Visit the schools and see if she likes the feel of a small college vs a big university, a distinct campus vs. a city, etc.

And look at Michigan too.

She should visit Madison, Wisconsin. It is a great college town with a well rounded college experience.

Anonymous wrote:PP, I agree with you that W&M sounds a fit for my DD. I explored and will suggest to my DD to major in Pre-Med and minor in Computer Science. Engineering is not an option unless kids want to do 3&2 or 4&2. I looked at the curriculum and CS looks pretty good. Not sure about the job opportunities though..
Now I really hope that my DD has done enough to get admitted there or Tech... BTW, the new ACT result is out and my DD got 33.

W&M is very intense academically and requires a lot of work and focus. If you slack you will be chewed up.

Anonymous wrote:What about:

Case Western
Emory
Lehigh
Wash U

Does W&M have engineering?

A shared program with Columbia, I think.

Where did you decide on?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Look at the website college confidential as well.

Please don't.

could you elaborate? What's wrong with it?

There are SOME helpful threads, but they are rare and you have to be very specific. For example, the "3.0-3.5" threads are a gold mine of useful information, and it's helped me discover great schools for my kid, even if she doesn't technically fit into that GPA range. So if you are going to CC for a specific purpose or for specific information, then you might be able to find what you are looking for.

Most of the site is a cesspool of trolls, helicopter parents, and angry whites and minorities relieving pent up racial tension and arguing about affirmative action.

Anonymous wrote:I would definitely not overlook Illinois and its excellent engineering program.

But zero financial aid.....

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Look at the website college confidential as well.

Please don't.

could you elaborate? What's wrong with it?

Anonymous wrote:Look at the website college confidential as well.

Please don't.

I would definitely not overlook Illinois and its excellent engineering program.

First of all, I assume she is senior. And if she is a senior she/you are probably satisfied with her going to VT. Otherwise, I am more than a little concerned that you are "behind" on figuring out a list and knowing what you want.

No reason she shouldn't get into VT.

I had the same reaction as the pp -- the list of schools is wildly diverse in terms of size, location, focus etc. One other thing to think about, but this varies a lot by the student, but for students who are talented but not supremely motivated, large schools can be problematic because it is very easy to get lost in the shuffle. It is likely harder to blow things off and to disappear in a smaller setting though most of the schools you have listed are very large.

I think this is a good starting list, but again there are some big differences between these schools that will affect your DD's potential experiences there. You and your DD should visit some of these schools and think about what she is looking for.

BU, for example, is smack dab in the middle of Boston, it doesn't have a defined campus. Architecturally and esthetically it bears no resemblance whatsoever to UVA. Some kids LOVE this about BU (or GWU). Others HATE it.

BU, CMU, GW, Emory are in bustling urban areas. Penn State and VA Tech are in the middle of nowhere. Again, many kids like one but not the other.

Vanderbilt and UVA are both top-notch schools that have a very southern feel, with an emphasis on traditions, Greek life, football, etc. Some kids love that, others hate it. CMU, BU, UMD, are very different in "feel."

Duke & UVA have much more of a "smart jock" culture going on, compared with W&M and CMU, which are perceived as more geeky. Some kids are attracted to one and not the other.

Etc. Etc. Etc.

So I think this is a good list of schools that have engineering options, a decent starting point, but I don't necessarily see it as a list of schools that are good "fits" for one particular kid, IYKWIM.

For guessing her chances of getting in, I'd rely open your high schools Naviance scatter gram. (Do you know what that is?). I found it very useful and informative for our kids.