Are we headed for trade school?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:SAT is low for the GPA, gives impression of grade inflation. Should go test optional

Really?!? Or maybe is just means the kid isn’t great at standardized tests.

Do some preparation. They will facing years of tests and exams in college so getting some test taking skills is very useful.

Very few colleges use standardized tests like the SAT and ACT. Not a worthwhile skill for the long term.

[Anonymous]

This is a prime example of why we moved away from our W school.

I am from an area with very low college matriculation - it just isn't important in the small town where I grew up, and the town needs lots of tradesmen. I would say about half of my graduating class went to trade school, another 30% went to community college and then transferred into a trade or a 4-year college, and only about 20% went to a 4-year college. Very few went to grad school, and of that, maybe 2-3 doctors, 2-3 lawyers, and then the rest are science-based academics.

Of my high school friends who went to trade schools, many took over family businesses - waste management, plumbing, auto mechanic, electrician - and make WAY WAY WAY more money than I do with my UMC professional job in DC.

Don't knock the trades.

[Anonymous]

Trade school is a 100% respectable and great option for a kid whose interests and talent points toward a trade. Love your kid for who they are not their SAT or GPA. Geesh.

[Anonymous]

What trade is OP's kid likely to be able to succeed in? Carpentry? Electrical? Welding? HVAC install and repair? Lineman who repairs the electrical wires after a storm? Masonry?

My guess is that fewer people are cut out for a job in the trades than are well equipped to do white collar work after 4-yr college. You actually have to be quite smart to be the person who makes sure the airplane engine is operating perfectly.