College Search is On

   So, as my vacation approached so is the beginning of college campus tour. It was planned that this summer would be focused on narrowing down the choices for Pherry's programs. We tried to focus on schools near Boston, excellent program in computer science or engineering and urban setting. Not necessarily in that order but those are his priorities. It is always good to focus on schools that are strong in the program/s your child is interested in and to apply to as many as possible. Cost should also be considered but for us, it isn't the priority. Cost should only brought in when you are accepted and you are comparing two colleges, everything else being equal except the cost--- then go for the option which gives you more financial aid. You have to check out all your choices to see the campus feel and observe if that is the culture you'd want to be around with. It's four years of your life, you want to make sure you fit in to the new environment. Also, the friends you meet here maybe your life-long friends as well as colleagues so make sure you are going to a school that focuses on your values and field of study. 

So, we went to 6 colleges in total--- 2 Ivy 1 semi-Ivy, 2 state university and a private school well-known for robotics engineering/computers as that's what Pherry likes. Except for one, all visits were on very hot and humid days!  On the first day, we visited Wentworth Institute of Technology and Massachusetts  Institute of Technology . Both very reputable schools especially for engineering and technology. We liked MIT for it's vibrant campus and knowledgeable guides and admissions counsellor. WIT on the other hand did not have an information session, just campus tour. They are missing out on that because that is their chance to highlight why they're one of the best schools. 

Next, we visited Boston University which has a very urban campus so the vibe is high. It is very strong in the field of engineering also. The tour was long and thorough and the presentation of the admissions committee was cool--- makes you feel welcome as well as to stay in the city of Boston. It has a sprawling campus albeit, expensive levelling up to MIT and Harvard tuitions. 

Pherry liked what he saw. 

Next was Brown University in Rhode Island. It has the most beautiful campus of all we've visited so far. I loved everything about it but the kids loved the open curriculum. They believe that aside from your major, you shouldn't be forced to study subjects that does not interest you therefore anyone who enrolled in your class is there because they like it--makes a better class of individuals with the same interest. It is also beside famed Rhode Island School of Design and you can take dual degree awarded by both institutions. 

Then we visited University of Massachusetts Boston. The campus was great but I did not like the vibes at all. They have good academic reputation but not so much with engineering. The kids didn't like it either. It's close to our home so that's a plus I guess. Another positive side is that since it is a public institution, tuition is very affordable and they give merit scholarship. 

I should probably discuss the difference of academic/merit scholarship vs. financial aid. Merit awards are for academic achievements and awarded depending on the criteria selected by institution. It can be awarded to anyone meeting the academic standards set. This also can be in addition to any financial aid already accorded due to financial hardship. Meanwhile, financial aid are given to those in need of tuition assistance. The total package given is calculated based on EFC or expected family contribution. The EFC is based of the submission of FAFSA and calculated based on your and your family's ability to pay/ share in your education. Most schools are on BLIND ADMISSIONS. They accept you based on your merit. When accepted, based on your EFC, they will meet all the other finances as they offer you admission. For example, based on EFC, your family can contribute $30,000 and the full tuition and fees including board and lodging is $65,000, they will pay the $35,000, your family pays the rest. It can still be expensive no matter what but that's when you apply for private grants. Big corporation usually sponsor academic achievers on the field so that can contribute too. 

Okay, so the last school we visited was Umass Amherst. The flagship campus of UMASS. It is beautiful! But also far away. It's 2.5hours drive from Boston. It's good and selective in engineering, it's affordable being a state college but not an urban campus. I loved the vibe in that campus. They have an old reputation as a party university but based on my experience, you can go to the most selective and expensive school and end- up as loser or go to the most unknown one and be succesful. It's up to you. 

 

So many contrast in these schools we visited but at the same time, offers great fusion of what really matters when considering colleges. They all say they want someone who is academically inclined but also someone who used all the opportunities offered to them. They want parents to help their children reach their goal by helping them decide the convoluted process. Obviously cost is a major factor for me and my family but I assured Pherry that whatever he wants to do, I can point out why it is a good choice and why he should consider something else but in the long run, it is his choice it is his career after all. I found out college here is very different than back home. We didn't have the open curriculum, we had block sections and strict curriculum to follow. I would have been happier to enroll in classes I like knowing that the choices I have all lead to my goal. 

Over all it was so much fun and time for bonding for my family too,  the younger kids joke about not having to do it again and I lectured them that now they know the GPA and SAT needed to get to your school of choice and they just ignore me. Ha!

What about you, what did you do on your summer vacation? Were you a helicopter parent? What is your priority in choosing college? Let me know, leave me a message.