We had a lot of time to talk today because the state solo & ensemble festival was today and she had performances at 11 am and 4:30 pm. It was an hour away from home so we had a lot of time to kill. Although we supported other kids from her school who were also performing today and watched their performances, there was a lot of down time. One of her friends was also there and they talked a lot about college. Hypo asked if it would be wise to join to the Peace Corps and go to college later and I let know that most positions require a college degree. We talked about the downsides to doing something like that or City Year (Americorps). Her friends were all comparing financial aid packages and how much in debt they'll be in when they graduate and were all in the same boat, for the most part. They were all looking at $15K-$20K a year in loans. I pointed out that college isn't getting any cheaper and those would still be facing her even if she delayed for a year or two. She thought she'd be old enough to qualify as an independent then and get more in grants but I corrected that notion too. Then she came up with the idea of finding a boy in the same position and getting married (only legally, not actually 'being married') so they would qualify for more aid. She's creative if nothing else...lol.
Deep talks, reality hits, growing up isn't always rosy.. all lessons to be learned. Bottom line, we live in a solidly middle class area where people don't qualify for much based on "need" but their parents don't make enough to pay for everything.
She'll be ok. We'll be ok. She feels much better when she looks at the stats of some of the people being rejected from these schools. She read one off to us where the candidate had an SAT of 2350, SATII's of 770 and 780, a 4.0 unweighted in an IB program. He had founded an Interact (teen Rotary) Club at his highschool, was Vice President of the student council for 3 years.. it went on and on and on. We decided that someone who was VP for 3 years and never made it to President must not be Northwestern material! Who is VP for 3 years??? Anyway, she was cracking jokes and laughing about this stuff, so she's doing alright.
I know in my heart that if she goes to Michigan she'll have a great experience there. And, um, maybe she'd be an Alpha Gam or SAI there. Or both
ETA: She totally messed up on her first performance. She couldn't hold her air to get through the long sections where she couldn't find time to take a breath. The judge was really harsh in his delivery of feedback. She's ok though. She's a strong kid
Hybrid Mode
