Best Colleges for Skiing?

From a cultural fit uvm might be good for you.  For skiing which is all you seem to care about yes.  Not sure about the rest.  It's a big school so you will need to find your own niche and set of friends.  Costs a lot so the other kids are going to rich suburban kids which you have said aren't your strong suit.  That does not seem to be your forte so use skiing or maybe a frat though that is not a good idea as a freshman.

How is uvm for your major?  Not really known an engineering school.  They do have strong bio science and technology programs.

Kind of feel for Snodad.  Out of state UVM is $54 grand plus two season passes and a car plus other Spending money and it does not seem like you intend to have a part time job at school.  Ouch!

raisingarizona wrote

  Don't miss out on skiing the lift line at Smuggs tho when the snow is good. It's one of the best steep ski lines in the east.

THIS!!! Sno, do yourself a favor and do not rule Smuggs out. I know u feel the lifts suck, whatever, but the skiing far outweighs whatever issues you feel you have with the lifts. If I were a student at UVM I'd have a Smuggs pass for sure. Less crowded of a mountain, sick on map terrain, and complete access to the best slack country skiing in the East. You can explore that Notch for years and never hit everything in there.

UVM costs a lot less than RPI, Skidmore, Williams, and Union College do.  Of the places I've visited so far, the only place less expensive is SUNY Albany.  I am visiting some other state schools in the future (Likely Binghamton and Plattsburg), so that will change.

Just because I don't plan on having a job during ski season doesn't mean that I won't have one at all.  One can work for the Lake Champlain Ferry seasonally, so I could see doing that in the off season since I like being on the lake.

I never said rich suburban kids aren't my strong point, I don't think wealth has anything to do with friends.  What creates a major problem no matter what "social class" kids are from is when they're all part of these nasty clique groups who detest anyone who isn't exactly like them.  Sports is usually the deciding factor and I don't play any.  I felt like I'd really fit in if I went there.

If you are a NY resident, you should look harder at the SUNY system. New Paltz, Albany and Plattsburgh might work for you. They are half the cost of UVM.

We're not thinking about cost just yet.  We're not even sure what type of deal I could get at each of the schools.  Right now, we are visiting a variety of schools, both public and private, and of different sizes.  Once I decide where to apply and figure out whether I got in or not, we will look at the deal that each of the schools gave me.  At that time I will decide where I want to go and how we're going to pay for it.  I'm currently leaning toward UVM, but I may check out some western schools as I'd be from far away and more unique, so maybe a better deal.

snoloco wrote

We're not thinking about cost just yet.  

"We"?

You may not be but I'm sure Snodad is.  I know I would be.  Assuming Dad is paying for all this or you would be looking at costs too.  Remember the less your education costs the sooner Snodad gets to retire.

If you didnt grow up on Lake Champlain your odds of scoring a ferry job are about the same as becoming an astronaut

Snodad saw me typing that post out and said that it was an intelligent response.  He said "why make yourself crazy worrying about the deal you are getting at different schools".  I don't even know exactly where I'm applying yet.  I'd probably apply at most of the ones I've visited.  I have visited the following schools so far.

Skidmore College
Williams College
RPI
SUNY Albany
UVM
Union College

Of these, UVM and SUNY Albany are the easiest to get into by far with SUNY Albany most likely being the least expensive.  Skidmore, RPI, and Union would be a bit harder to get into, but definitely possibly for me, and Williams is the hardest and I don't think I'd get into that one.


I plan to visit the following in the future.

SUNY Plattsburg
SUNY New Paltz
Dartmouth
Middlebury
Somewhere out west, but not sure where yet

Of these, the two SUNY schools would be the easiest to get into, but wherever I visited out west might be pretty easy because being from the east, I might bring extra diversity to their student population.  I don't think I'd get into Dartmouth or Middlebury, but it doesn't hurt to apply just in case.

snoloco wrote

Of these, the two SUNY schools would be the easiest to get into, but wherever I visited out west might be pretty easy because being from the east, I might bring extra diversity to their student population.

Another white suburban kid from NJ. How diverse. The reality is your dad pays full price at any other state school you pick out west.

 

snoloco wrote

 I don't think I'd get into Dartmouth or Middlebury, but it doesn't hurt to apply just in case.

Instead of donating money to these 2 wealthy "non profits" for nothing, why not let your dad keep his hard earned cash for other expenses related to your college selection?

"I might bring extra diversity to their student population."


I hate to bust on Sno, but that has to be the funniest thing I read today.    And that is saying something because I have been reading the comments section of some pretty controversial news stories---which always brings out the kooks on both sides of any issue.  


Dartmouth--I know of a young woman, highly engaged in her community like none other I have ever heard of before, volunteered for 3-4 groups 365/yr, cheerleader, volleyball star, graduated HS with 5 college classes and maxed out her SATs, junior year.   Her dad and her dad's dad both went to Dartmouth, both are still alive, very successful and wrote long requests.  And they have the $ to pay full price.      

On the DL, they were advised she was too white, middle class etc and they had 100s of other candidates just like her.  They need real diversity.     Sno as much as I like you, you are not bringing any diversity to a campus near or far from yourself.   You might bring some diversity to Portillo, Chile but I am guessing they really don't much care about a rounded student body in South America.  Or..their classes look just like ours.      

That said, I cannot help but think of an laugh at loud at the South Park episodes where NJ folks start migrating west... "its an almost Jersey thing"    

I hope Sno's dad reads through this thread and learns about state schools and CCs and the like.  Some parents just don't seem to know or think their kid is going to get an inferior education.

I tell you what, if it was my kid... the options would be:

1) I pay, you go to CC, get good grades and transfer to big boy school once you're sure you know what you want to do.

2) You pay, do whatever you want. Get in debt, flunk out, go out west and blow off class to do whatever... I don't care... but not on my dime.  And when you come back I'll help you get on your feet at CC and do #1.

Look at all the hate I'm getting from most of you who don't know anything.  My dad actually works in a company that publishes college textbooks, so I'd think he knows colleges well, a lot better than most of you who continually pound your fist about the cost blowing it so far out of proportion.  

92% of UVM's students are getting some type of merit scholarship. The only ones who pay list price are the ones who make millions and don't care about costs at all.  I'm sure many schools are similar to that.  I'm just using their number because it is the school I want to go to the most.

I was talking about geographic diversity, not ethnic diversity, It's not hard to imply which one I was referring to.  Most schools like to have students from a variety of locations.  There's going to be fewer students from New York going to some school in Colorado than any school in the east.

And for the one millionth time I AM NOT FROM NEW JERSEY.  GET IT RIGHT

Sno you might want to check out Colorado College. Very good school, I visited and almost ended up going there. The block schedule and location probably wouldn't allow much skiing midweek but I know they have a very active ski club that runs buses to some very good ski areas.

And for the one millionth time I AM NOT FROM NEW JERSEY.  GET IT RIGHT

 you are starting to sound like Eric the Actor (may he rest in peace)
" I'm club footed God Damn it!!! , Get it Right"

snoloco wrote

Look at all the hate I'm getting from most of you who don't know anything.  My dad actually works in a company that publishes college textbooks, so I'd think he knows colleges well, a lot better than most of you who continually pound your fist about the cost blowing it so far out of proportion.  

92% of UVM's students are getting some type of merit scholarship. The only ones who pay list price are the ones who make millions and don't care about costs at all.  I'm sure many schools are similar to that.  I'm just using their number because it is the school I want to go to the most.

I was talking about geographic diversity, not ethnic diversity, It's not hard to imply which one I was referring to.  Most schools like to have students from a variety of locations.  There's going to be fewer students from New York going to some school in Colorado than any school in the east.

And for the one millionth time I AM NOT FROM NEW JERSEY.  GET IT RIGHT

Does he know how overpriced college text books are?  I'd assume he knows that...

I have no idea how one might infer that one who publishes college level text might know all about the price of tuition, what classes transfer, and how state schools and CCs operate.  A lot of people might know that, but working for a publishing company wouldn't guarantee anything.  Christ, my HS guidance counselors didn't even know this stuff.

I'd say your naivety is showing by this little outburst.  If your pops don't care what school costs, good for you.  If he does, or if you are paying for it, you might want to pay attention.  I don't know how many little shitz come out of HS thinking they know everything, what they want to do, and put something like skiing as a priority in picking a school but it's a lot.  The whole machine relies on idiots like that.

And if you want to go to a state school that is out of your home state, there are some pretty good ways to do that and save money... pretty simple ways actually.   But if you and the old man know everything about the higher education systems in this country, you ought to know all this already.

And last I checked kids out of HS go to college all over the country, and all over the world.  I'm not sure what makes you think you are special by going to school out of state and adding to the cultural diversity?  If you want to add cultural diversity, go to school in Europe or Asia.

Number one priority of any student going to college should be finances.  Second should be curriculum.  Skiing should be about #500 unless you are getting a scholarship for racing.

It's not often I put priority on money, but college is a good way to extend your parents working career and god forbid they get sick or die, or put yourself in some major debt.

This aggression is a little much.

To some people money isn't a big deal. I don't think it's right to judge or make assumptions in relation to Sno's thread. He is probably what? 16 years old.

I know I want the very best for my daughter, that's why I'm in school right now. I will do anything to make sure she has it better than I did.

I have just about zero interest in ski racing.  In my mind it just results in maddening trail closures and lots of high speed close calls.  I'd rather pick my own trails and pace.

Skiing is way up there on factors involved in choosing where I go to college.  Why?  Because by the time I would be going, I'd have been skiing for 13 years.  My passion for skiing isn't going anywhere and cannot be replaced by anything.  I obviously want to go to a place where I can ski, so I'm only going to consider schools that are in a location where skiing is a possibility.  Skiing is part of who I am and trying to force a major change in one's personality never ends well.

I don't like to hard rank the factors that go into choosing where I go to college.  There are four that will be considered at one point or another.  Location (skiing access), culture (would I fit in socially), academics (strong engineering program), and cost (once I actually know it).  Ideally, I want to attend a school that ranks high in all 4 categories and will not attend a school that is missing one of them completely.  For example, no skiing access at all, or me, as well as my parents would have to work to death in order to pay for it.  Most will have something going for them in all 4 categories, so I'd need to weight each thing accordingly.

snoloco wrote

I have just about zero interest in ski racing.  In my mind it just results in maddening trail closures and lots of high speed close calls.  I'd rather pick my own trails and pace.

Skiing is way up there on factors involved in choosing where I go to college.  Why?  Because by the time I would be going, I'd have been skiing for 13 years.  My passion for skiing isn't going anywhere and cannot be replaced by anything.  I obviously want to go to a place where I can ski, so I'm only going to consider schools that are in a location where skiing is a possibility.  Skiing is part of who I am and trying to force a major change in one's personality never ends well.

I don't like to hard rank the factors that go into choosing where I go to college.  There are four that will be considered at one point or another.  Location (skiing access), culture (would I fit in socially), academics (strong engineering program), and cost (once I actually know it).  Ideally, I want to attend a school that ranks high in all 4 categories and will not attend a school that is missing one of them completely.  For example, no skiing access at all, or me, as well as my parents would have to work to death in order to pay for it.  Most will have something going for them in all 4 categories, so I'd need to weight each thing accordingly.

Nobody is judging anyone.  It's just a matter of ignorance that most people have.

I'm not trying to be an asshole, call it tough love.  I went to engineering school not so long ago.  You know how many people make it?  Not many.  It's going to be a kick in the ass no matter what.

And listen.  I work in the industry.  I've met a lot of people and professors who do and went to different schools.  I don't think you know shit about academics (sorry to be rough, but it's the truth).  And most people just blabber on about what they hear in some magazine about school ranking.  I have no idea how they come up with that crap but what I've tried to say about 3 pages ago was 99% of all first two years of engineering is the same.  Big colleges don't care about freshman and sophomores.  Most of them fail, quit, change majors or transfer.  If you can do those first two years at a cheaper college, do it!  There are many advantages I've outlined but the big two are you may not stick with that major and you'll probably get a better first two years for much less money.

Your junior and senior year of engineering school are where you'll actually get into more focused, core classes in the discipline you chose.  This is where there may be some distinction between colleges.  Also the curriculum may be different for each college.  Looking through catalogs won't help you much because you probably don't know what the difference between system dynamics, design of engineering systems, vibrations, etc are right now.

And what MC2 said was not really relevant in my mind.  Developing relationships with people will be part of college whether you go to two different schools, or 10.  Also, like I said, the vast majority of freshman will be gone from engineering schools, so don't count on hanging on someones heels.

And for the record... I wasn't implying you should have interest in ski racing.  I meant that it should be a priority if you were going to get paid to go to college for it.

And if you want to be an engineer you should figure this out:  how much it will cost even with financial aid you'll get at a private U or non-resident state school vs a state school or CC.  It's not hard to figure out that unless you have a sports scholarship or graduated valedictorian that it's going to be a lot more at the former.

sno I'm certainly no expert  but this is the third time going through this process with my kids  (now doing it with my son) and want to give you one bit of advice in order to have as many choices as possible. regardless of financials or academic performance, get involved with as much extracurricular and community service as possible! if your school has a ski club, become an officer. if not start one and make it active. join any other clubs that you may have an interest. get on student government. our district has community service requirements, if yours doesn't get out there and find some. it can positively affect you acceptance and can pay big dividends - real $ if you get accepted into a college service organization - as well as many social benefits

I have mentioned this earlier. My daughter is a senior  majoring  engineering .. You will basically have zero time to ski if you plan on passing your classes. You can ski during your vacations...

If you want to focus on skiing then come to Glade Runner University.  Just have your daddy direct deposit your tuition money to my bank account.  We hit all the powder days.

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