Son of AGDee's College Search Thread

[GammaGirl1908]

I'm a proud UM grad, but if the small schools spoke to him, that's telling him a lot already. A big place like UM is not for everyone. While you can make a big school feel smaller but can't make a smaller school feel big, lots of folks just don't want to have to deal with that, and that is more than their prerogative. It's great that he's already listening to his heart.

I have several friends who went to Haverford College outside Philadelphia, which is an amazing small liberal arts college and may be worth a look for him.

[DubaiSis]

I did a quick check of best schools for science and the only schools listed were either big or huge. I think for him what I'd look at is a solid all-around school where he's happy and can do well and think progressively larger schools for graduate and PhD work. I personally like the idea of changing schools as you progress to get a larger world view on your subject.

I think a major in one of the sciences with a minor in a liberal arts program would be a great mix. To become like my boyfriend Neil DeGrasse Tyson, you need both the hard geek ability AND the ability with the social sciences. And the outlook for the medical sciences is very good right now. If not for a career, what's it all worth?

[AGDee]

He is thinking he'd probably want to go to U of M for grad school, which would be an excellent choice with lots of post docs and fellowships available. He definitely wants to do research. He wants to look at Wash U also and I think we'll head to St. Louis this summer for a visit. It might be bigger than he's liking, but it may be ok.

There are lots of reach schools he would like. I would like some solid safeties. I don't think Hypo had enough safeties. I also think he would manage a bigger school better than he thinks he would... he doesn't like change but always manages fine when forced to deal with it.

[KDCat]

Originally Posted by AGDee

He is thinking he'd probably want to go to U of M for grad school, which would be an excellent choice with lots of post docs and fellowships available. He definitely wants to do research. He wants to look at Wash U also and I think we'll head to St. Louis this summer for a visit. It might be bigger than he's liking, but it may be ok.

There are lots of reach schools he would like. I would like some solid safeties. I don't think Hypo had enough safeties. I also think he would manage a bigger school better than he thinks he would... he doesn't like change but always manages fine when forced to deal with it.

Washington University seems smaller than it is. Most students live on the South 40 or in apartments close to campus, so community is pretty compact and tightly knit.

[happilyanchored]

Originally Posted by KDCat

Washington University seems smaller than it is. Most students live on the South 40 or in apartments close to campus, so community is pretty compact and tightly knit.

Seconded! Message me if you have any specific questions, I have loved my four semesters here!

[Psi U MC Vito]

I meant to comment on this ealier, but I have heard a lot of good things about Wartburg College in Waverly Iowa. As the name suggest it is a Lutheran run university, but while there is a required religion/philosophy requirement it is minor and IIRC does not even require Christian classes. Somebody I know who went to Wartburg something like 20 years ago was actually involved in research as a psych major. I can't imagine that aspect has changed.

[sherrybaby]

If he's serious about research, look for schools where he will actually be able to get his hands dirty and do some kind of thesis or head a study. Many schools will talk about "research experience" opportunities that really just end up being professor's research assistant positions that involve nothing more that entering numbers into the computer. While this kind of experience can also be valuable, nothing prepares you better for graduate studies like actually doing a year-long, self-directed study and presenting it at a conference and/or getting it published. At Pepperdine, the psychology program has a competitive undergraduate research program that has students conceive, design, and execute a study that must be defended in front of the faculty and presented at a national conference such as APA. It's a great way to ensure you really love research before heading off to a 6-year program.

[AGDLynn]

Not enuff energy (stupid bronchitis ) but I am sure there is a Georgia college or two that would fit.

Maybe Emory in Atl (CDC just down the road) .or maybe Mercer in Macon.

[NCSigma]

Davidson -- great academics, pretty selective, active student body, and Charlotte's right there for flights home.

[AGDee]

Wash U is just such a lottery for admissions that I don't want him to love it too much early on!

Hypo just tweeted to Halostar that he should look at Oberlin...lol.

[adpiucf]

Did anyone mention Williams College yet?

[Munchkin03]

Yes, it was on my list. My friends who are Williams alumni LOVE IT.

[AGDee]

Halostar is having a very good year! He was going to run for Student Council Exec Board Vice President but ended up running for President and won! He also went to Social Studies Olympiad on Saturday and his Quiz Bowl team there took second place. He's got 114% in AP Bio right now because all the tests have an extra credit question and he's been getting all the extra credit plus 100% on everything he's done in there.

Wow, he's blowing me away. Five years ago, he was so unmotivated to do anything.

Now if he'd just get going on that Eagle project... *mutter*

Where is Williams?

[Munchkin03]

Originally Posted by AGDee

Halostar is having a very good year! He was going to run for Student Council Exec Board Vice President but ended up running for President and won! He also went to Social Studies Olympiad on Saturday and his Quiz Bowl team there took second place. He's got 114% in AP Bio right now because all the tests have an extra credit question and he's been getting all the extra credit plus 100% on everything he's done in there.

Wow, he's blowing me away. Five years ago, he was so unmotivated to do anything.

Now if he'd just get going on that Eagle project... *mutter*

Where is Williams?

Williamstown, MA. Kind of your typical exquisite New England LAC. About 550 in the freshman class.

[Munchkin03]

Originally Posted by AGDee

Halostar is having a very good year! He was going to run for Student Council Exec Board Vice President but ended up running for President and won! He also went to Social Studies Olympiad on Saturday and his Quiz Bowl team there took second place. He's got 114% in AP Bio right now because all the tests have an extra credit question and he's been getting all the extra credit plus 100% on everything he's done in there.

Wow, he's blowing me away. Five years ago, he was so unmotivated to do anything.

Now if he'd just get going on that Eagle project... *mutter*

Where is Williams?

Williamstown, MA. Kind of your typical exquisite New England LAC. About 550 in the freshman class.