Son was in a similar situation last year. He applied to and was offered admission to Longwood, VCU, and ODU. I think he would have probably gotten into Radford, but he didn't like the location so didn't apply there. He attended a well regarded public. I think full pay and being male did help in his case.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This kid is in big trouble on the admissions front. All of the folks pushing VCU are clueless -- admissions is strictly numbers-based and with that record his chances are very slim. If I were the OP, I strongly consider the community college route.

Yeah, but it depends on the high school. At my kid’s private, 50% with those scores got in at VCU, 75% for in an ODU and 100% got in a Lynchburg.

I meant scores plus GPA, not just scores.

Anonymous wrote:This kid is in big trouble on the admissions front. All of the folks pushing VCU are clueless -- admissions is strictly numbers-based and with that record his chances are very slim. If I were the OP, I strongly consider the community college route.

Yeah, but it depends on the high school. At my kid’s private, 50% with those scores got in at VCU, 75% for in an ODU and 100% got in a Lynchburg.

Should have said, DD got into 3 very good schools.

VCU is within reach according to PrepScholar data points. Lynchburg is too.

We are in the same quandry but for freshman year. DS is a jr, now in remission. It should definitely be mentioned at least once in the application - and if the counselor writes it up, kid should submit a written timeline to counselor of the circumstances so they have plenty of info to work with right in front of them. If counselor is writing the main part about why DS's sons are low jr year, I do believe OP's DS should also address it briefly in the supplemental questions, focusing on he overcame, things are in a good place and he's found his groove again.

DD's counselor wrote a great letter when she had some stressful issues in our home (dad's long unemployment, chronically ill brother etc) and it helped a lot. DD then wrote on another essay topic but addressed issues briefly in the supplemental section.

Anonymous wrote:U of Vermont, Pitt, if he brings his ACT up a bit. DD had a similar struggle, 30 act got her in at those 2

There is no time to bring up the ACT. Kid is a senior and it is December.

This kid is in big trouble on the admissions front. All of the folks pushing VCU are clueless -- admissions is strictly numbers-based and with that record his chances are very slim. If I were the OP, I strongly consider the community college route.

U of Vermont, Pitt, if he brings his ACT up a bit. DD had a similar struggle, 30 act got her in at those 2

Anonymous wrote:Are you only considering instate schools?

This is OP - no, we are considering out of state as well.

To all those who answered so far, thank you. The advice is helpful.

Are you only considering instate schools?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP - my son used the spot on his applications to talk about his medical issues. It worked out.

I'm sorry he struggled so much and glad he's doing so well right now.

Thank you. That is good to hear. He wrote on essay addressing the issues and another that avoided them. He is debating which to use. He is concerned with “making excuses.”

I don't know much, but I think the main essay should be about something else, and he can use the "special concerns" part for the excuses one.

Or, do a gap year and apply next fall with that shiny solid good year in place.

Anonymous wrote:Also look at Longwood.

and Mary Washington and CNU

VCU, George Mason, Radford, or NVCC to keep getting back on track and take advanatgar of guaranteed transfer program for UVA or W&M if criteria are met..

He's at private, so plenty of good liberal arts and OOS flagship schools will give him the benefit of the doubt.

Also look at Longwood.