Son of AGDee's College Search Thread

[AGDee]

Today officially begins Son of AGDee's college search. We are going on a road trip along I-94 in Michigan to do quick drive by tours of Eastern Michigan, U of M, Albion College, Western Michigan, Kalamazoo College and Grand Valley State University. He has no idea what type of campus he would like, size, etc. so we're hitting some of everything just to help him get a clue. It's a beautiful day and we shall have fun with our ipods and hope to find a couple interesting restaurants along the way too. Round trip would be about 7 hours with no stops, but we'll have some short stops.

He will also bring his APUSH and AP Psych study flash cards to go over while we drive between schools.

Second round of ACT scores came yesterday. It was one point lower than he wants so he's taking it again in June. He got a lower score in Science than he did the first time around because his bladder didn't cooperate and he lost some time having to head to the men's room. He randomly bubbled the last 6 questions as a result. He believes he can do better and wants to retake it.

He is currently #2 in his class and expects he might maintain that because he has decided to take 3 more AP classes next year. He hasn't had the limitations that band presented Hypo so he has had a little more rigor in his course schedule but had room for some fun classes (to him... we're talking classes like World Wars).

So, the adventure begins! His sister is trying to talk him into places like Wash U - St. Louis. He might apply to Columbia just because. He thinks he'd prefer state flagship schools but at the same time, thinks the University of Michigan might be overwhelming.

Where Hypo was all about creativity- band, creative writing- poetry especially- and social activism, Halostar is all about government/politics and sciences. At one point he was obsessed with meteorology but that has died down. At one time, he was thinking video game design, but that has fallen aside also. He has been "making science" since he was about 2 1/2, conducting his own experiments at times. He is LOVING psychology right now and is fascinated with neuroscience so he is thinking neuro psych for a long term goal. He knows this will mean many, many years of school and a PhD. For those reasons, Mom is encouraging good schools, but those that will not lead to a ton of student loans.

Halostar should be an Eagle Scout by next fall- just has to do his project and board of review. He is Vice President of Business Professional's of America and just qualified for their National competition in Disney World in May. He is on student council and is running for Vice President of the Exec Board for next academic year. He plays tennis and will be on the Varsity team in the fall. Last year he did track and was a shot put thrower. I don't think he's doing track this year- he has an Eagle project to do. He's active with NHS. He does all the school spirit things and has huge school spirit- Powderpuff game cheerleader, Lipsynch contest between classes, homecoming float activities and powerbuff (boys play volleyball). He is known for his creative expression during spirit weeks.

Halostar was a kid who once sat in his room and played video games ALL the times with little motivation for anything else. He came into his own at the end of 9th grade and has blossomed into one of the most popular kids in his class too. Most think he will be on Homecoming Court next year. He has a great sense of humor and truly doesn't care what others think of him so he is unafraid to dress up as Rapunzel on Disney character day during Spirit Week, etc.

He is very entertaining and has been low maintenance and very funny. I have often said he was my gift of fun. He's also VERY into social issues and politics and thinks it is fun to watch CSPAN.