Majors for boy who might not crack 700 on SAT math

[Anonymous]

Sometimes I want to (metaphorically speaking, of course) strangle DCUM posters on the college board. This thread is an excellent example.

OP's kid has a 1380 on the SAT, meaning he's obviously very bright. But isn't that strong at upper level math and based on his interests he's not all that academic.

In other words, he's a lot like the overwhelming majority of boys his age, just brighter than most. Of course he should be going to college.

But he shouldn't be going to a LAC, that's clearly not his thing (far too academic), and he shouldn't be going to or even applying to the striver and high pressure schools like Vandy, Emory, WashU or the other ridiculous ideas that posters are coming up with. He should be going to a large or mid-sized state university or chasing merit aid at a solid mid sized private that offers a variety of preprofessional programs and taking introductory classes and figuring it all out. I'd suggest looking hard at Jesuit universities. They are tailored made for a kid like him.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My ds who couldn't crack 700 on math is an Econ Major at a T30.

TO?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sometimes I want to (metaphorically speaking, of course) strangle DCUM posters on the college board. This thread is an excellent example.

OP's kid has a 1380 on the SAT, meaning he's obviously very bright. But isn't that strong at upper level math and based on his interests he's not all that academic.

In other words, he's a lot like the overwhelming majority of boys his age, just brighter than most. Of course he should be going to college.

But he shouldn't be going to a LAC, that's clearly not his thing (far too academic), and he shouldn't be going to or even applying to the striver and high pressure schools like Vandy, Emory, WashU or the other ridiculous ideas that posters are coming up with. He should be going to a large or mid-sized state university or chasing merit aid at a solid mid sized private that offers a variety of preprofessional programs and taking introductory classes and figuring it all out. I'd suggest looking hard at Jesuit universities. They are tailored made for a kid like him.

Interesting perspective but at LACs you generally learn critical thinking skills and the major is really secondary. And many of them
are not overly academic (I went to one where it was at most 50% studying and at least 50% socializing). Going to a state school you run the risk of working to get some degree that’s very specialized and then changing majors and then not graduating on time. If you know you want to be an architect at 17, go for it. If unsure, just get some thinking skills and go from there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sometimes I want to (metaphorically speaking, of course) strangle DCUM posters on the college board. This thread is an excellent example.

OP's kid has a 1380 on the SAT, meaning he's obviously very bright. But isn't that strong at upper level math and based on his interests he's not all that academic.

In other words, he's a lot like the overwhelming majority of boys his age, just brighter than most. Of course he should be going to college.

But he shouldn't be going to a LAC, that's clearly not his thing (far too academic), and he shouldn't be going to or even applying to the striver and high pressure schools like Vandy, Emory, WashU or the other ridiculous ideas that posters are coming up with. He should be going to a large or mid-sized state university or chasing merit aid at a solid mid sized private that offers a variety of preprofessional programs and taking introductory classes and figuring it all out. I'd suggest looking hard at Jesuit universities. They are tailored made for a kid like him.

Interesting perspective but at LACs you generally learn critical thinking skills and the major is really secondary. And many of them
are not overly academic (I went to one where it was at most 50% studying and at least 50% socializing). Going to a state school you run the risk of working to get some degree that’s very specialized and then changing majors and then not graduating on time. If you know you want to be an architect at 17, go for it. If unsure, just get some thinking skills and go from there.

Agree with you. Esp since OP said she's saved a lot and is likely 100% full pay.
State school (to me) is the last case option for a kid who doesn't know what they want - large classes, lack of customization and advisors. Just a piss poor experience for undecided majors. Best for kids who know EXACTLY what they want.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sometimes I want to (metaphorically speaking, of course) strangle DCUM posters on the college board. This thread is an excellent example.

OP's kid has a 1380 on the SAT, meaning he's obviously very bright. But isn't that strong at upper level math and based on his interests he's not all that academic.

In other words, he's a lot like the overwhelming majority of boys his age, just brighter than most. Of course he should be going to college.

But he shouldn't be going to a LAC, that's clearly not his thing (far too academic), and he shouldn't be going to or even applying to the striver and high pressure schools like Vandy, Emory, WashU or the other ridiculous ideas that posters are coming up with. He should be going to a large or mid-sized state university or chasing merit aid at a solid mid sized private that offers a variety of preprofessional programs and taking introductory classes and figuring it all out. I'd suggest looking hard at Jesuit universities. They are tailored made for a kid like him.

See, I think you are REALLY REALLY WRONG HERE.
A giant state flagship is the worst option for a kid like this. Undecided, perhaps a bit lost. This kid needs guidance. Great advisors. High-touch professors. Easy opportunities to try lots of different things. A SLAC might be just the thing. Or a small private school like a Wake Forest.

Its posts like yours that make me want to strangle DCUM users who think they know everything but really know very little.

[Anonymous]

It just takes one great professor to enlighten a kid and help them find a passion. Easier to find that at a school with a low student teacher ratio. It’s a large financial investment, but if you value education it’s potentially worth it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sometimes I want to (metaphorically speaking, of course) strangle DCUM posters on the college board. This thread is an excellent example.

OP's kid has a 1380 on the SAT, meaning he's obviously very bright. But isn't that strong at upper level math and based on his interests he's not all that academic.

In other words, he's a lot like the overwhelming majority of boys his age, just brighter than most. Of course he should be going to college.

But he shouldn't be going to a LAC, that's clearly not his thing (far too academic), and he shouldn't be going to or even applying to the striver and high pressure schools like Vandy, Emory, WashU or the other ridiculous ideas that posters are coming up with. He should be going to a large or mid-sized state university or chasing merit aid at a solid mid sized private that offers a variety of preprofessional programs and taking introductory classes and figuring it all out. I'd suggest looking hard at Jesuit universities. They are tailored made for a kid like him.

Interesting perspective but at LACs you generally learn critical thinking skills and the major is really secondary. And many of them
are not overly academic (I went to one where it was at most 50% studying and at least 50% socializing). Going to a state school you run the risk of working to get some degree that’s very specialized and then changing majors and then not graduating on time. If you know you want to be an architect at 17, go for it. If unsure, just get some thinking skills and go from there.

Agree with you. Esp since OP said she's saved a lot and is likely 100% full pay.
State school (to me) is the last case option for a kid who doesn't know what they want - large classes, lack of customization and advisors. Just a piss poor experience for undecided majors. Best for kids who know EXACTLY what they want.

OMG you people are just relentless.

Only a tiny percentage of American college students attend private liberal arts colleges. The large majority go elsewhere, and guess what? Many of them don't know what they want to major in or do afterwards but they land on their feet. Nothing in this kid's profile suggests in any way that he needs to have his hand held by a private liberal arts college. He doesn't need to learn "critical thinking skills" anymore than any other kid, and even if he did he can learn them anywhere. He's just not the kind of nerdy kid who belongs in an LAC.

There are many, many schools that fall between Big State U and Suffocating LAC. He belongs in one of them.

By the way, I've had kids attend all three types.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sometimes I want to (metaphorically speaking, of course) strangle DCUM posters on the college board. This thread is an excellent example.

OP's kid has a 1380 on the SAT, meaning he's obviously very bright. But isn't that strong at upper level math and based on his interests he's not all that academic.

In other words, he's a lot like the overwhelming majority of boys his age, just brighter than most. Of course he should be going to college.

But he shouldn't be going to a LAC, that's clearly not his thing (far too academic), and he shouldn't be going to or even applying to the striver and high pressure schools like Vandy, Emory, WashU or the other ridiculous ideas that posters are coming up with. He should be going to a large or mid-sized state university or chasing merit aid at a solid mid sized private that offers a variety of preprofessional programs and taking introductory classes and figuring it all out. I'd suggest looking hard at Jesuit universities. They are tailored made for a kid like him.

See, I think you are REALLY REALLY WRONG HERE.
A giant state flagship is the worst option for a kid like this. Undecided, perhaps a bit lost. This kid needs guidance. Great advisors. High-touch professors. Easy opportunities to try lots of different things. A SLAC might be just the thing. Or a small private school like a Wake Forest.

Its posts like yours that make me want to strangle DCUM users who think they know everything but really know very little.

Way to cherry pick what I said.

I said large or mid sized state school or chase merit at a mid sized private. I never said "giant state flagship." It's only on DCUM where every high school senior knows exactly what they want to study in college or what they want to do afterwards, and that's only because mommy and daddy have already decided for them. The idea that if you don't have your career carefully plotted out by senior year means you're doomed to failure and dropping out unless you go to a private liberal arts college with a bunch of pampered kids with helicopter parents is just so ridiculous.

This is a public high school kid who has done well. He's grounded and rounded. He's achieving. He's testing well. He's FINE. He doesn't need and wouldn't even benefit from a liberal arts college. He's better off at a school with a wider variety of practical and professional offerings.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It just takes one great professor to enlighten a kid and help them find a passion. Easier to find that at a school with a low student teacher ratio. It’s a large financial investment, but if you value education it’s potentially worth it.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It just takes one great professor to enlighten a kid and help them find a passion. Easier to find that at a school with a low student teacher ratio. It’s a large financial investment, but if you value education it’s potentially worth it.

The large majority of students don't need or want that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sometimes I want to (metaphorically speaking, of course) strangle DCUM posters on the college board. This thread is an excellent example.

OP's kid has a 1380 on the SAT, meaning he's obviously very bright. But isn't that strong at upper level math and based on his interests he's not all that academic.

In other words, he's a lot like the overwhelming majority of boys his age, just brighter than most. Of course he should be going to college.

But he shouldn't be going to a LAC, that's clearly not his thing (far too academic), and he shouldn't be going to or even applying to the striver and high pressure schools like Vandy, Emory, WashU or the other ridiculous ideas that posters are coming up with. He should be going to a large or mid-sized state university or chasing merit aid at a solid mid sized private that offers a variety of preprofessional programs and taking introductory classes and figuring it all out. I'd suggest looking hard at Jesuit universities. They are tailored made for a kid like him.

See, I think you are REALLY REALLY WRONG HERE.
A giant state flagship is the worst option for a kid like this. Undecided, perhaps a bit lost. This kid needs guidance. Great advisors. High-touch professors. Easy opportunities to try lots of different things. A SLAC might be just the thing. Or a small private school like a Wake Forest.

Its posts like yours that make me want to strangle DCUM users who think they know everything but really know very little.

Way to cherry pick what I said.

I said large or mid sized state school or chase merit at a mid sized private. I never said "giant state flagship." It's only on DCUM where every high school senior knows exactly what they want to study in college or what they want to do afterwards, and that's only because mommy and daddy have already decided for them. The idea that if you don't have your career carefully plotted out by senior year means you're doomed to failure and dropping out unless you go to a private liberal arts college with a bunch of pampered kids with helicopter parents is just so ridiculous.

This is a public high school kid who has done well. He's grounded and rounded. He's achieving. He's testing well. He's FINE. He doesn't need and wouldn't even benefit from a liberal arts college. He's better off at a school with a wider variety of practical and professional offerings.

Disagree with you. It's very old-school outdated advice imo.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sometimes I want to (metaphorically speaking, of course) strangle DCUM posters on the college board. This thread is an excellent example.

OP's kid has a 1380 on the SAT, meaning he's obviously very bright. But isn't that strong at upper level math and based on his interests he's not all that academic.

In other words, he's a lot like the overwhelming majority of boys his age, just brighter than most. Of course he should be going to college.

But he shouldn't be going to a LAC, that's clearly not his thing (far too academic), and he shouldn't be going to or even applying to the striver and high pressure schools like Vandy, Emory, WashU or the other ridiculous ideas that posters are coming up with. He should be going to a large or mid-sized state university or chasing merit aid at a solid mid sized private that offers a variety of preprofessional programs and taking introductory classes and figuring it all out. I'd suggest looking hard at Jesuit universities. They are tailored made for a kid like him.

See, I think you are REALLY REALLY WRONG HERE.
A giant state flagship is the worst option for a kid like this. Undecided, perhaps a bit lost. This kid needs guidance. Great advisors. High-touch professors. Easy opportunities to try lots of different things. A SLAC might be just the thing. Or a small private school like a Wake Forest.

Its posts like yours that make me want to strangle DCUM users who think they know everything but really know very little.

Way to cherry pick what I said.

I said large or mid sized state school or chase merit at a mid sized private. I never said "giant state flagship." It's only on DCUM where every high school senior knows exactly what they want to study in college or what they want to do afterwards, and that's only because mommy and daddy have already decided for them. The idea that if you don't have your career carefully plotted out by senior year means you're doomed to failure and dropping out unless you go to a private liberal arts college with a bunch of pampered kids with helicopter parents is just so ridiculous.

This is a public high school kid who has done well. He's grounded and rounded. He's achieving. He's testing well. He's FINE. He doesn't need and wouldn't even benefit from a liberal arts college. He's better off at a school with a wider variety of practical and professional offerings.

He should apply widely but pick a smart ED choice. This kid could have better options than a large or mid-sized state school.
Especially in the era of AI and the current funding cuts which threaten so many institutions and programs, a liberal arts degree from a well-funded SLAC could do wonders for a lot of kids, like this one.
Ultimately, it's a question of fit.
Only OP knows that.

[Anonymous]

Plenty of kids get through a STEM degree with math scores lower than 700. They have to have good study habits and a willingness to work hard. Lots of kids in engineering degrees retake math classes, as needed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sometimes I want to (metaphorically speaking, of course) strangle DCUM posters on the college board. This thread is an excellent example.

OP's kid has a 1380 on the SAT, meaning he's obviously very bright. But isn't that strong at upper level math and based on his interests he's not all that academic.

In other words, he's a lot like the overwhelming majority of boys his age, just brighter than most. Of course he should be going to college.

But he shouldn't be going to a LAC, that's clearly not his thing (far too academic), and he shouldn't be going to or even applying to the striver and high pressure schools like Vandy, Emory, WashU or the other ridiculous ideas that posters are coming up with. He should be going to a large or mid-sized state university or chasing merit aid at a solid mid sized private that offers a variety of preprofessional programs and taking introductory classes and figuring it all out. I'd suggest looking hard at Jesuit universities. They are tailored made for a kid like him.

See, I think you are REALLY REALLY WRONG HERE.
A giant state flagship is the worst option for a kid like this. Undecided, perhaps a bit lost. This kid needs guidance. Great advisors. High-touch professors. Easy opportunities to try lots of different things. A SLAC might be just the thing. Or a small private school like a Wake Forest.

Its posts like yours that make me want to strangle DCUM users who think they know everything but really know very little.

Way to cherry pick what I said.

I said large or mid sized state school or chase merit at a mid sized private. I never said "giant state flagship." It's only on DCUM where every high school senior knows exactly what they want to study in college or what they want to do afterwards, and that's only because mommy and daddy have already decided for them. The idea that if you don't have your career carefully plotted out by senior year means you're doomed to failure and dropping out unless you go to a private liberal arts college with a bunch of pampered kids with helicopter parents is just so ridiculous.

This is a public high school kid who has done well. He's grounded and rounded. He's achieving. He's testing well. He's FINE. He doesn't need and wouldn't even benefit from a liberal arts college. He's better off at a school with a wider variety of practical and professional offerings.

Hopefully when he gets his practical and professional degree in supply chain, he’s not eventually miserable doing supply chain.

[Anonymous]

I wonder if the problem is that so many parents are having kids so old that by the time the kids are ready for college the parents forget what it was like to be a high school senior or a college student -- or, hell, a young person at all.