college for average students

[Anonymous]

Often on DCUM I see comments suggesting that average high school students, by which I mean those with 2.8-3.4 GPA's and average or below average SAT/ACT scores, shouldn't be attending a four year college. Sometimes it's argued these kids would be better off learning a trade, or that they should go to a 2-year community college with the possibility of later transfer to a 4 year institution if they do well. I want to offer another perspective.

We have a nephew who struggled in high school. He had a learning disability, and as a result just didn't develop the academic skills needed to be successful in high school. I think his GPA when applying to colleges was something like 3.0 unweighted, and his ACT was around 26. Despite these challenges he managed to get into a small liberal arts college in the midwest. This Spring he graduated college with a 3.6 GPA and a job in marketing with a large NYC firm. The college environment, especially the small classes and freedom to develop his own interests, gave him so many opportunities to grow socially and academically. He is almost unrecognizable as the shy, insecure 18 year old he was at his high school.

My point is that kids don't all mature at the same rate. This kid was a late bloomer, and there are so many like him. College is for this type of student as well as for the high school high achievers. I'm thankful his parents encouraged him instead of writing him off.

[Anonymous]

could you name the college?

[Anonymous]

OP, you need to understand that most posters on here are full of shit and your nephew is far more typical than the imaginary students described here.

[Anonymous]

Amen 17:21. I laugh out loud when I see posts that say a kid without 37 APs, a 4.3 and perfect SATs can ever get into a "decent" school. Of course, their idea of a decent school is UVA or Ivy. They would probably rather their kid enlisted than go to a "small liberal arts college in the Midwest." And they will now ask you what minority status or family connection got him a job in NYC. They simply don't believe in merit.

[Anonymous]

OP, I'm glad too!!!

Average students should absolutely go to college, especially if they have the desire to. Love this story and hope more parents of average students encourage them to get 4 year degree and live away from him. There is a school for everyone.

[Anonymous]

I agree with you, but:

Please note there is a difference between an intelligent youngster with untreated ADHD or other disorder, who when treated can go on to great things; and a student of average or slightly below average intelligence who will never shine one way or another, but who can still be a valuable member of a team.

I think both should try going to college, actually. I just want to point out that there IS a difference in potential down the line.

Of course, I'm biased - on of my children is gifted and learning disabled. Once he was treated for his severe ADHD, he went from failing in class to getting top grades.

[Anonymous]

I have a smart kid with a 3.5 GPA. In my book that's a very good GPA, all As and Bs. Don't listen to DCUMers who call that average.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a smart kid with a 3.5 GPA. In my book that's a very good GPA, all As and Bs. Don't listen to DCUMers who call that average.

+1000

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, you need to understand that most posters on here are full of shit and your nephew is far more typical than the imaginary students described here.

+1000
A GPA of 3.0 and ACT of 26 is perfectly respectable and NORMAL. OP, what planet do you live on?

[Anonymous]

What was his tuition at that small (presumably private) liberal arts college? With enough money, the worst student can go to college. I am thrilled your nephew did well and that the school was a good fit. I was also an average student who blossomed in college. However, most people don't have the $100k to send their average kid to a school like that. Just because a kid is accepted, doesn't mean he should go there. Even if it's a great school it's a mistake to go into that much debt or allow your kid to go into deep debt to attend the expensive private school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a smart kid with a 3.5 GPA. In my book that's a very good GPA, all As and Bs. Don't listen to DCUMers who call that average.

That was a very good GPA. In 1994.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a smart kid with a 3.5 GPA. In my book that's a very good GPA, all As and Bs. Don't listen to DCUMers who call that average.

That was a very good GPA. In 1994.

Yes, back when it was actually earned by the kid and not inflated through pressure on the school and lowered standards.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a smart kid with a 3.5 GPA. In my book that's a very good GPA, all As and Bs. Don't listen to DCUMers who call that average.

You need to get an updated book!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Often on DCUM I see comments suggesting that average high school students, by which I mean those with 2.8-3.4 GPA's and average or below average SAT/ACT scores, shouldn't be attending a four year college. Sometimes it's argued these kids would be better off learning a trade, or that they should go to a 2-year community college with the possibility of later transfer to a 4 year institution if they do well. I want to offer another perspective.

We have a nephew who struggled in high school. He had a learning disability, and as a result just didn't develop the academic skills needed to be successful in high school. I think his GPA when applying to colleges was something like 3.0 unweighted, and his ACT was around 26. Despite these challenges he managed to get into a small liberal arts college in the midwest. This Spring he graduated college with a 3.6 GPA and a job in marketing with a large NYC firm. The college environment, especially the small classes and freedom to develop his own interests, gave him so many opportunities to grow socially and academically. He is almost unrecognizable as the shy, insecure 18 year old he was at his high school.

My point is that kids don't all mature at the same rate. This kid was a late bloomer, and there are so many like him. College is for this type of student as well as for the high school high achievers. I'm thankful his parents encouraged him instead of writing him off.

Thank you OP! My kid struggled in HS, is a terrible standardized test taker, and we are hoping college is a better fit.

[Anonymous]

A 3.4 is an average GPA. Grade inflation is real.