Recommendations for schools within 3 hours of NoVa for my (below?) average kid?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DD is a junior in Northern Va with average grades (3.3 GPA) and some AP classes. Will test in the 1000-1100 range on SATs. We are looking for a school within driving distance of home, so ideally within 3 hours. Not expecting any financial aid, and not really worried about cost (though I prefer to spend under $50K year). No intended major or even a great sense of what to do, although it will be humanities/liberal arts and not science or math. Not a lot of "impressive" stuff on the resume -- some sports, some clubs, not a standout in anything. DD is an OK but not great writer, etc. Even typing this, probably not even average for this area, but would be average in most of the country.

Definitely a late bloomer. I'm not worried about her long-term. She's a grounded person who has good social skills, and high emotional IQ, but is not a great student. She's organized and conscientious, but does have some anxiety, which is why I think she will be happier not too far from home.

I'm looking for recs for places to apply. We are open on size of school, though there need to be enough majors in the humanities/liberal arts that she can find her thing. Maybe also graphic design, as she has a good eye, but never really pursued it. A lot of the colleges I've seen are 65% female or higher, and I prefer something with better gender balance. Also looking for a school where a good percentage of kids actually finish, and where kids coming out of the school go on to jobs/grad school. I also prefer a school where kids largely live on campus, and the school is good at helping freshman get integrated and find success. I prefer her not get lost, and go to a school that will really help her thrive.

All of this makes me think she may do better in the right smaller school. She's interested in a bigger school like JMU, though from what I've read here, I don't think she would get in. She would enjoy getting to cheer on sports teams, etc. I don't think Greek system would be a good fit, so ideally a school where you don't have to do that to make friends.

Also on the wish list is a place where she could have a single room as a freshman, but still live in a more communal space to make friends. Part of her management of the anxiety is control over her living environment, so not having to deal with a messy roommate would be good, but she also needs to be with the people, if that makes sense.

Thanks for any ideas!

I have a "not quite a superstar" junior. We are looking at York College (Graphic Design is a good program here), Susquehanna University and Frostburg State. Hope that helps!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DD is a junior in Northern Va with average grades (3.3 GPA) and some AP classes. Will test in the 1000-1100 range on SATs. We are looking for a school within driving distance of home, so ideally within 3 hours. Not expecting any financial aid, and not really worried about cost (though I prefer to spend under $50K year). No intended major or even a great sense of what to do, although it will be humanities/liberal arts and not science or math. Not a lot of "impressive" stuff on the resume -- some sports, some clubs, not a standout in anything. DD is an OK but not great writer, etc. Even typing this, probably not even average for this area, but would be average in most of the country.

Definitely a late bloomer. I'm not worried about her long-term. She's a grounded person who has good social skills, and high emotional IQ, but is not a great student. She's organized and conscientious, but does have some anxiety, which is why I think she will be happier not too far from home.

I'm looking for recs for places to apply. We are open on size of school, though there need to be enough majors in the humanities/liberal arts that she can find her thing. Maybe also graphic design, as she has a good eye, but never really pursued it. A lot of the colleges I've seen are 65% female or higher, and I prefer something with better gender balance. Also looking for a school where a good percentage of kids actually finish, and where kids coming out of the school go on to jobs/grad school. I also prefer a school where kids largely live on campus, and the school is good at helping freshman get integrated and find success. I prefer her not get lost, and go to a school that will really help her thrive.

All of this makes me think she may do better in the right smaller school. She's interested in a bigger school like JMU, though from what I've read here, I don't think she would get in. She would enjoy getting to cheer on sports teams, etc. I don't think Greek system would be a good fit, so ideally a school where you don't have to do that to make friends.

Also on the wish list is a place where she could have a single room as a freshman, but still live in a more communal space to make friends. Part of her management of the anxiety is control over her living environment, so not having to deal with a messy roommate would be good, but she also needs to be with the people, if that makes sense.

Thanks for any ideas!

I have a "not quite a superstar" junior. We are looking at York College (Graphic Design is a good program here), Susquehanna University and Frostburg State. Hope that helps!

I speak from experience: Investigate Susquehanna’s GO program first. They have a required, expensive study-abroad program that is not included in tuition or room & board. You have to do it (either a short one or a long one) to graduate, and also take classes before and after the trip that relate to it. You are required to live on-campus all four years unless your parents live close-by. That is great in a lot of ways. Other than that, there are a lot of great things about it I would be happy to share.

[Anonymous]

Thanks. Susquehanna looks interesting. It's $$$, but I'm willing to spend money for the right fit. I think DH would like the "GO" program, and I think DD would do it, especially since one option is Hawaii. Would love to hear more of what you like about it, especially for a kid like the one I am describing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks. Susquehanna looks interesting. It's $$$, but I'm willing to spend money for the right fit. I think DH would like the "GO" program, and I think DD would do it, especially since one option is Hawaii. Would love to hear more of what you like about it, especially for a kid like the one I am describing.

We visited Susquehanna two weeks ago. It's a small school which had great facilities. We met a few students who had internships at a place my child wants to work so it made sense to check it out. I would highly recommend a daytrip/overnight for a visit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DD is a junior in Northern Va with average grades (3.3 GPA) and some AP classes. Will test in the 1000-1100 range on SATs. We are looking for a school within driving distance of home, so ideally within 3 hours. Not expecting any financial aid, and not really worried about cost (though I prefer to spend under $50K year). No intended major or even a great sense of what to do, although it will be humanities/liberal arts and not science or math. Not a lot of "impressive" stuff on the resume -- some sports, some clubs, not a standout in anything. DD is an OK but not great writer, etc. Even typing this, probably not even average for this area, but would be average in most of the country.

Definitely a late bloomer. I'm not worried about her long-term. She's a grounded person who has good social skills, and high emotional IQ, but is not a great student. She's organized and conscientious, but does have some anxiety, which is why I think she will be happier not too far from home.

I'm looking for recs for places to apply. We are open on size of school, though there need to be enough majors in the humanities/liberal arts that she can find her thing. Maybe also graphic design, as she has a good eye, but never really pursued it. A lot of the colleges I've seen are 65% female or higher, and I prefer something with better gender balance. Also looking for a school where a good percentage of kids actually finish, and where kids coming out of the school go on to jobs/grad school. I also prefer a school where kids largely live on campus, and the school is good at helping freshman get integrated and find success. I prefer her not get lost, and go to a school that will really help her thrive.

All of this makes me think she may do better in the right smaller school. She's interested in a bigger school like JMU, though from what I've read here, I don't think she would get in. She would enjoy getting to cheer on sports teams, etc. I don't think Greek system would be a good fit, so ideally a school where you don't have to do that to make friends.

Also on the wish list is a place where she could have a single room as a freshman, but still live in a more communal space to make friends. Part of her management of the anxiety is control over her living environment, so not having to deal with a messy roommate would be good, but she also needs to be with the people, if that makes sense.

Thanks for any ideas!

I have a "not quite a superstar" junior. We are looking at York College (Graphic Design is a good program here), Susquehanna University and Frostburg State. Hope that helps!

I speak from experience: Investigate Susquehanna’s GO program first. They have a required, expensive study-abroad program that is not included in tuition or room & board. You have to do it (either a short one or a long one) to graduate, and also take classes before and after the trip that relate to it. You are required to live on-campus all four years unless your parents live close-by. That is great in a lot of ways. Other than that, there are a lot of great things about it I would be happy to share.

You have to live on campus but they also have good transportation options to help students get home from school on breaks, etc, which was important to our family. The environmental science/ecology programs are great. Not too far away from Bucknell too so we visited both in one weekend but Bucknell is very selective.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree JMU and American are both reach schools with these stats. I included JMU since she's interested and AU since it's hyperlocal. (Plus we are likely full pay, which probably helps, though I prefer to pay less.)

People have added a few more schools so I'll update my list and post again in a day or two. Lots to think about.

Loyola University Baltimore

[Anonymous]

There are a few schools beginning to offer a partnership program between local community colleges and universities where students who are on the edge can live on campus at the university but attend their classes at a community college for a year.

I'm hoping a few more of the VA state schools start offering this, but it is currently a fairly new program at Radford.
https://www.radford.edu/content/admissions/home/bridge/about.html

I have a child who is probably on that edge between CC beginning (to ease in) and being able to start at a 4 year.

Good luck to everyone!

Schools currently on our list (my daughter enjoys dance and probably will major or minor in exercise science)
-Radford
-ODU
-Mason
-VCU
-Slippery Rock (PA) - surprisingly good dance program AND currently has the reduced tuition for OOS students who enter with a 3.0

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DD is a junior in Northern Va with average grades (3.3 GPA) and some AP classes. Will test in the 1000-1100 range on SATs. We are looking for a school within driving distance of home, so ideally within 3 hours. Not expecting any financial aid, and not really worried about cost (though I prefer to spend under $50K year). No intended major or even a great sense of what to do, although it will be humanities/liberal arts and not science or math. Not a lot of "impressive" stuff on the resume -- some sports, some clubs, not a standout in anything. DD is an OK but not great writer, etc. Even typing this, probably not even average for this area, but would be average in most of the country.

Definitely a late bloomer. I'm not worried about her long-term. She's a grounded person who has good social skills, and high emotional IQ, but is not a great student. She's organized and conscientious, but does have some anxiety, which is why I think she will be happier not too far from home.

I'm looking for recs for places to apply. We are open on size of school, though there need to be enough majors in the humanities/liberal arts that she can find her thing. Maybe also graphic design, as she has a good eye, but never really pursued it. A lot of the colleges I've seen are 65% female or higher, and I prefer something with better gender balance. Also looking for a school where a good percentage of kids actually finish, and where kids coming out of the school go on to jobs/grad school. I also prefer a school where kids largely live on campus, and the school is good at helping freshman get integrated and find success. I prefer her not get lost, and go to a school that will really help her thrive.

All of this makes me think she may do better in the right smaller school. She's interested in a bigger school like JMU, though from what I've read here, I don't think she would get in. She would enjoy getting to cheer on sports teams, etc. I don't think Greek system would be a good fit, so ideally a school where you don't have to do that to make friends.

Also on the wish list is a place where she could have a single room as a freshman, but still live in a more communal space to make friends. Part of her management of the anxiety is control over her living environment, so not having to deal with a messy roommate would be good, but she also needs to be with the people, if that makes sense.

Thanks for any ideas!

I have a "not quite a superstar" junior. We are looking at York College (Graphic Design is a good program here), Susquehanna University and Frostburg State. Hope that helps!

I speak from experience: Investigate Susquehanna’s GO program first. They have a required, expensive study-abroad program that is not included in tuition or room & board. You have to do it (either a short one or a long one) to graduate, and also take classes before and after the trip that relate to it. You are required to live on-campus all four years unless your parents live close-by. That is great in a lot of ways. Other than that, there are a lot of great things about it I would be happy to share.

You have to live on campus but they also have good transportation options to help students get home from school on breaks, etc, which was important to our family. The environmental science/ecology programs are great. Not too far away from Bucknell too so we visited both in one weekend but Bucknell is very selective.

If your student is interested in ES/ecology, they should also look at Juniata College (in the same region). My DD preferred the resources at Juniata. For example, they have a field station next to campus and you have the option to spend a semester living at the field station with a small group doing classes/research together.

[Anonymous]

I went to Loyola in Baltimore and loved it there. We just visited U of Scranton and while it is more than 3 hrs away, we were impressed. Lots of new dorms and renovated buildings. We've also looked at St Joe's in Philly and it reminded me of Loyola. GL!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There are a few schools beginning to offer a partnership program between local community colleges and universities where students who are on the edge can live on campus at the university but attend their classes at a community college for a year.

I'm hoping a few more of the VA state schools start offering this, but it is currently a fairly new program at Radford.
https://www.radford.edu/content/admissions/home/bridge/about.html

I have a child who is probably on that edge between CC beginning (to ease in) and being able to start at a 4 year.

Good luck to everyone!

Schools currently on our list (my daughter enjoys dance and probably will major or minor in exercise science)
-Radford
-ODU
-Mason
-VCU
-Slippery Rock (PA) - surprisingly good dance program AND currently has the reduced tuition for OOS students who enter with a 3.0

IS RADFORD STILL THE STD CAPITAL?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I went to Loyola in Baltimore and loved it there. We just visited U of Scranton and while it is more than 3 hrs away, we were impressed. Lots of new dorms and renovated buildings. We've also looked at St Joe's in Philly and it reminded me of Loyola. GL!

DP. I grew up in Scranton (in a neighborhood adjacent to the U of S campus) and know a lot of people that went there. The city has a bad rap but I actually think it would be a great place to go to college and live in for four years. The students do a lot of community service. There are a lot of outdoor activities near by, including skiing, and there is decent public transportation. Do you know what your child intends to major in?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are a few schools beginning to offer a partnership program between local community colleges and universities where students who are on the edge can live on campus at the university but attend their classes at a community college for a year.

I'm hoping a few more of the VA state schools start offering this, but it is currently a fairly new program at Radford.
https://www.radford.edu/content/admissions/home/bridge/about.html

I have a child who is probably on that edge between CC beginning (to ease in) and being able to start at a 4 year.

Good luck to everyone!

Schools currently on our list (my daughter enjoys dance and probably will major or minor in exercise science)
-Radford
-ODU
-Mason
-VCU
-Slippery Rock (PA) - surprisingly good dance program AND currently has the reduced tuition for OOS students who enter with a 3.0

IS RADFORD STILL THE STD CAPITAL?

Please turn off caps lock.

[Anonymous]

Check out Longwood. Virginia public and their D1 basketball teams just went to NCAA tournament. Lots of school spirit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DD is a junior in Northern Va with average grades (3.3 GPA) and some AP classes. Will test in the 1000-1100 range on SATs. We are looking for a school within driving distance of home, so ideally within 3 hours. Not expecting any financial aid, and not really worried about cost (though I prefer to spend under $50K year). No intended major or even a great sense of what to do, although it will be humanities/liberal arts and not science or math. Not a lot of "impressive" stuff on the resume -- some sports, some clubs, not a standout in anything. DD is an OK but not great writer, etc. Even typing this, probably not even average for this area, but would be average in most of the country.

Definitely a late bloomer. I'm not worried about her long-term. She's a grounded person who has good social skills, and high emotional IQ, but is not a great student. She's organized and conscientious, but does have some anxiety, which is why I think she will be happier not too far from home.

I'm looking for recs for places to apply. We are open on size of school, though there need to be enough majors in the humanities/liberal arts that she can find her thing. Maybe also graphic design, as she has a good eye, but never really pursued it. A lot of the colleges I've seen are 65% female or higher, and I prefer something with better gender balance. Also looking for a school where a good percentage of kids actually finish, and where kids coming out of the school go on to jobs/grad school. I also prefer a school where kids largely live on campus, and the school is good at helping freshman get integrated and find success. I prefer her not get lost, and go to a school that will really help her thrive.

All of this makes me think she may do better in the right smaller school. She's interested in a bigger school like JMU, though from what I've read here, I don't think she would get in. She would enjoy getting to cheer on sports teams, etc. I don't think Greek system would be a good fit, so ideally a school where you don't have to do that to make friends.

Also on the wish list is a place where she could have a single room as a freshman, but still live in a more communal space to make friends. Part of her management of the anxiety is control over her living environment, so not having to deal with a messy roommate would be good, but she also needs to be with the people, if that makes sense.

Thanks for any ideas!

I have a "not quite a superstar" junior. We are looking at York College (Graphic Design is a good program here), Susquehanna University and Frostburg State. Hope that helps!

I speak from experience: Investigate Susquehanna’s GO program first. They have a required, expensive study-abroad program that is not included in tuition or room & board. You have to do it (either a short one or a long one) to graduate, and also take classes before and after the trip that relate to it. You are required to live on-campus all four years unless your parents live close-by. That is great in a lot of ways. Other than that, there are a lot of great things about it I would be happy to share.

Susquehanna offers options and aid for students who cannot afford some of the Go Programs. One of our kids went there and their roommate received assistance for her Go Short program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I went to Loyola in Baltimore and loved it there. We just visited U of Scranton and while it is more than 3 hrs away, we were impressed. Lots of new dorms and renovated buildings. We've also looked at St Joe's in Philly and it reminded me of Loyola. GL!

DP. I grew up in Scranton (in a neighborhood adjacent to the U of S campus) and know a lot of people that went there. The city has a bad rap but I actually think it would be a great place to go to college and live in for four years. The students do a lot of community service. There are a lot of outdoor activities near by, including skiing, and there is decent public transportation. Do you know what your child intends to major in?

He is interested in business.