua or IIT.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do Debate or Fencing. Obviously, get good grades and test scores.

My high level stats kid did debate. Didn't help with T10 college admissions. But, it does depend on the major.

Needs to be policy debate no public forum or speech. Some top schools recruit for it.