If you have a top student who chose GMU, how did you get over the comments/looks?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:GMU is a fine school. Their basketball team made the final four recently. The law school has made a huge jump in rankings.

If 17 years ago is “recently” then ok. I chimed in earlier to support OP but the weird “up and coming hidden gem” stuff is silly. Just let the school be what it is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, Your DS is like Kirk Cousins at GMU while kids that attend Ivies are like RGIII. RGIII won the Heisman, drafted by the Commanders as the 2nd overall in the 2012 draft while Cousins was drafted by the Commanders in the same draft but in the 4th round. Guess what, RGIII is no longer in the NFL while Cousins played two years for the Commanders under the franchise tag, 20M+ per year. After that, Cousins signed a 84M with the Vikings after he left the Commanders. I think he just signed a one year contract with the Vikings for 35M. In terms of earnings, Cousins probably makes ten times more than RGIII. Twenty years prior to that, the Commanders drafted Heath Shuler in the 3rd overall and Gus Frerotte in the 6th round. Gus ended up becoming the starter and made more money than Shuler. The former Commanders QB Carson Wentz went to a no name school and got drafted as the 2nd overall pick in the NFL by the Eagles and they gave him a 120M+ contract.

Your kid will do well at GMU. Big name schools are overrated. You should not give a F___ what people think.

Your analogy doesn't make a heck of a lot of sense. Maybe Ben Roethlisberger who went to Miami, Ohio and is a hall of fame quarterback is a better example? Neither Cousins nor Wentz will be remembered either...Wentz has already flamed out...while Jalen Hurts from Alabama and Oklahoma (Ivies of NCAA football?) just signed one of the richest deals in history after knocking Wentz out of the starting position.

Except that Miami University is also the Cradle of Coaches and has graduated plenty of other famous people, including a United States President, several senators, a Speaker of the House (and VP candidate), several famous writers (PJ O’Rourke, Rita Dove). Biden’s top adviser is a Miami grad (Western College Program).

[Anonymous]

Thank you everyone! The kind words have been helpful to my son and me. I showed him this thread. He didn't love that I asked the question, but he appreciated the responses. To answer some questions that were posed to me:

Someone asked what type of therapy he receives: He started seeing a therapist when he was first diagnosed in 7th grade. We started with CBT but as he has aged it is now more supportive Psychotherapy.

Someone asked if he is second guessing his choice: He is not. The decision is made. Money has been paid. He is happy with his choice. He just felt a certain way about reactions to his choice and wasn't sure how to handle them. I know many suggested he ignore it, and everyone is correct. However, if you know someone with ADHD you know they tend to accentuate the negative.

Someone asked if I was the one with the problem and not DS: I am thrilled he chose GMU. Likely for selfish reasons. I spent years worrying if this kid could truly live far from home. Time has shown me he absolutely can and I would have supported him if he made that choice. But I am glad he chose to be near, just in case. And I was serious when I said he can choose to see us daily or never. This is his time to spread his wings, and we will not infringe on his space just because he is nearby. He will control how often he sees us. I do hope for a weekly or biweekly phone call but maybe that's asking a lot. That said, the comments do affect me. I'd be lying if I said they did not. I know better but it still hurts. So yes, part of the question was to help me get over it too.

I think I answered all the questions that were asked. I REALLY appreciate this thread. People were kind and helpful. Special thanks to the poster who wrote about their experience with GMU accommodations. I hope people continue to share positive GMU experiences in here for other families looking at it as an option for them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thank you everyone! The kind words have been helpful to my son and me. I showed him this thread. He didn't love that I asked the question, but he appreciated the responses. To answer some questions that were posed to me:

Someone asked what type of therapy he receives: He started seeing a therapist when he was first diagnosed in 7th grade. We started with CBT but as he has aged it is now more supportive Psychotherapy.

Someone asked if he is second guessing his choice: He is not. The decision is made. Money has been paid. He is happy with his choice. He just felt a certain way about reactions to his choice and wasn't sure how to handle them. I know many suggested he ignore it, and everyone is correct. However, if you know someone with ADHD you know they tend to accentuate the negative.

Someone asked if I was the one with the problem and not DS: I am thrilled he chose GMU. Likely for selfish reasons. I spent years worrying if this kid could truly live far from home. Time has shown me he absolutely can and I would have supported him if he made that choice. But I am glad he chose to be near, just in case. And I was serious when I said he can choose to see us daily or never. This is his time to spread his wings, and we will not infringe on his space just because he is nearby. He will control how often he sees us. I do hope for a weekly or biweekly phone call but maybe that's asking a lot. That said, the comments do affect me. I'd be lying if I said they did not. I know better but it still hurts. So yes, part of the question was to help me get over it too.

I think I answered all the questions that were asked. I REALLY appreciate this thread. People were kind and helpful. Special thanks to the poster who wrote about their experience with GMU accommodations. I hope people continue to share positive GMU experiences in here for other families looking at it as an option for them.

You should not let people bother you where your DS attends. It is their problem, not yours.

FWIW, my DS also attended GMU after graduating from one of the big 3 private schools. Many of them just rolled their eyes and didn't understand why I spent 50K/yr in tuition at the big 3 since 6th grade and had him attend GMU. I simply do not care what people think, and you should do the same.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DS is a top student. 1580 SAT. Also took ACT and scored 35. He was accepted to all the schools he applied to and he did not apply to many: GMU, Pitt, VaTech, JMU, VCU, UMD, and WPI. He wants to choose GMU Honors for (1) cost savings and (2) location. We live maybe 35 minutes away. He will live on campus. He can see us every day or never, it's up to him. He has ADHD. He likes his therapist and doesn't want to lose her, he doesn't want to worry about access to his meds, and he takes solace in us being near just in case he needs support. The problem is everyone thinks he is throwing his talent away and they look down on him for his choice. I've heard his friends tease him about it. Many chose UVA, VATech, JMU. W&M. I am proud of him for choosing what is best for him. How do I help him be comfortable and confident in his decision?

He sounds confident, clear, and a sound decision maker. Be proud. Excellent choice he made. That’s all just be proud. Don’t compare, only leads to despair. Be proud.

[Anonymous]

Congratulations. I've noticed comments/reactions from PARENTS more than kids pertaining my son's decision. I shouldn't be surprised but it's amazing how easily people will express their unfiltered opinion.

[Anonymous]

OP, you sound like a great parent with a great kid! Congratulations!

[Anonymous]

Who cares what other people think?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why is JMU there lol
GMU and JMU are at the same level.
GMU is in better location.

This makes no sense. What are you complaining about?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why is JMU there lol
GMU and JMU are at the same level.
GMU is in better location.

This makes no sense. What are you complaining about?

You get the same comments/looks when you say my kid goes to JMU

[Anonymous]

OP, as long as you aren't commenting or digging at where other kids are attending, you and your kid should have no problems.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DS is a top student. 1580 SAT. Also took ACT and scored 35. He was accepted to all the schools he applied to and he did not apply to many: GMU, Pitt, VaTech, JMU, VCU, UMD, and WPI. He wants to choose GMU Honors for (1) cost savings and (2) location. We live maybe 35 minutes away. He will live on campus. He can see us every day or never, it's up to him. He has ADHD. He likes his therapist and doesn't want to lose her, he doesn't want to worry about access to his meds, and he takes solace in us being near just in case he needs support. The problem is everyone thinks he is throwing his talent away and they look down on him for his choice. I've heard his friends tease him about it. Many chose UVA, VATech, JMU. W&M. I am proud of him for choosing what is best for him. How do I help him be comfortable and confident in his decision?

As far as keeping therapists and meds, everything can be done online.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DS is a top student. 1580 SAT. Also took ACT and scored 35. He was accepted to all the schools he applied to and he did not apply to many: GMU, Pitt, VaTech, JMU, VCU, UMD, and WPI. He wants to choose GMU Honors for (1) cost savings and (2) location. We live maybe 35 minutes away. He will live on campus. He can see us every day or never, it's up to him. He has ADHD. He likes his therapist and doesn't want to lose her, he doesn't want to worry about access to his meds, and he takes solace in us being near just in case he needs support. The problem is everyone thinks he is throwing his talent away and they look down on him for his choice. I've heard his friends tease him about it. Many chose UVA, VATech, JMU. W&M. I am proud of him for choosing what is best for him. How do I help him be comfortable and confident in his decision?

As far as keeping therapists and meds, everything can be done online.

Assuming meds are in stock

[Anonymous]

It's interesting how people have opinions concerning YOUR kid's destination. I'll generally inquire with a graduating senior or parent, but not because I genuinely care. More to make small talk. Universal response is "GREAT!".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DS is a top student. 1580 SAT. Also took ACT and scored 35. He was accepted to all the schools he applied to and he did not apply to many: GMU, Pitt, VaTech, JMU, VCU, UMD, and WPI. He wants to choose GMU Honors for (1) cost savings and (2) location. We live maybe 35 minutes away. He will live on campus. He can see us every day or never, it's up to him. He has ADHD. He likes his therapist and doesn't want to lose her, he doesn't want to worry about access to his meds, and he takes solace in us being near just in case he needs support. The problem is everyone thinks he is throwing his talent away and they look down on him for his choice. I've heard his friends tease him about it. Many chose UVA, VATech, JMU. W&M. I am proud of him for choosing what is best for him. How do I help him be comfortable and confident in his decision?

"It's a great school and a perfect fit for him. And while we are going to allow him to have as normal a college experience as possible, living in the dorms, etc., it's also great he'll be close enough for us to support him." Then if people persist, tell them to nicely piss off and keep their opinions to themselves.