Great in History, English, Journalism etc

[Anonymous]

Please tell me about college acceptances for your child who is a good student in English, AP History and AP government, but very average ( and doesn’t enjoy) math and science. A’s in regular track in those subjects. Algebra and Chemistry have been torture. Just a normal, nice kid. When I read DCUrbanmom posts, everyone has a genius kid. Stories of normal kids wanted! Is there any hope of acceptance to a relatively good school anymore ? 😃

[Anonymous]

I'd like to know too. My kid has taken after me and struggles in math. He is a wonderful writer and enjoys history. He has an interest in computers and really likes his school's cybersecurity club.

[Anonymous]

You’re not alone, OP.

My kid is still in high school, but there have been parents who have posted here about their kids who had stellar history/English records and a less than “most challenging” curriculum for stem, and still got into top colleges.

Absent some other hook, Harvard/Stanford may be out, but, particularly if it’s a boy applying to a LAC who wants to major in humanities, I think there’s a chance they’ll look harder at the grades in those areas.

[Anonymous]

Your kid will do great, but I suspect you may need to revise you idea of what is a "relatively good school". There are lots of great schools out there and you and your child will be happier if you recognize it.

[Anonymous]

My kid is at a school in the top 50 that he loves. He was a strong humanities student in high school, took regular track math and science. He was accepted at a T25 school but liked his current school better,

There are a ton of terrific schools out there - tell us what your kid wants and likes and we'll make suggestions,.

If you are worried, look at the USNWR rankings (just for ideas - not because that's super important) between rankings 30-100 and you'll see a ton of really good schools.

[Anonymous]

Boston university

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Please tell me about college acceptances for your child who is a good student in English, AP History and AP government, but very average ( and doesn’t enjoy) math and science. A’s in regular track in those subjects. Algebra and Chemistry have been torture. Just a normal, nice kid. When I read DCUrbanmom posts, everyone has a genius kid. Stories of normal kids wanted! Is there any hope of acceptance to a relatively good school anymore ? 😃

OMG, yes! There's thousands of schools out there and tons of "normal" kids getting in. Use DCUM to get the basics, I've gotten a lot of good information here on the college application process and have asked my own questions on various things and received very helpful answers (thank you, DCUM!), but don't let all the 1590 SAT scores and talk about top 25 schools worry you. Your kid will be fine.

[Anonymous]

If they are gifted in those subjects and is truly interested in Journalism, a school like Northwestern might be an option. Their journalism school takes a much more holistic look at the applicants.

[Anonymous]

If you're not looking at a degree in STEM, I would seriously consider whether or not college is a worthwhile investment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you're not looking at a degree in STEM, I would seriously consider whether or not college is a worthwhile investment.

Right, because people go straight from high school to law school, no college degree needed....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you're not looking at a degree in STEM, I would seriously consider whether or not college is a worthwhile investment.

Brain operating at a very high level here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If they are gifted in those subjects and is truly interested in Journalism, a school like Northwestern might be an option. Their journalism school takes a much more holistic look at the applicants.

Former journalist here (for 25 years). No one should major in journalism. Major in something else and learn journalism. It’s a trade, not a profession. You don’t need a degree in it (or at all, really), but you do need something to write about.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If they are gifted in those subjects and is truly interested in Journalism, a school like Northwestern might be an option. Their journalism school takes a much more holistic look at the applicants.

Former journalist here (for 25 years). No one should major in journalism. Major in something else and learn journalism. It’s a trade, not a profession. You don’t need a degree in it (or at all, really), but you do need something to write about.

Counterpoint from someone who graduated with a BA in journalism from a school known for its J-school program. A benefit of majoring in journalism from a school with an excellent reputation in that field (e.g., Northwestern, Missouri, UNC, etc.) is that the school will have numerous journalism professors whose connections and recommendations can get you that first job. Happened to me (no longer in the field, but got great internships/jobs because of my journalism professors).

Otherwise, I agree. A journalism degree isn’t appreciably more helpful in finding a job.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If they are gifted in those subjects and is truly interested in Journalism, a school like Northwestern might be an option. Their journalism school takes a much more holistic look at the applicants.

Former journalist here (for 25 years). No one should major in journalism. Major in something else and learn journalism. It’s a trade, not a profession. You don’t need a degree in it (or at all, really), but you do need something to write about.

Current journalist here. Yes, it's a trade, but the rules are changing (as is the industry — and the industry has been changing for a while, as I'm positive you're aware). If you're gunning for a newsroom or writing job, then by all means, study something else. But media organizations these days are also looking for multimedia, coding, video, social media skills et al. You will have a more difficult time landing a job as a digital producer or photo editor if you study, say, History.

This conversation is less relevant for Medill, where the biggest sell is access to coveted internships and networking opportunities. Also, it looks like the majority of Medill students double major or minor in something else.

DD is at BU studying journalism and we spent quite some time looking into journalism schools. I tried talking her out of the field, but alas!

[Anonymous]

I cannot imagine getting a degree to write listicles for Buzzfeed.