OP. Couple things:
Engineering takes a huge commitment. Does not sound like your DC has this as a priority, no judgement there. But it could really impact where he goes. Consider of course schools that offer everything, not just engineering.
Engineering is a very competitive major to be accepted into, also something to consider when planning.
Falling for a dream school is a rookie mistake. We get it and many of us have made that mistake as well. Applicants have simply got to be open to more schools. Have dreams of course, but mix in heavy doses of practicality, open mindedness, strategic thinking.
I know so many kids who are very very happy at schools that were not even close to their top choice (great students, great people).
No sneering allowed. Parents can help with adjusting expectations and attitudes, encouraging kids to come up with game plans, and be less judgmental in a judgmental world.
It seems now like high drama, I get it, but it’s not and it will be resolved in less than a year. Or more if they end up transferring. Happily too, if the approach is sound and maybe a bit more open. My two cents. Or 30 cents.

I’d be concerned about a kid who would change majors in a significant way for the cultural fit of a school. If he wants engineering he should focus on smaller schools that offer engineering. Rose Hulman, WPI, RIT, University of Rochester

Anonymous wrote:I've talked about his situation in another forum, but I need strategic help now. DS is a rising senior with a dream school I've been trying to talk him out of for many years. We've done some visits to safeties this summer, but nothing really got him excited. He'd like small, with a close-knit, driven community, preferably with a military slant and/or ROTC. Preferably not in the DMV. Nothing Corps of Cadet-like like VMI or Texas A&M.

1340 SAT, 33 ACT, 3.8 uGPA, 4.3 wGPA.

Where should we be looking, and what programs? He would like engineering but is ok with something non-STEM (government, maybe) for the right cultural fit. He has the GI Bill, but we still need to be reasonable with costs.

High Point U

Fairfield

UMBC

Anonymous wrote:Unless they did four years of basket weaving in high school this is a good student with a good profile. Even the SAT score is 89th percentile. In fact, half the applicants admitted to West Point have an SAT score between 1200 and 1440.

+1 No need to "talk him out" of the dream school. He should put together the best application he can to that. But at the same time consider some of the schools already mentioned.

Unless they did four years of basket weaving in high school this is a good student with a good profile. Even the SAT score is 89th percentile. In fact, half the applicants admitted to West Point have an SAT score between 1200 and 1440.

I know a kid who did ROTC at Mercer in Georgia.

OP: It would help to know the name of his dream school so that similar schools can be recommended and considered.

Anonymous wrote:DH sneered at Mass Maritome. Is he just being petty?

It's a great school, not selective but that's not the end-all, be-all of an institution. Not sure why your DH sneered.

Don't most schools have ROTC? My DD is going to a small LAC in the south this fall and another she knows there is in ROTC.

Anonymous wrote:What about Villanova?

Not a safety!

What about Villanova?

Let him do what he wants to do. If it works out he knows he did the right thing, if it doesn't he learns he needs to evaluate things differently. Chances are it will work out for him.

If you talk him into your choice and he hates it, your relationship will be damaged.

DH sneered at Mass Maritome. Is he just being petty?

Norwich in VT?
Maritime schools (Mass Maritime, Maine Maritime, there is a SUNY as well?)

I've talked about his situation in another forum, but I need strategic help now. DS is a rising senior with a dream school I've been trying to talk him out of for many years. We've done some visits to safeties this summer, but nothing really got him excited. He'd like small, with a close-knit, driven community, preferably with a military slant and/or ROTC. Preferably not in the DMV. Nothing Corps of Cadet-like like VMI or Texas A&M.

1340 SAT, 33 ACT, 3.8 uGPA, 4.3 wGPA.

Where should we be looking, and what programs? He would like engineering but is ok with something non-STEM (government, maybe) for the right cultural fit. He has the GI Bill, but we still need to be reasonable with costs.