https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-from-moms-with-college-kids Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 18 Apr 2026 20:51:25 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-from-moms-with-college-kids#post-2249171 Sun, 23 Jan 2022 05:13:49 +0000 Debbie 2249171@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We have an appointment to visit on March 10th. I am happy he will get to see the campus and talk to his admissions counselor and be assigned an advisor. He will be able to connect with a student in the computer department. I am feeling much better about this.</p> <p>Jenava that is very good advise thank you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-from-moms-with-college-kids#post-2248606 Wed, 19 Jan 2022 01:48:08 +0000 Jenava 2248606@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wanted to chime in wrt to the major selection and maybe this is not relevant. But I've found both through doing it right and doing it wrong that taking classes in things that really excite and appeal to him is the best approach. You can learn stuff in any major that applies to many careers. Most people working in CS don't actually have a CS degree, honestly. Telling a story, as an example, is one of the most difficult things about building good video games. If he learns what he likes he'll always land somewhere he's happy! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-from-moms-with-college-kids#post-2248441 Tue, 18 Jan 2022 00:55:55 +0000 DonnaF 2248441@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I join the chorus in hoping that GS can visit NO before he makes his final decision. Believe it or not, according to what was said on the (mostly parental) College Confidential discussion boards, many if not most kids base their decision on whether they like a campus’s squirrels.</p> <p>It can be a problem if a decision is based on a single professor. They can go on sabbatical at an inopportune time or leave for another school. A program or philosophy is another matter. </p> <p>We visited a liberal arts college in a rural area. Not unusual, right? But it showed DD that she wanted/needed a more urban environment since she grew up in a city. After a great interview and a few other things the school started aggressively to pursue DD — to the extent we had to tell them she wasn’t interested because we were afraid they would offer so much money that it would be hard to turn down. I continue to feel we made the right decision. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-from-moms-with-college-kids#post-2248343 Mon, 17 Jan 2022 04:56:44 +0000 Echo 2248343@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is SO hard without being able to visit in person. My kids chose very much based on the programs, but also the culture of the campus. DD is so interested in diversity and social justice, so attending a very open and welcoming campus is a top priority for her. Given that sort of thing often goes hand-in-hand with a thriving arts community on campus, it looks like it will be a great fit for her (she will attend in the fall).</p> <p>Ds chose to attend a smaller, more conservative campus, but just his luck, covid went into full swing and he was living in the dorm with no roommate, his classes went online, and students could not even dine in the dining halls or go the the gym or attend any clubs in person. He met NO ONE and was miserable. He discontinued after one semester and will be going back to a different campus this fall (with a clearer idea of what he wants to do). And, yes, we paid for room and board as well as tuition, despite there being zero campus life. Whereas some places offered money back when covid first impacted campuses, most now will not as covid is a known risk (along with temporary pivots to virtual learning).</p> <p>But I very much agree that looking into the programs and their focus is important. For example, my oldest son became a mechanical engineer. The school he went to was one of the only ones in the state that offered certificates in less common drafting programs (in addition to the major ones in use), which really helped him when he was seeking a job. The company where he is employed actually uses an older program, and DS is helping them modernize their records digitally and hopes to be able to help guide them toward a more modern program in the future.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-from-moms-with-college-kids#post-2248203 Sun, 16 Jan 2022 06:05:29 +0000 Anonymous 2248203@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>&nbsp;Is it’s to the schools determined the final decision for both boys. &nbsp;The first was easy it was a scientific school and everyone on campus looked like him. &nbsp;The second oldest chose a huge university with lots of opportunity for personal growth. &nbsp;Lots of diversity. &nbsp;It depends on how your grandson feels and how he wants to grow. &nbsp;My dad believed that if you went away to school it should be far enough away that you could not come home on weekends. &nbsp;Both sons did that and it really forces involvement in the campus life. &nbsp;Local schools sometimes don’t have much campus life and are best for those who are married with kids who are finishing a degree, or for two years to save money. </p> <p>Good luck. &nbsp;This can be a huge decision and a determining factor where the child later chooses to live and work</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-from-moms-with-college-kids#post-2248174 Sun, 16 Jan 2022 03:12:29 +0000 rachylou 2248174@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaming is a wretched industry. They treat you like dirt. If I were him, I’d look at other fields which use the same skills, like medical imaging. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-from-moms-with-college-kids#post-2248155 Sat, 15 Jan 2022 23:40:01 +0000 Beth Ann 2248155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Neither of my college student kids made their final decisions until April -- I wonder if he'll be able to visit a school in a few weeks time?&nbsp; If not, he could visit campus to get a feel for the community and probably meet with profs and admission while masked. Just make sure he knows the deadlines for accepting his scholarship!</p> <p>Neither of my kids expected to choose the schools they did -- the visits were huge -- they even got to stay overnight. Fortunately, my son visited early, because he was a 2020 HS grad. Visiting a professor, class and meeting with students is valuable. If he's comparing the caliber of the programs -- focusing on faculty and class visits are key.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Has he met with professors and attended classes virtually? I imagine they could do that right now.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Best wishes to your grandson!&nbsp; He is already learning so much about resilience and adapting in the face of adversity! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-from-moms-with-college-kids#post-2248146 Sat, 15 Jan 2022 21:45:51 +0000 Debbie 2248146@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>He intends to major in computer science and other concentrations in cyber security and gaming. He is trying to cover his bases. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-from-moms-with-college-kids#post-2247680 Wed, 12 Jan 2022 21:58:20 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2247680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not knowing anything about your grandson, I will pass along what a friend of mine in the Northeast says. She is a computer sciences professor, and sees lots of kids who want to major in making video games. Some succeed in getting a job in that industry, but far more do not. Based on what I’ve heard from her over the years, I think anyone who intends to go into video game creation needs to make sure they have a broad, thorough grounding in computer sciences, so they can easily move in a different direction if need be. No shade on your grandson, and I don’t want to rain on his parade, but I’ve heard about the oversupply of students from her many, many times. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-from-moms-with-college-kids#post-2247544 Wed, 12 Jan 2022 04:07:44 +0000 Debbie 2247544@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wrote two post that somehow disappeared. I am going to try again.</p> <p>Thank-you for your thoughtful responses.<br /> My GS has toured in person the local school. He thinks at this point the New Orleans school is more into the creative side of what he wants to do and the school here is more into exploring the games that already exist.<br /> I asked questions today and that’s what i got.</p> <p>GS is leaning towards New Orleans. He has taken every on line tour they have offered. They have assigned him an alumni mentor and basically have made him feel welcomed and wanted as a part of the program. They have handled the pandemic well and it would be easy to get him home. He will have a car mainly for hurricane evacuations. </p> <p>We visited a large Texas school and it took one look and said I can’t do this. He definitely wants a smaller school which both of these are.</p> <p>Hopefully they will open in the middle of February. </p> <p>Thank you again for all your help! You gave me plenty to think about. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-from-moms-with-college-kids#post-2247477 Tue, 11 Jan 2022 18:55:02 +0000 Barbara Diane 2247477@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There are a lot of factors to consider, and great suggestions above. A few more: Does he know what he wants to study or does he expect to take different classes to figure it out? Are both schools the same size? Do they have programs that form small groups-10-15 kids plus a sponsor or RA, to help the kids bond? Would it be better to defer for a year and do something else for a year, with the ability to visit, and hopefully have in person classes? Has one school handled the pandemic better-whether that is keeping Covid out, or being supportive when students have to go online? How easy can he get back home if sent home due to Covid?</p> <p>Visiting was key for my sons, they seemed to know instantly where they wanted to go, and luckily, were accepted there. And when we visited one larger one, the chaos was a factor.</p> <p>Many students I know have changed schools as the first ones were not a good fit. Would it be easier to change into one of the schools than the other?<br />Is there any way to find out/compare support finding a job after? Alumni support and connections?<br />Can he sit in on some online classes?&nbsp;</p> <p>Good luck to him. It sounds like he has good choices.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-from-moms-with-college-kids#post-2247465 Tue, 11 Jan 2022 17:07:24 +0000 Carla 2247465@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The DS’s chose their schools based on the programs available and the orientation of the program. &nbsp;Much like chewiespagetti noted in her response, programs can slant towards one aspect of a discipline vs another, or be more applied vs research. &nbsp;With so much online learning and cancellation of extra curriculars, &nbsp;the campus vibe is completely changed and may not be a factor at all for decision making.</p> <p>DS#2 was reimbursed or had his rez fees discounted based on the amount of online learning (done at home) &nbsp;vs in person (on campus.). When his program went hybrid and he had to be on campus, he was the only one in a campus apt intended for 6, without any increase in fee. &nbsp;The last two terms he did end up with a room mate, but the first one left mid term, and the second one after one month. &nbsp;DS#2 is on his second program, so has lived rez life, and also lived off campus and is mature. His school has kept Covid out of the on campus rez system. &nbsp;There was a breakout early in the pandemic in off campus student housing when an illegal party resulted in community spread including to two different schools. &nbsp;There were fines, expulsions, and unfortunately one student died.</p> <p>Proof of vaccination is a requirement at the schools as is adherence to mask wearing and other pandemic protocols. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-from-moms-with-college-kids#post-2247463 Tue, 11 Jan 2022 16:56:47 +0000 gryffin 2247463@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Debbie - the visit was incredibly important.&nbsp; I don't know how to advise you.&nbsp; Every school has a "flavor"&nbsp; It's very distinct.&nbsp; In fact my son drove to one school and would not exit the car.&nbsp; You get a sense, and in answer to your unasked question, we have found this sense to unerringly valid.&nbsp; My son is a double major, performance tuba and premed.&nbsp; Alot of his decision was on the professor he would study with.&nbsp; But meeting the kids in the dept, the professors was invaluable.&nbsp; If there is any way your GS can or at least connect in some way.&nbsp; Even if you go and drive around the campus it would really help.&nbsp; It's such a tough time to college shop.&nbsp; GL!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-from-moms-with-college-kids#post-2247449 Tue, 11 Jan 2022 14:46:35 +0000 Indigoprint 2247449@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It could depend on the school, but our son received a partial reimbursement when sent home the first time in March of 2020. Then his next semester he was online at home and paid only tuition and books.<br />Last spring semester he was on campus but most of his classes were still online, so he paid for the dorm and mostly stayed sequestered in his dorm room.<br />Currently he is in a non-campus apartment. Most classes are still online.</p> <p>You could look at the demographics of the students attending said colleges to help sort things out. 2 of our kids went to a close University with a homogenous student body. One attends a more urban campus with much variety in student ages and levels of campus participation.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-from-moms-with-college-kids#post-2247429 Tue, 11 Jan 2022 08:14:56 +0000 rachylou 2247429@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I too have to speak from my own experience… I started at one school and graduated from another. I absolutely hated that first school and left by the first quarter. Total personality mismatch. Academically respectable but also a hippie party school. I really needed to be with working people who had an application for their education already in the works - and to have teachers focused on teaching, not just their own work. Not for the sake of my learning. It was a values and respect thing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-from-moms-with-college-kids#post-2247418 Tue, 11 Jan 2022 05:28:10 +0000 chewyspaghetti 2247418@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The only advice I will give you is from my own experience and not from my son going to college: have him compare the program he is interested in from both schools and see what their focus is. He may need to speak tosomeone in the department to figure this out. I chose a school whose campus, location, and vibe I liked better. However, their psychology program is focused on research and that wasn't something I was interested in, and so none of the internships or hands on work available was a good fit for me and I couldn't do grad school there. The other school would have been a better choice for someone interested in the clinical side. Just because both schools offer the same major program, it doesn't necessarily mean that the program will be a good fit for him. This was something I was not aware of. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-from-moms-with-college-kids#post-2247413 Tue, 11 Jan 2022 04:12:06 +0000 Debbie 2247413@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My grandson will start college in the fall. This is a very hard time to pick a school. He has narrowed it down to two schools one here in San Antonio and the other in New Orleans. He has great scholarships to both schools. We have just not been able to visit the one in New Orleans. Both schools have gone to online learning.</p> <p>My question is how did your kids pick a school during this time. Do you still pay room and board even though they are home. Any advice suggestions ect would be very appreciated. </p>