Choices

Last week was Homecoming Week and Mariah made sure I was super busy for it. I hear their float was awesome - the theme was Rock The Ravens and there was a Raven smashing a guitar. Gib's class float was censored for something really stretching it for innuendo so interest waned, and whoever was left (not Gib) made their float a Raven riding in a train for Railroad the Ravens or something like that. I was perked for a minute when I heard there would be a train because then you could do the classic damsel in distress tied down on the tracks and a Raven rescues her - or The Raven the evil, mad train engineer - Hmmm, guess I would have been censored too.  Luckily, the powers above weren't upset with my diabolical thinking because I survived making a couple trips running through an intense lightning and thunder storm that dropped 2 inches in under an hour just to bring emergency supplies to the freshmen float build.

Gib has been diligent in his duties as VP of Ultimate Frisbee.  And of course the big news - he had his Board of Review and made Eagle!  Gib also had the ACT test along with most of the county's seniors. I've never seen a line that long.  We got there early, even after the nifty idea of getting a 5 hr energy drink at the gas station on our way, but it was cold and starting to rain so Gib decided to wait in the car. We had a nice chat and next thing you know the line was crazy long. At 15 minutes prior to reporting time they opened the doors and Gib headed for the herd of miserable students.  Gib says he thinks he did good and we are hoping for a 3 pt bumped to access a higher scholarship level at most universities. In a couple of sections I think it is very possible for him to get a 30, and maybe that will be enough if the overall Comp is still under 30. Some universities only take math & english scores and in that case he'll be golden.  He liked his tutor and after her help, he only missed 1 math question on the practice test. He said her practical tips for test day (like wearing flip flops so your feet can touch the floor, comfortable but nice outfit, and power of positive thinking) worked really well.  He's got the SAT next month and testing is done except for AP exams at the end of the year.

Keeping firmly in college planning mode, I am working on a great fit top 5, with another 3-5 of potentials. Gib needs to also spend some time on their websites to see if I'm on track. I think I am but hey, I'm not the one going!!  Applications are underway with goal of completion by Oct 1. Gib is working on his essay - trying to nail down his thesis statement and get a good rough draft.  He will need to get his letters of recommendation and we'll be good to go!

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Waco, Texas

Lots of Pro's, especially in the scholarship dept, lots of Business Major programs; Con: Waco.

BIRMINGHAM-SOUTHERN COLLEGE

Birmingham, Alabama

Pro's: Small Size appeals to Gib, very much a hands on, personal approach, service oriented;; University Pres works w/o salary to improve school and lead in new direction;  Con's: business program not as big as others

DAYTON UNIVERSITY

Dayton, Ohio

New on my list! Pro's: Supposedly a fantastic community on campus, advertises good scholarships, big business program, GE (Fortune 100) building a $51 mil R&D facility on campus focusing on alternative power, and there's another company on campus more medical, plus dayton area also has potential for really good internships. Motto: Learn, Lead, Serve - "exactly!" Hits a lot of Top Lists nationally;  Con's: Price Tag even with scholarship

MERCER UNIVERSITY

Macon, Georgia

(this is the building where Indie interviewed for her scholarship!)

Pro's: Familiarity, Great school, potential for scholarship very good, service scholars; Con's: Macon (ugh) and business program not as varied 

SAMFORD UNIVERSITY

Birmingham, Alabama

Pro's: Gib's first choice, meets all criteria, in very nice neighborhood of birmingham, lowest tuition and R&B of all out of state choices so far; Con's: Very strict in a Baptisty way