Reply to Risks of attending a “Reach” school

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]My DS attends RPI in the Aerospace Engineering program. He had just under a 3.3 GPA in HS and did not take any Honors or AP math or science classes in HS. He got mostly Bs in his CP classes. The only APs he took were the Computer Science ones. He definitely considered it a reach (he did not get into VT, FWIW). His grades were often hurt by turning things in late or not at all.

I can only assume he got in because of his ACT (34) but that score was helped by getting extra time in the exam (he is, mildly, on the spectrum and had IEP from 2nd-11th grade). And SAT/ACT score averages are pretty high at RPI despite its high acceptance rate.

I was definitely worried about him because the classes are known to be tough and there is no grade inflation. But he’s doing fine. He decided he did not want any supports, so does not get extra time or any other accommodations, his grades are generally A- to B- range, and he’s become really active in a couple of activities. He’s even in better shape physically. He has known several kids who have dropped out or on academic probation because of their grades.

[b]So honestly he’s fine at his reach. I think he just had to mature a little and apply himself.[/b][/quote]

NP - my kid is at a different school, different major, etc, but the last line is spot on for mine as well. [b]The tricky thing is you can't really know if they will rise to the occasion until they get there.[/b] [/quote]

This. We discouraged super-high-stats DC from applying to an Ivy, because we thought they weren't mature enough to deal with the intensely competitive vibe or sufficiently confident to advocate for themselves. We encouraged a WASP instead, with the academic rigor but a collaborative more than competitive vibe. Fit, and meeting your kid where they are, is so important. But we still didn't know if they could handle the transition, rise to the challenge of academics at that level etc. Fortunately it's going very well but we had no idea whether they would sink or swim, could only hope for the best in the end. It could have gone the other way, always some luck involved in terms of decent dorm situation, nice roommate, good professors etc. as well.[/quote]

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