Thinking About College

E and I went to a school presentation on applying to colleges. It was ... OK. Some interesting tid-bits, but nothing ground-braking, nothing super-helpful. It is going to be a confusing and stressful process - they pretty much said that.

I don't get the sense that students get much support from the high school counselors. Too many kids. Too few counselors.

One thing that caught my eye was that an "average" (whatever that means) 4-year college accepts 75% of applicants. That seems really high, right? Well, they said that the super selective schools represent only a very small percentage (like, 3%-5% maybe?) of all universities in the country. That means, >90% of universities are less selective, with most ranging from somewhat selective to not particularly selective at all.* So, they said, a student will find a wonderful school that will be a good fit, no matter what.

On one level, I completely agree - it is all about the best fit for academics, available programs, and the person's interests and talents. But it just rubbed me the wrong way... it was like they were implying that - hey, this is a public school, don't aim too high - but these less-selective schools are a available to the likes of you. 

I want my kids to get a good education and have an amazing college experience. I want them to be successful. I want them to go to universities that have strong programs in the areas of their interest. I want them to be able to continue on with other pursuits, be it music, running, rock climbing or swimming, when they are at college. I want them to have a sense of community there, finding "their tribe", if you will. 

I really want our kids to have all the necessary tools and know-how to get into the schools of their choice (they are thinking about solid universities with rigorous academics and good reputations - but not Ivy League-type competitive).

I don't think that their high school is going to be able to provide those tools or teach them enough about all aspects of the college application process. They might give them an overview, but there will be no true "guiding".

*I don't know where they got their data or how accurate these numbers are.

If you went to a 4-year university, was it a small school or a big school? What did you love about it?

If you could go to college for free now (let's say you have the time) - would you do it? What would you study? <<I will respond to these questions in my next post!>>