Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Age or Ability Specific Forums Getting into college

Well, as evidenced by me, going to a big name school is not a prerequisite to working on Wall Street.

Really, most of the posters here have some unusually intelligent and talented youngsters. I have no doubt they will all grow up to be successful people.

I like you Neato.

Ditto that, Ann.

It is interesting to me how "name recognition" can go either way. There are lots of different sub-cultures in the US. For example, I live in a rural working class kind of town. There are some folks here who have gone to the Ivy league schools, but they keep it very quiet. I f you make it known that you went to Harvard, it creates the impression that you think you are better than those around you and can isolate you from the community. I know that in other places having those credentials opens doors, but here it actually has the potential to close them. Just another reason why there is not just one right answer for our kids.

And while we are on this subject, we probably shouldn't assume that college in general is the only right option for HG+ kids. Some folks are going to learn better in other environements and some talents are better used outside of academia.

I hopeful that all of our children will be successful. But to preface, working on Wall Street, and I am very respectful of your sucess incog, but even 20 years ago when I was hiring a junior analyst, (I just got responsibility for the global auto group at a top 10 sell side firm) I was directed resumes that only had MBAs from top schools. No one made it through HR without it. Also, 20 years ago, there were still some traders that made it through connections via Brooklyn, but now it is true that a top MBA is required. You have to know all the greek now to be a trader these days.

And I think that is the relevant part. The bleeding edge stuff is only at a few schools.

Ren

Oh, Wren.

*sigh*

Your posts make me tired. And glad I'm not on Wall Street.

And your posts make me smile.

Ren

Lorel,

Please give your opinion about the college application process that you recently went through and how did your child view the whole thing from planned career trajectory?

I would be very interested.

Thanks, Ren

I didn't think discussion was an indication of some long range college plan. I thought this was my way of procrastinating from working.

And it reminded me of that bread at Yale, had a big debate with Andy Rooney on that being the best bread ever. It was so delicious.

So, my immediate plans are kindergarten applications next fall and my school plan for kindergarten, not college. Yes, I have a school plan, have toured schools last fall and made a priority list. Though because of private school limitations, I do not have the crazed first 10 minutes of workday, after labor day, of calling for applications. Yes, people really do that. By 10 am all applications are gone. Trinity expects them back that afternoon or you don't even get an interview for the 2 spots they have open for non legacy kids.

But I do think the crazy NYC school situation does make you crazy thinking if it is this bad for kindergarten what is it going to be like for college.

Enough procrastinating. Must do the report I really do not feel like doing.

Have a nice relaxing day everyone and I hope no one has tornados at the doorstop. This is really crazy weather.

Ren

I'm with you Wren - i have a big project due, so i'm all over this board! I'm glad you're not really planning for DD's college now. I am finding the stories interesting though, and I would happily read about the older kids college experiences too, even though we're a play-it-by-ear sort of family. I like to keep info in the back of my mind for later use.

I feel for you living in such a competitive school environment - craziness. Adds to the stress.