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I've just finished reading A is for Admission, and I feel both relieved and depressed. Relieved, because my daughter is distinctly averse to the idea of going to an Ivy, and depressed because I don't think she'd get in even if she did. Does anyone have a feel for how similar the experience is at a lower-tier school? I'm particularly interested/concerned about references. In our school district students move to the Senior High School for their junior and senior year. This means brand-new teachers AND counselors, so there's no continuity, and in fact, not much time for anyone to get to know my child. I imagine that it's NOT a good idea to go back to her sophomore counselor for a reference, even though it would be glowing, so what is one supposed to do? I realise that everyone in her 800 + class will be in the same boat, and that many colleges will be aware of that, but it does seem, from reading the above book, that it's one of the things that can make or break an applicant, assuming everything else is in line. I don't know, I suppose I'm seeking reassurance that this is not going to torpedo her chances, but I realise that that's probably not possible. This college stuff is scary!

Jennifer

By amd on Thursday, May 16, 2002 - 12:29 am: Edit

It IS a buyer's market, other than at the very top 50 colleges or so.

By jenniferpa on Thursday, May 16, 2002 - 03:30 pm: Edit

Well, I suppose that's comforting, except that although I don't expect (or encourage) Ivy aspirations, top 50 is pretty broad, and at least some of them are potentials. Has anyone any insight into the reference issue?

Jennifer

By mominva on Thursday, May 16, 2002 - 07:31 pm: Edit

Most school want references from junior or senior teachers. My child got into some top 50 schools with two recommendations. One was from a teacher child had in both junior (science elective) and senior (research project)years and the other from a writing teacher child had only for senior year. Both teachers were reminded of specific accomplishments, characteristics, and incidents my child wanted highlighted.

By Roger (Roger) on Thursday, May 16, 2002 - 09:12 pm: Edit

Junior teachers will probably be able to do a good job, maybe even a senior teacher who works closely with the student - if they are all duds, you COULD go back to sophomore year, though I'd suggest more recent exposure. I wouldn't sweat it too much - even past the so-called top 20, a strong academic record (with no showstoppers in the essay, EC, or reference areas) should suffice.