And we're off! Child 4 begins the search.

ApexLion · Wednesday at 10:01 AM

So some of you know we have four kids and my wife I have lived thru 3 college searches so far. Well, child 4 is taking the next step and doing visits, starting this weekend. I let my kids decide where to go to college as long as they can beat the in-state rate at UNC or UNCW. We live 2 miles from the UNC campus. Of the first three, one got into UNC, two got into UNCW but all three went out of state. Child 4 can get into UNC -- high gpa and high test scores, plus mom is a former UNC scholarship attendee/law graduate.

So child 4 has developed his list based on his interests and the grades and scores he's earned. He wants: a state school, serious pre-law and stats to prove it, a school as large as UNC or bigger, 3 years of classes based on his APs, a possible 3+3 to law school option offered, a fun college town, big-time sports (at least D1), proximity to a city to visit or fly into and affordability based on merit $$$. The last one is non-negotiable.

Here's the list in order of his preference. We have two tours (honors and regular) at no. 1 (MSU) plus an honors tour at no. 8 (Bowling Green) this weekend.

1. Michigan State
2. University of Kansas
3. University of Kentucky
4. Purdue
5. University of Oklahoma
6. University of Indiana
7. University of Cincinnati
8. Bowling Green - safety
9. Ball State - safety
10. Missouri State University - safety

@Tom McAndrew @Locopsu @Tgar

The process has worked well so far for the first three. Research, tours, follow-up by our children and a weekend at the campus or a summer week at campuses. Very excited for our son and I think he's done well in the process so far. With each child, we have thoroughly researched my alma mater Dear Old State and have gotten nowhere, even remotely close to what other schools could offer. Sad part of an otherwise exciting, memorable time for my wife, kids and I.

Feel free to offer suggestions or comments on these campuses. I always enjoy hearing constructive info. *Miami University in Oxford, OH should be on the list but my son knows it extremely well after my oldest got her undergrad degree there.

Midnighter · Wednesday at 10:22 AM

ApexLion said:
So some of you know we have four kids and my wife I have lived thru 3 college searches so far. Well, child 4 is taking the next step and doing visits, starting this weekend. I let my kids decide where to go to college as long as they can beat the in-state rate at UNC or UNCW. We live 2 miles from the UNC campus. Of the first three, one got into UNC, two got into UNCW but all three went out of state. Child 4 can get into UNC -- high gpa and high test scores, plus mom is a former UNC scholarship attendee/law graduate.

So child 4 has developed his list based on his interests and the grades and scores he's earned. He wants: a state school, serious pre-law and stats to prove it, a school as large as UNC or bigger, 3 years of classes based on his APs, a possible 3+3 to law school option offered, a fun college town, big-time sports (at least D1), proximity to a city to visit or fly into and affordability based on merit $$$. The last one is non-negotiable.

Here's the list in order of his preference. We have two tours (honors and regular) at no. 1 (MSU) plus an honors tour at no. 8 (Bowling Green) this weekend.

1. Michigan State
2. University of Kansas
3. University of Kentucky
4. Purdue
5. University of Oklahoma
6. University of Indiana
7. University of Cincinnati
8. Bowling Green - safety
9. Ball State - safety
10. Missouri State University - safety

@Tom McAndrew @Locopsu @Tgar

The process has worked well so far for the first three. Research, tours, follow-up by our children and a weekend at the campus or a summer week at campuses. Very excited for our son and I think he's done well in the process so far. With each child, we have thoroughly researched my alma mater Dear Old State and have gotten nowhere, even remotely close to what other schools could offer. Sad part of an otherwise exciting, memorable time for my wife, kids and I.

Feel free to offer suggestions or comments on these campuses. I always enjoy hearing constructive info. *Miami University in Oxford, OH should be on the list but my son knows it extremely well after my oldest got her undergrad degree there.

Good luck and congrats! But honestly - no Sorbonne!?!

the mystery files of shelby woo nicksplat GIF

s1uggo72 · Wednesday at 10:38 AM

ApexLion said:
So some of you know we have four kids and my wife I have lived thru 3 college searches so far. Well, child 4 is taking the next step and doing visits, starting this weekend. I let my kids decide where to go to college as long as they can beat the in-state rate at UNC or UNCW. We live 2 miles from the UNC campus. Of the first three, one got into UNC, two got into UNCW but all three went out of state. Child 4 can get into UNC -- high gpa and high test scores, plus mom is a former UNC scholarship attendee/law graduate.

So child 4 has developed his list based on his interests and the grades and scores he's earned. He wants: a state school, serious pre-law and stats to prove it, a school as large as UNC or bigger, 3 years of classes based on his APs, a possible 3+3 to law school option offered, a fun college town, big-time sports (at least D1), proximity to a city to visit or fly into and affordability based on merit $$$. The last one is non-negotiable.

Here's the list in order of his preference. We have two tours (honors and regular) at no. 1 (MSU) plus an honors tour at no. 8 (Bowling Green) this weekend.

1. Michigan State
2. University of Kansas
3. University of Kentucky
4. Purdue
5. University of Oklahoma
6. University of Indiana
7. University of Cincinnati
8. Bowling Green - safety
9. Ball State - safety
10. Missouri State University - safety

@Tom McAndrew @Locopsu @Tgar

The process has worked well so far for the first three. Research, tours, follow-up by our children and a weekend at the campus or a summer week at campuses. Very excited for our son and I think he's done well in the process so far. With each child, we have thoroughly researched my alma mater Dear Old State and have gotten nowhere, even remotely close to what other schools could offer. Sad part of an otherwise exciting, memorable time for my wife, kids and I.

Feel free to offer suggestions or comments on these campuses. I always enjoy hearing constructive info. *Miami University in Oxford, OH should be on the list but my son knows it extremely well after my oldest got her undergrad degree there.

I have to say there is a lot going on in Lexington, ky home of UK. a lot of businesses are relocating there

Mrdibbs · Wednesday at 10:46 AM

Very interesting that none of the schools listed are in the southeastern USA.

I'm not surprised that PSU is not on the list.

Lion84 · Wednesday at 11:02 AM

Daughter is a Junior at PSU we are in State but it amazes me the number of kids there paying out of state tuition doubt I would have and PSU hardly ever gives anyone a break on tuition. She does love it at PSU after passing up some southern schools. She really wanted UNC and w loved the campus and even with a 4.25 weighted GPA she didn’t get in since they have to take such a high percentage of kids from in state - ~85% I think.

JAS · Wednesday at 11:03 AM

First congrats sir on raising four incredible children, as their education paths are remarkable.
As law is in your genes,,Dentistry was in my family so the option 3( undergrad)-3 years law makes sense. As I was blessed to have son in law that did 2(undergrad)-4 (Dentistry)-3 ( Ortho Residency), my point is move forward more rapidly if possible with one’s career!

ClarkstonMark · Wednesday at 11:20 AM

Gotta think MSU will fall down the list after visit.
Kid 4 is a HS junior now?

Tom McAndrew · Wednesday at 11:34 AM

Wow, @ApexLion, time has flown. Hard to believe that your youngest is at this juncture.

Congrats to your wife and you on an excellent job of parenting. And congrats to each of your kids for giving themselves a lot of options with excellent academic work.

It is sad that PSU isn't on the list. But on a strictly economic analysis, it's understandable.

I can't offer anything on the list of schools that your youngest is considering. Some wouldn't be on my list, but it's his time/education/decision, so he should choose as his heart and head tell him to do.

The 3+3 plans are very good, if you're 100% sure that's what you want to do. It does condense things a bit at the undergrad level, and you're locked in to a law school that you might not pick 3 years after applying to undergrad. But I know several people that went that route, and most were quite happy with their decision.

Keep us posted. And if he opts for MSU, Indy, or Purdue, well, tell him you don't want to see him on TV rooting against the Blue & White.

PSU Mike · Wednesday at 11:43 AM

Iowa used to have a ridiculously cheap law school for its good ranking. Guessing it’s still true. It’s been some time since I was there for two years, but I seriously liked the student body’s personality as much if not more than PSU’s.

PSUForever · Wednesday at 11:49 AM

ApexLion said:
So some of you know we have four kids and my wife I have lived thru 3 college searches so far. Well, child 4 is taking the next step and doing visits, starting this weekend. I let my kids decide where to go to college as long as they can beat the in-state rate at UNC or UNCW. We live 2 miles from the UNC campus. Of the first three, one got into UNC, two got into UNCW but all three went out of state. Child 4 can get into UNC -- high gpa and high test scores, plus mom is a former UNC scholarship attendee/law graduate.

So child 4 has developed his list based on his interests and the grades and scores he's earned. He wants: a state school, serious pre-law and stats to prove it, a school as large as UNC or bigger, 3 years of classes based on his APs, a possible 3+3 to law school option offered, a fun college town, big-time sports (at least D1), proximity to a city to visit or fly into and affordability based on merit $$$. The last one is non-negotiable.

Here's the list in order of his preference. We have two tours (honors and regular) at no. 1 (MSU) plus an honors tour at no. 8 (Bowling Green) this weekend.

1. Michigan State
2. University of Kansas
3. University of Kentucky
4. Purdue
5. University of Oklahoma
6. University of Indiana
7. University of Cincinnati
8. Bowling Green - safety
9. Ball State - safety
10. Missouri State University - safety

@Tom McAndrew @Locopsu @Tgar

The process has worked well so far for the first three. Research, tours, follow-up by our children and a weekend at the campus or a summer week at campuses. Very excited for our son and I think he's done well in the process so far. With each child, we have thoroughly researched my alma mater Dear Old State and have gotten nowhere, even remotely close to what other schools could offer. Sad part of an otherwise exciting, memorable time for my wife, kids and I.

Feel free to offer suggestions or comments on these campuses. I always enjoy hearing constructive info. *Miami University in Oxford, OH should be on the list but my son knows it extremely well after my oldest got her undergrad degree there.

My small suggestion: When you get around to visiting Indiana, the school is called Indiana University or "IU". You will get strange looks referring to it as "University of Indiana".

BobPSU92 · Wednesday at 12:14 PM

I read the thread title as “The search begins for Child 4.”

Locopsu · Wednesday at 12:35 PM

ApexLion said:
So some of you know we have four kids and my wife I have lived thru 3 college searches so far. Well, child 4 is taking the next step and doing visits, starting this weekend. I let my kids decide where to go to college as long as they can beat the in-state rate at UNC or UNCW. We live 2 miles from the UNC campus. Of the first three, one got into UNC, two got into UNCW but all three went out of state. Child 4 can get into UNC -- high gpa and high test scores, plus mom is a former UNC scholarship attendee/law graduate.

So child 4 has developed his list based on his interests and the grades and scores he's earned. He wants: a state school, serious pre-law and stats to prove it, a school as large as UNC or bigger, 3 years of classes based on his APs, a possible 3+3 to law school option offered, a fun college town, big-time sports (at least D1), proximity to a city to visit or fly into and affordability based on merit $$$. The last one is non-negotiable.

Here's the list in order of his preference. We have two tours (honors and regular) at no. 1 (MSU) plus an honors tour at no. 8 (Bowling Green) this weekend.

1. Michigan State
2. University of Kansas
3. University of Kentucky
4. Purdue
5. University of Oklahoma
6. University of Indiana
7. University of Cincinnati
8. Bowling Green - safety
9. Ball State - safety
10. Missouri State University - safety

@Tom McAndrew @Locopsu @Tgar

The process has worked well so far for the first three. Research, tours, follow-up by our children and a weekend at the campus or a summer week at campuses. Very excited for our son and I think he's done well in the process so far. With each child, we have thoroughly researched my alma mater Dear Old State and have gotten nowhere, even remotely close to what other schools could offer. Sad part of an otherwise exciting, memorable time for my wife, kids and I.

Feel free to offer suggestions or comments on these campuses. I always enjoy hearing constructive info. *Miami University in Oxford, OH should be on the list but my son knows it extremely well after my oldest got her undergrad degree there.

Apex enjoy the process. Love seeing your kids grow up, enjoyed our last visit and hearing about med school, and her dreams, congrats to you and Kim. Now get your a$$ up for Minnesota!

Locopsu · Wednesday at 12:36 PM

Lion84 said:
Daughter is a Junior at PSU we are in State but it amazes me the number of kids there paying out of state tuition doubt I would have and PSU hardly ever gives anyone a break on tuition. She does love it at PSU after passing up some southern schools. She really wanted UNC and w loved the campus and even with a 4.25 weighted GPA she didn’t get in since they have to take such a high percentage of kids from in state - ~85% I think.

Friends daughter loved it, got accepted little to no aid, went south.

ApexLion · Wednesday at 12:53 PM

Lion84 said:
Daughter is a Junior at PSU we are in State but it amazes me the number of kids there paying out of state tuition doubt I would have and PSU hardly ever gives anyone a break on tuition. She does love it at PSU after passing up some southern schools. She really wanted UNC and w loved the campus and even with a 4.25 weighted GPA she didn’t get in since they have to take such a high percentage of kids from in state - ~85% I think.

81% of enrollees must be from the state - mandated by state law. Last year 88 kids from my son's high school here in Chapel Hill were accepted at UNC, only 20 accepted. Townies want to go elsewhere.

ApexLion · Wednesday at 12:55 PM

Mrdibbs said:
Very interesting that none of the schools listed are in the southeastern USA.

I'm not surprised that PSU is not on the list.

Astute observation. Children in Chapel Hill are a bit embarrassed by the south according to my son. His take. I love it here.

ApexLion · Wednesday at 12:56 PM

Tom McAndrew said:
Wow, @ApexLion, time has flown. Hard to believe that your youngest is at this juncture.

Congrats to your wife and you on an excellent job of parenting. And congrats to each of your kids for giving themselves a lot of options with excellent academic work.

It is sad that PSU isn't on the list. But on a strictly economic analysis, it's understandable.

I can't offer anything on the list of schools that your youngest is considering. Some wouldn't be on my list, but it's his time/education/decision, so he should choose as his heart and head tell him to do.

The 3+3 plans are very good, if you're 100% sure that's what you want to do. It does condense things a bit at the undergrad level, and you're locked in to a law school that you might not pick 3 years after applying to undergrad. But I know several people that went that route, and most were quite happy with their decision.

Keep us posted. And if he opts for MSU, Indy, or Purdue, well, tell him you don't want to see him on TV rooting against the Blue & White.

Thanks Tom. He will be wearing his Trace McSorely jersey.

ApexLion · Wednesday at 12:57 PM

PSUForever said:
My small suggestion: When you get around to visiting Indiana, the school is called Indiana University or "IU". You will get strange looks referring to it as "University of Indiana".

Good tip. I'm not a fan of IU but we will look.

ApexLion · Wednesday at 12:59 PM

ClarkstonMark said:
Gotta think MSU will fall down the list after visit.
Kid 4 is a HS junior now?

Yes, he's a HS junior. First time in East Lansing @ClarkstonMark coming up. I'll be curious to see what he and Mom think.

Chumboshifko1 · Wednesday at 1:05 PM

My boy just got his Doctorate.

PSU1989 · Wednesday at 3:13 PM

Lion84 said:
Daughter is a Junior at PSU we are in State but it amazes me the number of kids there paying out of state tuition doubt I would have and PSU hardly ever gives anyone a break on tuition. She does love it at PSU after passing up some southern schools. She really wanted UNC and w loved the campus and even with a 4.25 weighted GPA she didn’t get in since they have to take such a high percentage of kids from in state - ~85% I think.

We met with a financial counselor recently, and she gave mathematical examples how financial need and the school's philosophy come into play. She gave one example where Colorado State (we are in CO), was much more expensive than out of state schools (state or private). I think PSU is that way - Need Based money (scholarship, work study) is minimal. So out of state in the south is so much less expensive than in state Pennsylvania.

Lion84 · Wednesday at 4:00 PM

PSU1989 said:
We met with a financial counselor recently, and she gave mathematical examples how financial need and the school's philosophy come into play. She gave one example where Colorado State (we are in CO), was much more expensive than out of state schools (state or private). I think PSU is that way - Need Based money (scholarship, work study) is minimal. So out of state in the south is so much less expensive than in state Pennsylvania.

Very true - a number of her friends are at schools in the South - South Carolina is very popular around here and they were giving in State tuition right off the bat for kids from here now I think it is after your Sophomore Year you get it. Kids here at Charleston, Tampa, Coastal Carolina, UT "Bama etc. nice and warm and cheaper for northern kids. My Oldest went to SCAD in Savannah (Art Kid). Nice schools and cool town and even though private they gave her a boartload of monety so overall reasonable priced.

Nittering Nabob · Wednesday at 8:22 PM

ApexLion said:
Yes, he's a HS junior. First time in East Lansing @ClarkstonMark coming up. I'll be curious to see what he and Mom think.

First and foremost, congrats on raising four intelligent and high achieving young ones who all seem academically and geographically adventurous.

I have a couple of questions. Since your son seems to desire to be an attorney, did he consider post-graduation employment placement in his sort criteria and did he consider applying at schools that are perhaps considered more prestigious when it comes to Law? Perhaps he did and realizes that he has no chance of besting your wise UNC in state tuition limit.

It's interesting that his list is central and upper midwest heavy. Please keep us apprised of his eventual decision.

I think you all might be pleasantly surprised by the MSU campus, especially this time of year. What other campus trips do you have planned?

mh-larch · Wednesday at 9:20 PM

Congratulations! Nice list.....any consideration given to travel costs? For them and you to visit?

laKavosiey-st lion · Thursday at 6:34 AM

Enjoy. This part of parenting is so fun

Midnighter · Thursday at 7:13 AM

ApexLion said:
Good tip. I'm not a fan of IU but we will look.

I know four private jet types on one street in McLean who went to IU (one for grad school). They are well connected and well funded and really put a lot of time and effort into their students and networking. Of all the interns I’ve had, the only one from a public school whose school paid for summer housing in DC was an IU kid. I’d give them a serious look.

razpsu · Thursday at 8:04 AM

One daughter said her 3 choices,
Psu Psu Psu. Then said it is your fault for making me think this way.
out of state no breaks by Psu. Or should say very little thanks to shreyers. But only 3 years thanks to ap and hgtc credit.
next daughter, Penn state and ivys to cold. Went to Duke. Full ride
next daughter, wants psu band, so at psu out of state. Ugh.

but I did tell them when they were little where ever you want to go and have the grades to get in I’m good.

So a friend of mine said his daughter getting married down here even though they live in New York. How much I asked.

he said 75,000. I almost dropped my drink.

now multiply by 3. Ugh. Need to charge 100.00 a pancake.

Connorpozlee · Thursday at 8:23 AM

We’ve had two through college, one is a senior, one is a sophomore. They all liked Xavier but only the youngest is actually going there because the others made better financial decisions. She’s going to have a lot of loans to pay back.

ApexLion · Thursday at 8:27 AM

Midnighter said:
I know four private jet types on one street in McLean who went to IU (one for grad school). They are well connected and well funded and really put a lot of time and effort into their students and networking. Of all the interns I’ve had, the only one from a public school whose school paid for summer housing in DC was an IU kid. I’d give them a serious look.

We are. I have detected some snoot factor about their honors program but that's probably unfair since we haven't toured yet. I hear great things about Bloomington and my oldest was accepted there for med school (declined but liked it a great deal). I'll keep an open mind. @Midnighter

ApexLion · Thursday at 8:29 AM

razpsu said:
One daughter said her 3 choices,
Psu Psu Psu. Then said it is your fault for making me think this way.
out of state no breaks by Psu. Or should say very little thanks to shreyers. But only 3 years thanks to ap and hgtc credit.
next daughter, Penn state and ivys to cold. Went to Duke. Full ride
next daughter, wants psu band, so at psu out of state. Ugh.

but I did tell them when they were little where ever you want to go and have the grades to get in I’m good.

So a friend of mine said his daughter getting married down here even though they live in New York. How much I asked.

he said 75,000. I almost dropped my drink.

now multiply by 3. Ugh. Need to charge 100.00 a pancake.

We can stop in next time we are in Myrtle but I have 3 too. My wife is encouraging all inclusive group of 10-20 in Mexico weddings.

ApexLion · Thursday at 8:32 AM

mh-larch said:
Congratulations! Nice list.....any consideration given to travel costs? For them and you to visit?

We've worked vacations around campus locations so its more natural, e.g., we did a move in at UMaine for d3 and then stayed in Rockport. That kind of thing. Breeze airlines for the kids has been helpful at thanksgiving, christmas and spring breaks. I think the distance has helped the kids grow up.

ApexLion · Thursday at 8:40 AM

Nittering Nabob said:
First and foremost, congrats on raising four intelligent and high achieving young ones who all seem academically and geographically adventurous.

I have a couple of questions. Since your son seems to desire to be an attorney, did he consider post-graduation employment placement in his sort criteria and did he consider applying at schools that are perhaps considered more prestigious when it comes to Law? Perhaps he did and realizes that he has no chance of besting your wise UNC in state tuition limit.

It's interesting that his list is central and upper midwest heavy. Please keep us apprised of his eventual decision.

I think you all might be pleasantly surprised by the MSU campus, especially this time of year. What other campus trips do you have planned?

So we'll head to Kansas City for Kansas and OU in the spring and Kentucky, Cincinnati, Purdue, IU and Ball State next summer. The rest may be post application visits next Fall. The contenders are all near cities of relative size for undergrad internships and employment purposes. He's interested in civil which is interesting to me because most kids end up in big firms. He wants the opposite. I have some friends with civil practices and I've inquired about job shadowing and summer work for our son locally. I always wondered what they did vs. corporate defense.

Anklelocker · Thursday at 9:45 AM

This thread makes me feel fortunate to be in Georgia. Had one go to Georgia, the other Georgia Tech and tuition was all covered by the HOPE Zell Miller scholarship. Youngest daughter will probably end up at Tech also. If any of them would have wanted to go to PSU it would have had to have been through using my life insurance after I died of a heart attack looking at the cost.

Steve JG · Thursday at 11:49 AM

Anklelocker said:
This thread makes me feel fortunate to be in Georgia. Had one go to Georgia, the other Georgia Tech and tuition was all covered by the HOPE Zell Miller scholarship. Youngest daughter will probably end up at Tech also. If any of them would have wanted to go to PSU it would have had to have been through using my life insurance after I died of a heart attack looking at the cost.

same exact experience. Both my kids got in a bunch of name brand places, but having Zell Miller 100% tuition was deciding factor One went UGA and one went Tech. The one who went UGA at times was a little miffed about it as was not in some distant location etc, but a couple year ago when they were out in the working world, in NYC I should add, they told me "wow I am so glad you MADE me go to UGA and have no student loans!! Not even part of that conversation". Was very grateful after the fact.

Moogy · Thursday at 12:04 PM

ApexLion said:
So some of you know we have four kids and my wife I have lived thru 3 college searches so far. Well, child 4 is taking the next step and doing visits, starting this weekend. I let my kids decide where to go to college as long as they can beat the in-state rate at UNC or UNCW. We live 2 miles from the UNC campus. Of the first three, one got into UNC, two got into UNCW but all three went out of state. Child 4 can get into UNC -- high gpa and high test scores, plus mom is a former UNC scholarship attendee/law graduate.

So child 4 has developed his list based on his interests and the grades and scores he's earned. He wants: a state school, serious pre-law and stats to prove it, a school as large as UNC or bigger, 3 years of classes based on his APs, a possible 3+3 to law school option offered, a fun college town, big-time sports (at least D1), proximity to a city to visit or fly into and affordability based on merit $$$. The last one is non-negotiable.

Here's the list in order of his preference. We have two tours (honors and regular) at no. 1 (MSU) plus an honors tour at no. 8 (Bowling Green) this weekend.

1. Michigan State
2. University of Kansas
3. University of Kentucky
4. Purdue
5. University of Oklahoma
6. University of Indiana
7. University of Cincinnati
8. Bowling Green - safety
9. Ball State - safety
10. Missouri State University - safety

@Tom McAndrew @Locopsu @Tgar

The process has worked well so far for the first three. Research, tours, follow-up by our children and a weekend at the campus or a summer week at campuses. Very excited for our son and I think he's done well in the process so far. With each child, we have thoroughly researched my alma mater Dear Old State and have gotten nowhere, even remotely close to what other schools could offer. Sad part of an otherwise exciting, memorable time for my wife, kids and I.

Feel free to offer suggestions or comments on these campuses. I always enjoy hearing constructive info. *Miami University in Oxford, OH should be on the list but my son knows it extremely well after my oldest got her undergrad degree there.

Re "pre-law" ... as a former practicing attorney, and husband of a managing partner at a law firm, I would advise against pursuing "pre-law" anything in undergrad. Then again, your wife is at least a law school grad, so I'm guessing she's counseling the same. If the current intent is eventual law school, you'll develop the requisite skill set to be successful in law school naturally via whatever reasonable educational pathway you choose, and during law school, and law schools don't see pre-law as a benefit ... some, in fact, see it as a detriment. Use undergrad to develop an independently viable potential career path and/or something that can compliment an eventual legal career (study a science to become a patent attorney, etc.).

Also, the 3+3 path seems unnecessarily restrictive, especially if he already has the credits to complete an undergrad degree in 3 years (the 3+3 path actually extending the undergraduate process into the 4th year, which will be his 1L year). What benefit is there to pursuing that path? Regardless, grad school is where you definitely want to attempt to attend an elite institution, if at all possible, and most of these 3+3s restrict you to going to a lesser law school ... and one that may not give you as good a financial aid package as other potential destinations. Again, with the ability to finish the undergrad in 3 already, I don't see the value.

Moogy · Thursday at 12:17 PM

Steve JG said:
same exact experience. Both my kids got in a bunch of name brand places, but having Zell Miller 100% tuition was deciding factor One went UGA and one went Tech. The one who went UGA at times was a little miffed about it as was not in some distant location etc, but a couple year ago when they were out in the working world, in NYC I should add, they told me "wow I am so glad you MADE me go to UGA and have no student loans!! Not even part of that conversation". Was very grateful after the fact.

That's definitely one serious advantage to living in Georgia. The in-state tuition is already dirt cheap, and the ability to get a full ride, while only needing a 3.7 GPA and a 1200 SAT, is ridiculous. Even out of state is cheap - my son's friend is down there right now at Tech, studying Comp Eng. Crazy how much tougher it is to get into out of state. Now if they could just do something about that oppressive heat and humidity ...

Up here in New England, we have an impressive array of top notch educational opportunities, but they're going to cost ya. Our state schools are fairly unimpressive and not that great of a value, regardless ... and not much aid for the better ones (which, again, aren't that much better).

psuro · Thursday at 12:49 PM

BobPSU92 said:
I read the thread title as “The search begins for Child 4.”

uh-Clem · Thursday at 12:50 PM

Nittering Nabob said:
First and foremost, congrats on raising four intelligent and high achieving young ones who all seem academically and geographically adventurous.

I have a couple of questions. Since your son seems to desire to be an attorney, did he consider post-graduation employment placement in his sort criteria and did he consider applying at schools that are perhaps considered more prestigious when it comes to Law? Perhaps he did and realizes that he has no chance of besting your wise UNC in state tuition limit.

It's interesting that his list is central and upper midwest heavy. Please keep us apprised of his eventual decision.

I think you all might be pleasantly surprised by the MSU campus, especially this time of year. What other campus trips do you have planned?

Good point. Also look at the opportunities to work first and second-year summers at prosective firms. My son made $40k each summer as his pay was prorated at 25% of the first year pay at the firm he was looking to join after school.

Midnighter · Thursday at 1:24 PM

ApexLion said:
We've worked vacations around campus locations so its more natural, e.g., we did a move in at UMaine for d3 and then stayed in Rockport. That kind of thing. Breeze airlines for the kids has been helpful at thanksgiving, christmas and spring breaks. I think the distance has helped the kids grow up.

Rockport! Where we go in the summer (Camden/Rockport/Rockland). Nice.

ApexLion · Thursday at 1:50 PM

Midnighter said:
Rockport! Where we go in the summer (Camden/Rockport/Rockland). Nice.

I think we are going to try a full family trip this year to Samoset at Rockport. I haven't had all 6 of us together on a trip in 8 years. We were at a smaller place about a mile away last year. It was great but need more rooms. @Midnighter

Midnighter · Thursday at 2:06 PM

ApexLion said:
I think we are going to try a full family trip this year to Samoset at Rockport. I haven't had all 6 of us together on a trip in 8 years. We were at a smaller place about a mile away last year. It was great but need more rooms. @Midnighter

Where we stay when we go. Love it. We have smaller kids so the smore's each night are a treat, as are the milkshakes from the pool bar/restaurant. Wife and I love going to the smaller restaurants and wine bars in Camden too. Last year we did Mt. Battie so looking for another hike next summer. I think this year we'll be there for the Camden Jazz Festival so really excited for that. Quintessential small town America is tough to beat....

Bring your clubs!

And we're off! Child 4 begins the search.

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