GP & GZA pros and cons.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Last day to choose and we still undecided ......

That is stressful.

We had to chose between SJC and GZ. We went with GZ. As for your choice, what does DS want to do? Is the commute an issue at either school? I am assuming tuition is not an issue if you are considering GP, but you would save a lot going to GZ. The sense I get after visiting both schools is that GZ has a lot of soul. Something about being in the city in an older building has appeal to me that I never thought I would like. The kids will be exposed to things that they would never see at this young age and they will grow into men, men for others. I also see that they are doing a major construction project that will be done by the time school starts. Finally, I saw this heartwarming promo video the other day for GZ fundraising. https://vimeo.com/85736574

I know my son has not started yet, but already, I am already feeling like part of the Gonzaga family.

God is not Purple!

[Anonymous]

Good luck but I agree with 8:45. I find it offensive that any school claims that God is their school color. And the arrogance and superiority starts with the parents and ends with their kids. If your kid is an athlete, they will do well. If not, they are on their own.

[Anonymous]

OP- are you a member at Columbia? If so Gonzaga will be great. If not go to Prep

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Good luck but I agree with 8:45. I find it offensive that any school claims that God is their school color. And the arrogance and superiority starts with the parents and ends with their kids. If your kid is an athlete, they will do well. If not, they are on their own.

PP is a jealous hateful poster.

My kid is not athletic at all and has found his people at GZ. Everyone looks out for one another.

[Anonymous]

You haven't said what your son thinks... What does he like or not like about each?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You haven't said what your son thinks... What does he like or not like about each?

Money is not an issue for us and we want our son to be happy and enjoy school life.
My son likes GZ and we were very clear to him that he will have to choose the school.
Having said that we are worried about the commute time. (Aprox 1:15hs), the amount of students and different backgrounds and academic performance.
GP does not offer the curses that he loves and he find the kids a little bold compare to GZ kids but he loves everything else about the school.
So here is the dilemma

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You haven't said what your son thinks... What does he like or not like about each?

Money is not an issue for us and we want our son to be happy and enjoy school life.
My son likes GZ and we were very clear to him that he will have to choose the school.
Having said that we are worried about the commute time. (Aprox 1:15hs), the amount of students and different backgrounds and academic performance.
GP does not offer the curses that he loves and he find the kids a little bold compare to GZ kids but he loves everything else about the school.
So here is the dilemma

Kinda sounds like he has decided. I'm curious what courses GZ offers that GP doesn't.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You haven't said what your son thinks... What does he like or not like about each?

Money is not an issue for us and we want our son to be happy and enjoy school life.
My son likes GZ and we were very clear to him that he will have to choose the school.
Having said that we are worried about the commute time. (Aprox 1:15hs), the amount of students and different backgrounds and academic performance.
GP does not offer the curses that he loves and he find the kids a little bold compare to GZ kids but he loves everything else about the school.
So here is the dilemma

The commute is the biggest complaint among the students that my son interviewed before making his decision. Despite that complaint, all the boys just LOVE everything about GZ. Most of them were not athletes...they got involved in the theater (they have a wonderful theater program) and other non-cut sports like crew and rugby. My son's biggest concern was fitting in, and he felt much more comfortable and welcome at GZ vs. GP during his shadow visits. Also, the dress code is more relaxed at GZ, which your son may like.

I took the metro over to GZ to see what it would be like. It was very easy. Also, we have already nailed down a carpool. AND, you can't duplicate the independence your son will experience.

I agree that academically, both schools are wonderful. It is the other nuances that you must consider when making your decision. If you can get over the commute issue, and that is what your son wants, then I think you should go for GZ.

[Anonymous]

Tell him to write down pros and cons of each and after he has done that ask him what his gut says. Either option is wonderful. And for pete's sake don't forget to tell us which one he chose!!

[Anonymous]

We have a son applying next year who is a great fit for GP athletic program, is a good student (not A+), but works at it. We have heard from several families with similar profiles that the workload gets extremely heavy sophomore year and impacted the experience greatly. They attributed it a bit to the lack of a president for a few years. I've seen this happen at other schools with our other kids and when strong leadership gets in place, it corrects to the right balance. Any thoughts from those with recent experience?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You haven't said what your son thinks... What does he like or not like about each?

Money is not an issue for us and we want our son to be happy and enjoy school life.
My son likes GZ and we were very clear to him that he will have to choose the school.
Having said that we are worried about the commute time. (Aprox 1:15hs), the amount of students and different backgrounds and academic performance.
GP does not offer the curses that he loves and he find the kids a little bold compare to GZ kids but he loves everything else about the school.
So here is the dilemma

Go GZ, I have yet to meet a kid that hasn't enjoyed his time there....... Even my old guys soccer team members still rave about that place 30 years after leaving.

Signed SJC parent....

[Anonymous]

Dear 9:26 I am that poster, and not hateful or jealous. DS got into GZ, with scholarship but we chose another, and I have many friends whose kids go/have gone to Big G but it is the attitude that gets me - including yours. I totally own my comments - do you own yours?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Dear 9:26 I am that poster, and not hateful or jealous. DS got into GZ, with scholarship but we chose another, and I have many friends whose kids go/have gone to Big G but it is the attitude that gets me - including yours. I totally own my comments - do you own yours?

Congrats to your son on getting a scholarship to GZ. You may not be jealous or hateful, but you sure do sound angry for some reason!! GZ is fortunate that you chose another school!!

[Anonymous]

Dying to know...what did he pick?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For a tuition that's half the cost of GP's. it's hard to turn down GZ. The biggest drawback to GZ is the commute, but many like the experience of going deep into the city. There is a comraderie that it builds and an exposure to the grittiness of the urban campus that is unique.

This is hilarious to me...It's near the Capitol and Union Station--the center of the City. I guess that is "deep" if you live in the burbs. Truly funny.