College recommendations for socially anxious kid

[Anonymous]

Look into CNU, UMW, and W&M. All are smaller than most universities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DS who sounds like your son is enjoying George Mason. He lives on campus and spends most of his time there, but is close enough to come home for a good meal or get an overnight away from the dorm.

GMU is bigger than say WM or UMW, but maybe with the right housing setup or as a commuter it could work.

[Anonymous]

Mary Washington!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DS who sounds like your son is enjoying George Mason. He lives on campus and spends most of his time there, but is close enough to come home for a good meal or get an overnight away from the dorm.

GMU is bigger than say WM or UMW, but maybe with the right housing setup or as a commuter it could work.

Bigger doesn’t necessarily mean worse in terms of support for students with social difficulties. My son likes that GMU is big and has more opportunities to find other people like him and activities that interest him. In a small school, choices can be limited

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My very high stats child is searching for schools that will fit their personality -- quiet, introverted, not social, not into big sports or frat life but also not into the arts, theater or music. Cost is a relative issue so in state is better. VA. Looking for small class sizes and quiet campus life. Does such a school exist?

Community College or near by College so your high stats child can commute back home and hide.

This is such an ignorant comment. A “very high stats” kid isn’t going to community college. How does the social anxiety manifest? That might help those of us who understand social anxiety make reasonable suggestions.

This is hardly an ignorant comment. There are smart kids that end up at community college for one reason or another.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My very high stats child is searching for schools that will fit their personality -- quiet, introverted, not social, not into big sports or frat life but also not into the arts, theater or music. Cost is a relative issue so in state is better. VA. Looking for small class sizes and quiet campus life. Does such a school exist?

W&M?

We will need to visit but our impression was W&M leaned towards being bro-y.

My son is bro-y and he hated the vibe of W&M. I think it would be a great fit for a kid like your son.

[Anonymous]

I personally know socially anxious kids who have thrived at Michigan, UVA, Longwood, Duke, William and Mary. I also know many who have struggled at those schools. The common thread for those who have thrived is they have gotten therapy for their anxiety and learned coping skills . Start now.

[Anonymous]

My socially anxious DS is happy at UMD. He chose large school on purpose since there is actually less social pressure and you can be anonymous, if you want to. Also, lots of off-campus housing options (very nice I must say) with more space and privacy without jeopardizing social life. He is living with 3 other students in the apartment, where everyone has a private room and a bathroom with shared kitchen/living room. Perfect arrangement for an introvert.

I would definitely look into schools with good off campus options. Living in the dorms can be a nightmare for someone with social anxiety. They should be able to move out at least in upper grades.

[Anonymous]

Another vote for Mary Washington. Apply for the honors college. They are small. Sports are not big there and they offer merit scholarships.

My daughter sounds like your kid. Her first choice is Vassar, which is pricey and her second choice is Mary Washington. We visited William and Mary and she did not like the vibe - plus it's a D1 school so sports are a thing (though it's not like a big football school)

Other schools to consider
Denison
College of Wooster (gives alot of aid)
Bryn Mawr
Swarthmore (although could be pricey depending on how much aide you ger)