Haley spends quite a bit of time up at UT Dallas and TCU. She's spending 3 weeks at Duke Tip Camp at Trinity University. Today, we visit her TOP contender for college - UNT.
Why UNT (as a top consideration right now)?
When a child is only 13 years old and contemplating University there are factors to be considered that an older young woman can de-emphasize. Also, it goes without saying (but I'll say it anyway) that a college decision in a child this age affects the *entire* family. She is not independent by any real measure, therefore resources (most notably, time) are thrust to the forefront.
1. Age. She is too young to live with 20 year-olds in a dormitory. She is too young to live alone (or with college-age roommates) in an apartment in the city. So, really, she has to live at home. Either OUR home, or the home of family. Theoretically, I would consider the home of 'family' if it were my mother. But since my mother is not alive anymore, that only leaves OUR family.
She has to live at home with us. We live in Tarrant County. She has to live in Tarrant County.
Unless we move. And moving affects my job, my contracts, William's contracts, the younger two children and their entire educational and social environment (that we've worked years to meticulously build - J&J friends, Orchestra, Taylored Curriculum, after many moves the "perfect" swim team, and so-forth-and-so-on). Quite a bit to uproot, just to go to College Station, or Houston. And moving out of Texas is an even bigger imposition on our lives (medical licenses, our house, the homeschooling environment and resources we understand and have gathered). And the pressure that would put, not only on the family, but on Haley. What if she doesn't like the school? What if she wants to change her mind (as young people do)? Is it the best and right decision to move our entire lives?
Therefore, realistically, it makes the most sense to start close to home with our considerations.
2. Support. Living at home has tons of perks. It is not easy to be a "grown-up" and do everything "grown-ups have to do" and...STUDY. Shopping, mail, bills, cooking, cleaning, gas/travel, washing/laundry, obtaining medications and treatments as needed. All of these life tasks occupy time and mental energy (not to mention money and transportation). Imagine the benefit of having all of these things 100% taken care of while you focus on studying?
3. Supervision. Executive Function still developing. 13 year old children do not possess a fully developed and connected frontal lobe. And gifted children may have asynchronous development which may lead to a precocious necessity to increase the level of academic challenge, but the ability to manage their time and carry out the tasks may require assistance. Haley needs help organizing, prioritizing, and managing her time. At home, we can do frequent reevaluations and make adjustments to her schedule. We can continue working with her on these very valuable skills. However, we don't have to hold her back academically as she develops these other "life" executive skills.
4. Commute. Now that we've established that Haley needs to live at home, home is in Tarrant County, and assistance with time/organization are keys to her college success - we have to consider the commute. All time traveling could be better spent doing something 'not traveling.'
Within driving distance of our home we have the following options:
- UNT Denton - Closest. 30K+ students. Has fencing, harp, and good diversity. $10K/year
- TCU - Close. 9K students. $43K/year
- UT Arlington - Close. 30K+ students. $9K/year. Not very well respected. High attrition.
- UT Dallas - About 45 min away. 16K students. $12K/year. More competitive. Men>Women. Auto-admission at 42 units. But *may* not accept all major credits.
- UofD - Close. 1,300 students (small). $38K/year. Religious. Will not accept many of her credits.
- Texas Woman's University - Closest. 10K students. $8700/year
- SMU - About 45 minutes away. 6400 students. $50K+/year
- Texas Wesleyan - Close. <2K students. $26K/year
- UNT Dallas - Far. 2500 students. $2000/year
5. Size. Haley has made it clear that she wants to get out of the "fish bowl" and be "anonoymous" in a sea of people. She figures, of 30,000+ students, she WILL connect with 'people like her' (in whatever capacities she deems worthy of connection). Larger institutions tend to have more options (more diversity, more people, more services....just more). After being in a school of 3, and a class of 1, she is ready to try a new thing. So much in fact that she doesn't NOT want to consider a school with less than 10K students.
6. Academic programming. Most (large, public) schools in Texas (and otherwise) have descent academic programs, an array of majors, researchers, and a slice for 'everyone.' Haley is thinking about biochemistry as a major. This is a common major that is not highly specific. Therefore, any of the schools would suffice. An additional perk of TWU, UTD, and UNT (for sure) is a student doesn't have to get accepted into the individual schools of study once you're accepted into the University. So she'll get to the college (within the university) of her choice.
7. Social scene. This is influenced by diversity (gender, social, ethnic, age, economic, political, religious, ability, and activities to do, etc). I often hear myself saying how "stupid" we all are to overly focus on "socialization" in schools when the children are there to learn, not be distracted by same-age peers. HOWEVER, I have always honored the fact that socialization (in LIFE) is probably THE most important thing. Being social, fitting into your little group (whatever group you choose for yourself), and connecting with humans is what keeps us alive, motivated, and happy. To clarify, my position has been that this (socialization) doesn't have to happen (and, indeed is not likely to happen in a way that 'makes sense') when you are "limited" to being social with the girl/guy next to you in a required class. A person forced to be there. The ONLY thing you have in common is your "date of manufacture" stratified by birth year.
THAT is not what connects us. Those are not your chosen allies, advocates, friends, and partners (i.e. social prospects) that are based on shared interests, common vision, true support, or even real friendship. Childhood friendships are inherently unstable, and oftentimes, an attachment too tight, too early, is very constricting to growth and exploration - a very necessary attribute of youth.
Once college considerations (the choice, the majors, the clubs, the activities) begin to determine WHO you interact with (and therefore become your pool of social interaction and ultimately friends) your social circle becomes more customized, makes more logical sense, and is therefore much more useful. The aliquots become more specific to the person's own interests and desires making them worthy of, not only consideration, but actually they become worthy to be sought after. So, at this level (and for these reasons) the social scenes in college matters.
Activities and options - a school with music, and sports, clubs, and diversity, engenders spirit and offers opportunities for exploration and participation. This is especially true of someone who doesn't really have a singular 'passion' that drives their decisions.
8. Price (cost). When considering the cost of college, and the burden of debt on students, it only makes sense to consider the cost of attending a particular university. Cost takes into consideration, not only tuition, but aid, scholarships, and grants - of course. But ALSO, cost of living in an area, family support, number of separate residencies a family has to maintain, and transportation. Additionally, if this is not going to be her terminal degree (and at age 17/18 at graduation, it is likely she'll continue schooling), it doesn't make SENSE to spend $200K being "in love" with an institution that "doesn't love you back." And the way a school shows love is...monetary. It is a bad business decision to make an emotional choice without considering the money.
Public Texas schools are "affordable." Just over $1000/month is less than even "low-end" day-care. Of course one must be careful to not discount the private universities and their generous merit aid awards. However, should be "bank" on merit aid? All the paperwork, and invasion of privacy, begging, and being pimped, and you STILL have to come up with "family unmet need" which (except in the best cases) will charge in higher than public college tuition.
Our daughter, at 13, is not "competitive" with even her own 18 year old SELF. She's competing with 18 year-old Haley's (who just chose a different route). I'm not sure...we should "bank on" merit age for our 13 year-old. Its a huge accomplishment in itself to have the opportunity (and be eligible) just to apply and attend.
9. Safety. Of course. UNT has high-school on campus - TAMS. This is a positive because many of those students take classes with the general population, live on campus (and are therefore 'around' and 'seen') and some even stay there as undergraduates.
10. Pre-Med/Medical School prospects - UNT has a osteopathic medical school, and plans to collaborate with TCU for an allopathic medical school. As a pre-med student at UNT, Haley will be in an academically "smaller pool" in an area looking to acquire medical students. In the metroplex, there will be 3 medical schools (7 million people). In Los Angeles there are 3 medical schools as well (19 million people). Sounds like being in DFW as a pre-med major is a good strategy.
Extra point of consideration: There is also the consideration of transfer. Haley will be coming into the University as transfer. Either 1st or 2nd year (see college transfer considerations/plans post about this). Therefore, the question of how many credits will successfully transfer, sequential scheduling requirements, GPA, scholarships, and when she is eligible to apply, will help determine which University she ultimately chooses.
- TWU allows for transfer after 12 college hours (sans high-school credentials); its inexpensive, close to home, and students seem to enjoy their time there as big fish in a tiny pond. However, its a small school, and doesn't have the resources, variety of options, nor the prestige of even UNT has.
- UNT allows for transfer after 30 college hours (and its important to check the Universities to ensure the dual enrolled classes "count." Sometimes they don't - as they are 'protected' so students can maintain their in-state fee structure even-though they may exceed the number of credits allowing them to do so. CLEP credit does NOT count towards transfer credit. It is awarded *after* transfer). 2.75 GPA, sans high-school credentials.*
- UT Dallas is our last major consideration. Based on location/distance, price, and prestige. UT Dallas is a fantastic emerging University. It'll be more difficult (we anticipate) to stand out academically since the caliber of student is higher than at UNT. Its smaller, which is a drawback - with less amenities and social options. Great diversity, but men outnumber women. And the men are more 'tech.' Which for a young girl looking to socialize, it might not be the best social environment. UT Dallas allows transfer sans high-school credentials at 30 college units. However, the *application* for Fall will be based on only 1 semester of Community College grades - and the acceptance/rejection rests on that. This could be a drawback. A perk, however, is, UT Dallas guarantees admission for transfer student from TCC at 42 hours with a 2.5 GPA. Totally doable. Worst case, then, is she has to go to TCC for 2 years, transfer to UTD (excellent school) and finish there. She'll add a year to her college experience going this route (because 2 years at TCC may not allow for credit in organic chemistry). But, that's something we'll look into later if necessary...
*The reason that this is a perk is because, now, Haley can focus on getting a good Community College GPA (no standardized test study) nor will we have to worry (at all) about homeschool/high-school transcript. Her determination will rest solely on her credentials that BEGIN NOW. That, is a great stress relief for her.
***
There may be a couple of schools worth applying to based on proximity, bragging rights, or other considerations. Until an offer is on the table (and being human and unable to predict the future) it makes sense to apply out of this area. Never know what the offer will be, or what opportunities the family may have to actually explore an acceptance. **Spelman, Fisk, Prairie View, Smith, Texas A&M, Texas Tech; Xavier of Louisiana. Maybe CA schools (I have a license there, and we have family/friends there) UC Berkeley, UCLA, USC, Loyola Marymount, maybe Stanford).
