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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Some of the schools mentioned here are more than a little difficult to get into. This kid really needs to be an academic superstar to be accepted at CalTech or Harvey Mudd. [/quote]

OP here.  Thank you everyone for the helpful comments so far.  I guess based on PP's comment above, I should add that dc is not an academic superstar.  Will be sitting for ACT this w/e and has been scoring 34-35 on practice tests, PSAT in 99% from 10th grade, but gpa is a bit lackluster.  If this year goes well, it will be 4.1, otherwise somewhere in the 4.0.  Will likely have 8-9 APs by end of HS.  So "rigorous" but not "very/most rigorous" by public HS standards.

Based on the comments so far, it sounds like larger schools/program may be advantageous.  Another question I have is how important is it to show interest in engineering on your application?  Dc just decided he may be interested in engineering recently, so there isn't a long history of involvement with robotics and the like to be put on applications.  I am thinking about an engineering summer camp this summer but wondering if they are beneficial.  By "beneficial," I am referring to both for admissions purposes as well as in helping him  determine whether engineering is the right path for him.      [/quote]

There are certainly medium and smaller sized colleges with strong engineering programs. My kids are early hs aged so I may be out of touch with college admit requirements, but those stats seem like your son would be a great candidate at[b] Duke, Rice, Wash U, and probably for merit aid at Carnegie Mellon[/b] and Bucknell. All strong engineering programs. [/quote]

This is OP.  I would love to believe this but a weighted 4.0-4.1 gpa from public is pretty low for these schools.[/quote]

I would love to believe it, too.  ;)

OP - I think you and your kid should tour some schools and ask some questions.

You asked about "showing interest in engineering" - at the state schools, by and large you have to be admitted right up front.  Transferring in is hard.  You check the box on the Common App, mostly.  Then if you aren't good enough for engineering you get considered for the plain old Arts and Sciences admission.  In contrast, at the more stem-focused privates, you don't have to be admitted to engineering specifically.  At some schools, like UC System and Cal Poly, you get admitted to a specific major and that's it.  Transferring is hard.  It is time to start reading the websites.[/quote]

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