Reply to Do you ever worry that your child might not be "elite college material"?

Forum Index » College and University Discussion

Reply to "Do you ever worry that your child might not be "elite college material"? "

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I can see how that is possible PP. If you work long hours, you are probably surrounded by other well educated people like yourself. Your friends are probably from high school, college and where you work. Ditto on your spouse. [/quote]

Well the weird thing (to me) was that they didn't appear even slightly embarrassed or sheepish about it. I don't know, I thought it was odd. I don't think it is a good thing to be so far in a bubble that you quite literally don't know anyone not like you: who doesn't come from a wealthy background or made different choices in life, such as to go into the military for example or to go to culinary or beauty school instead of college. Not to mention their assumption that people who did pursue a different path are somehow inferior (which in my mind was the implication in saying they would be seriously disappointed if their DC didn't go to college - some of the people I was talking with couldn't even imagine the possibility; they assume they have total control over their DC's decisions).[/quote]

I grew up in DC and went to prep school. 100% of my classmates went to college. I work in a fairly highly compensated field where 100% of the professional workers went to college. I'm upper middle class so I know very few people who didn't go to college. I know the difference in average life time earnings between those with a high school degree and those with a college degree. It's really a class thing. Upper class and upper middle class people all go to college. There are a few outliers, but it is just expected and assumed. You don't send your kid to prep school if everyone isn't planning on them going to college. [/quote]

This is an interesting subthread.  My grandparents were immigrants to this country and did not have a college education so clearly I know someone that didn't attend college.  They stressed education and my mom and her siblings except one( my uncle that joined the military but not by choice) attended college.   As a black female I feel that education is still one of the best paths to the middle/upper middle class.  I would love for my daughters to start their own business (knowing this doesn't always require a college degree) because I feel that is really the true path to wealth but reality is that there are not that many large businesses owned my African American females.  I think it would be even harder for a minority female that didn't attend college or dropped out to convince investors to back them.  My DH's family has several entrepreneurs and it started with someone they knew in college or a job that came after grad school.  For my kids not to attend college and not be in a position to own their own business - I don't see how they would have economic freedom.  If the winds of the job market changes, how would they adapt quickly? How would they be in a financial position to be able to SAH with the kids, work part-time, take time off to volunteer at the school, bring kids to activities etc, leave a marriage if needed if they are in a non-flexible low paying job?  Not to say people don't overcome in many situations but why would you want a harder road for your children?  So, I don't know that I would be comfortable sending my kids into a school environment where going to college is not the norm given that I have a choice.  So like the PP mentioned if my kids continue the prep school track they may not be close friends with anyone that didn't attend (not saying graduated) college unless the person enlisted in the military.

So to the OP question, not worried about elite college.  For financial reasons we are focused on state college or potentially out of state with some merit.  My DH went to a state college so he would love for the kids to follow in his footsteps. I'm worried that flagship U has gotten so competitive that may not be possible.[/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics