University Open House #2 -- thanks to laverite, Palimpsest, shamus100, etc.

Billy the Ex-Bethelite

Okay, about 3 months ago I had a rant on my University Open House thread. And I got a lot of encouragement and great advice that's been helpful.

As things turned out, I received a letter of acceptance from that university, but haven't enrolled. I thought about laverite's advice to go for the best university for my situation that I can afford. In another thread, shamus name-dropped a degree program that was needed in his area. Ironically for a face-eatting monkey, he had wisely mentioned the program that I'm actually interested in pursuing. But it's a challenging program that isn't available in most universities. So, I started over looking at better schools that have the degree program that I wanted. This last Saturday, I went to another Transfer Open House at a "better" university and had a great time. I used Palimpsest's advice, as well as the advice of so many others on that thread, and went with a positive attitude, questions clearly in mind, and transcripts in hand.

This program was better organized, and when we split up to meet with the different schools, I was the only one for my degree program and actually got to meet one-on-one with the department chair, which was a surprise. I got all my questions answered, and then some. This school is in a major metropolis, and he explained that it will be easy to get internships or co-ops right away. We reviewed the courses I had completed and would be finishing this spring and summer. It will still be another three years to complete the Bachelor program, but it's not like Armageddon is coming before then. So now I'm waiting for this letter of acceptance. I asked about my chances of being accepted and was told, "well, it's not like you can get your grades any higher." So, I'm optimistic.

Anyway, this fading JW is no longer feeling like a loser or scared of worldly education.

crazyblondeb

I'm soooo freaking proud of u right now!

I feel like a proud mom!!

AudeSapere

Congrats!

Sounds like you had a lot fun even just attending the event.

Probably even beat out the *best* day in field service. No?

-Aude.

Millions

Anyway, this fading JW is no longer feeling like a loser or scared of worldly education.

That is the best thing ever, and I only came across your story this evening. Knowledge is power man!! You are really making me think about where and what I will choose to study at uni, so far I have only been looking at what's around locally, but I need to get serious and study up on a whole range of places. Thanks for sharing, it's perfect timing for me, and you are SO going to have a blast.

Respect and thanks, Millions

sherah

BTX, you've come a long way. Sending good vibes your way.

nolongerwaiting

WOOHOO!! Good for you!

NLW's wife

Band on the Run

I graduated from an Ivy League college and then the fourth ranked law school on very generous scholarships. It was hard coming from a culture where education is mocked. I should have been more open to getting help but I was embarassed. Most of my teachers told me to go to the local state teachers college which was a joke. It was class based b/c my parents had no college and teachers thought I could not afford a decent school. My middle class classmates with same grades and SATs were encouraged to go to Harvard and Yale. I chose my school based on a write up in a teen fashion magazine.

B/c of the times, they were recruiting heavily disadvantaged students so I was the token white in many groups. These schools are well endowed so I ended up paying far less than if I attended the state teachers college. There was a tangible difference in the sophistication. If I had graduated the state teachers college, no law school would have touched me. Medical school would have been out of the question. There are unwritten rules.

So I want to fully encourage you in a way that only a few encouraged me. Go for the best. Several schools have policies of accepting all who qualify for admission with financial aid packages. The limitations of this economy are real. I am very conscious of my good fortune and that private money made it possible. I invest in my schools b/c others deserve the chance I had. Coming from the Witnesses may actually be a positive. You will appreciate the experience and cherish academic tradition.

I selected students for my law school scholarship program. The students popped out at me. I was forced to play a detached role. There was someone from a tough background who graduated the state teacher college. She was a minority so, although she did not know it, was the hottest pick. When she met all these Ivy and comp students, she started apologizing. Her parents were opposing law school for cultural reasons. The first thing I did when I arrived home was to call minority students to speak to her. She was going to become a self-fulfilling prophecy of failure. A bunch of black students in the South at a black college were specifically recruited with special deals that were very favorable. The school was desperate to improve its numbers and liked the sell of regular people getting an edge. All were accepted which was the plan. Not one had the guts to come up North.

I almost did not come up North. Please don't be someone who won't come up North. What an exciting adventure ahead of you. Go for it with gusto.

University Open House #2 -- thanks to laverite, Palimpsest, shamus100, etc.

Billy the Ex-Bethelite

crazyblondeb

AudeSapere

Millions

sherah

nolongerwaiting

Band on the Run

elderelite

jamiebowers

shamus100

Share this