Continuing the college decision process

We spent a long, but hopefully productive day on a college campus today.  Both Zach and Savannah registered for the tour.  Our tour guide was just okay, but in spite of her, we really enjoyed the campus.

The day started with a football tour.  I happened to meet a lawyer from this small town while I was working at a track meet.  He was gracious enough to arrange a football meeting for Zach.  Zach has options to possibly walk on with this team which gives us much to consider.

Wyatt was bored, but he was a trooper.  He admitted to boredom when asked but lodged no complaints otherwise.  He deserves a special treat.  We watched two little guys over night earlier this week, and Wyatt made it his personal responsibility to entertain them and keep them in line.  He showed great patience with them as they are much younger and can be challenging.  

We have lots to consider on the college front.

I spoke with someone in the financial aid office and found that we may be able to do this.  The other school on the table said they may match the package from this one.  I still think the private school is more suitable for Zach, but the decision rests with him.  He really liked a lot about this school, and it is more in line with the size he prefers.  Either way we are down to two schools, but we are in crunch time.

pros for this school: He has friends going there.  In fact, a possible roommate plans to attend.

It is actually affordable.

The football team does require mandatory study hall, and missing class is not optional.

They offer an ROTC program.

Free tutoring

unlimited meal plan

decent size city with stores and restaurants in walking distance of campus

very pretty campus

cons: The other school on the table puts Andy's mom and one of his sisters half way between us and the school, so Zach has some support not too far away.

The drive is pretty long.

There were some concerning events promoted on campus.

Football is a maybe rather than a sure thing.

The GPA required to stay in good standing for football is 1.8 --much too low in this mom's opinion. 

Zach met with a professor in his program, and the professor was brutally honest.  He said he does not care about freshmen.  Freshmen better let someone know when they are struggling.  They have to seek out the help they need.  They have to prove themselves before they are on the radar of program professors.  There's the rub with a public university.  They will take your money and show no concern about your progress.

While we were out gathering information for important life changing decisions.  Julia was doing this.  It is Wednesday, and I have not seen her since Monday.  She spent the night with a friend, and then they visited a resort the second night.  We are blessed by Julia's sweet friends and their families as she is regularly included in this type of fun, something we are incapable of repaying at this point.  L is a sweetheart, and we always enjoy having her around.