The Goldilocks of Schools

[Anonymous]

I find all these threads amusing, complaining that a school is too big or too small. Too liberal or too conservative. Too indulgent or too impersonal. People are foolish to pay full fare and might not realize sensible ROI vs. are too cheap and sell themselves out to schools that “bribe” with merit aid. A school is too pretentious (UVA detractors) or not pretentious/prestigious enough (UM detractors).

On the one hand I couldn’t care less about the fray, but on the other hand I’m curious - what school(s) would hit the Goldilocks sweet spot for not getting trashed on DCUM and therefore might be acceptable options? I suppose I’m asking this somewhat rhetorically. However, if anyone knows of a Goldilocks school, I’d love to hear about it.

[Anonymous]

I really think it depends on the kid. But I do think there are liberal and conservative kids at most schools, partiers and non-partiers, and expensive and less expensive options.

For example, my kid goes to an out of state private but gets half scholarship. So it might get bashed on DCUM as being 80K plus (which it is) but my kid is going for 40K.

And there is a big fraternity scene but my kid isn't involved in that.

if you ask for general information about a school you might get --too expensive and too much partying - but that's not my kids' experience.

[Anonymous]

This reminds me of the name threads on the Expectant Moms forum where they are searching for the perfect DCUM name. (which is probably Katherine or James.) I wouldn't be so concerned with what people on this message board think.

I don't think there will be a "perfect school" that won't be trashed. I am overeducated... went to and taught at very selective schools... and if I post my firsthand experience of any of them, it's always trashed... by a truly ignorant yet somehow smug poster.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I find all these threads amusing, complaining that a school is too big or too small. Too liberal or too conservative. Too indulgent or too impersonal. People are foolish to pay full fare and might not realize sensible ROI vs. are too cheap and sell themselves out to schools that “bribe” with merit aid. A school is too pretentious (UVA detractors) or not pretentious/prestigious enough (UM detractors).

On the one hand I couldn’t care less about the fray, but on the other hand I’m curious - what school(s) would hit the Goldilocks sweet spot for not getting trashed on DCUM and therefore might be acceptable options? I suppose I’m asking this somewhat rhetorically. However, if anyone knows of a Goldilocks school, I’d love to hear about it.

This one is easy HYPS. The harder question is what school hits the above standard, but is also a realistic possibility for a large chuck of people

[Anonymous]

Soooo many parents on here saying you should never apply to a private university because it'll automatically be exorbitantly more expensive than UVA, without realizing that many of these schools offer very hefty financial aid.

[Anonymous]

^^Exactly. DD is wanting to go to a school that is a good fit for her. But also there is the view that she should “aim higher.” After reading through these threads for the past few weeks, I think DD was right all along. Consider other inputs, but at the end of the day go with what’s right for you and don’t put too much stock in what other people think about your reasonable decision.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Soooo many parents on here saying you should never apply to a private university because it'll automatically be exorbitantly more expensive than UVA, without realizing that many of these schools offer very hefty financial aid.

We ran the NPC for each prospective school and were dismayed that being from a two income family and a kid with very good but not spectacular stats, means full freight just about everywhere for us. Thank goodness for in state tuition (or merit aid where you can get it).

[Anonymous]

There are too many variables to every find the "perfect" school. Perfect for me, may be your worst nightmare. Its unrealistic to assume that there is one everyone can agree on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Soooo many parents on here saying you should never apply to a private university because it'll automatically be exorbitantly more expensive than UVA, without realizing that many of these schools offer very hefty financial aid.

Not to mention that most of us are out of state for UVA.

[Anonymous]

OP, what you are seeing in the "too big/too small," discussions etc., is not people looking for a universally acceptable school. They are asking questions trying to get a sense for what schools are really like (especially this year when no one can actually visit the schools) and people are giving opinions. The person asking is looking for the right fit for their own kid. Too big for Goldilocks was Just Right for Papa Bear.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, what you are seeing in the "too big/too small," discussions etc., is not people looking for a universally acceptable school. They are asking questions trying to get a sense for what schools are really like (especially this year when no one can actually visit the schools) and people are giving opinions. The person asking is looking for the right fit for their own kid. Too big for Goldilocks was Just Right for Papa Bear.

+1 I have two kids who will likely go to completely different types of schools. Only commonality in their search is our budget and a dislike of urban campuses. Senior only applied to big state schools and is pre-professional focused. He was clear on what he liked and only applied to a handful of schools. Sophomore (who's come along on the touring and discussions so already has some clear ideas of what she wants) prefers a small school with a strength in research opportunities and faculty mentoring because she wants to pursue a science PhD. I expect she'll apply widely to LACs to see what merit she can get + a couple in-state public options.

[Anonymous]

Everyone on DCUM loves Northwestern and Wake Forest. They hit every sweet spot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Everyone on DCUM loves Northwestern and Wake Forest. They hit every sweet spot.

IDK, there's this one rabid poster on DCUM who loves spewing vitriol against Northwestern in most threads that mention the school, for God knows what reason (she has a few tells). But generally, yes, it's a fairly popular school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Everyone on DCUM loves Northwestern and Wake Forest. They hit every sweet spot.

I can confirm everyone loves Northwestern in my circles. It has a similar likability to Michigan, which everyone seems to love, at least outside of DCUM.

[Anonymous]

All the bad mouthing posters are adults who have already graduated from college. They think they know best about every college for your child. I recommend you don’t tell everyone what schools you are looking at. All these opinions will make you crazy. There is a perfect school for every kid. Believe it.