Anonymous wrote:OP here, with an update and a request for advice.
So far the kid in question has been accepted to the following schools:
Norfolk State
ODU
Virginia Wesleyan
Chowan
Marymount
VCU
George Mason
He's still waiting to hear back from Hampton, but I think that's it. Also, apparently NSU (where he was accepted to their honor's college) and Va. Wesleyan have given him fairly generous financial aid packages, but so far, pretty much nada from the other schools. He liked Marymount when he visited, particularly the small class sizes and individual attention from professors.
Given the above list, where would you advise him to consider? I'm of course happy that finances wouldn't be a concern at the first two, but I'm also worried that they are less prestigious and not very well known out of the region. I think it would be better to have say, George Mason in his résumé when applying for jobs, esp. if out if state. But, I don't want to advise him to go to a school where he may flounder--not for lack of intelligence, but lack of maturity. I get the sense that his single mom stays on top of him to get things- done currently--I worry that without her there to help/ride him, that getting into the school that's strongest academically may not be the best advice. A risk if some of the bigger schools is a kid like him getting lost, IMO. But, who knows--he could do well if he gets his act together early on.
Given this picture, which of the above schools might be best? I just heard from his dad on their way back from visiting one of these schools--when I asked which they're leaning towards, he said the kid is "reconsidering everything" (I'm going to talk with him further later). Any other considerations we should keep in mind?
Thanks very much.
Looks like he's got some great options!