Situation:
A decent high school young woman from California, considered "sub-elite" for California (then again, sub elite in California is elite in most states). She runs around 60 miles a week (slowly built up to it, and no this is not too much for her) and would prefer to stay in the west (but if a perfect match for her was not west, it would be considered).
For the 5 schools, which 5 schools do you think she should consider?
What are the times 800 / 1600 / 3200 / 5k? More XC or track? And what is she interested in majoring in?
Times are rather important here, but going just off the info you have given I'd say.....
Cal
Arizona State
Chico State(Best D2 team on the west coast I believe)
Seattle Pacific (D2...done very well with females...Jessica Pixler, Jane Larson....)
Arizona???
The top programs for women's on the west IMO are...
Oregon
Stanford
Washington
Byu
Arizona
If Colorado is not too far away I'd look at CU, Western State and Adams state.
Please, any more vague and you could have just asked, "Which college is a good match for a girl?"
What about grades? Chico or Seattle Pacific might be right if she isn't the sharpest tool in the shed, but if she got 2000+ on her SAT, we've got a different situation.
runlmj wrote:
The top programs for women's on the west IMO are...
Oregon
Stanford
Washington
Byu
Arizona
If Colorado is not too far away I'd look at CU, Western State and Adams state.
This sounds about right. I'd also throw UCSB and Loyola Marymount into the next tier- they don't draw blue chippers, but they seem to do a great job at developing the recruits they do get. If the girl's PR is slower than ~5:05, she might want to give these two a closer look.
OK more info:
3200 PR around 11:30
Scored 2000+ on SATs
Thinking of majoring in something math/science/engineering related
Given that, you should definitely take a close look at Cal Poly. The other UCs are generally strong in those academic areas, and Loyola Marymount is pretty strong in Enngineering school as well.
Here are the NCAA West Region Results:
http://www.sml1.com/recordtiming/ncaa/westxcregion10/w_res.htm
I suggest you look at the schools beyond the top 4 or 5 with your times ("tier 2"). Good luck!!
If academics are her focus but wants to run a big time program, than I would you should definitely check into Cal and see if she can walk-on. Maybe Washington, but don't tell the coach she was running 60 a week, I'm not saying to lie necessary, but don't go out of your way.
Depending on what exactly her SAT score is and grades, maybe look into CIT. Sure they don't have a great team (that I know of), but has running might be the definitive factor is shes anywhere close academically.
Can't imagine a better school academically on the West as far as her concentration goes. Actually now that I think about it, Cal Poly might fit her perfectly. Solid engineering program, D1, a much more 'normal' college if ya know what I mean.
Happy hunting.
Ah, beat me to it (about Poly)...what this guy said!!
Why on earth would you consider Cal Poly when UCSB could be a viable option, and has everything Cal Poly has and more + is exceptional at engineering and the sciences?
The beach man, the beach.....
Are + signs encouraged at UCSB?
I'm just trying to help, I know nothing about UCSB. Good of you to come on here, now the OP has another view and school to look at.
REAL answer wrote:
Why on earth would you consider Cal Poly when UCSB could be a viable option, and has everything Cal Poly has and more + is exceptional at engineering and the sciences?
Hey UCSB is a good option too and she should consider both. But you'd be stupid to not consider Cal Poly too. Cal Poly's engineering is arguably better, but I'm not gonna argue that on a thread about helping someone choose a college!
It's so funny to see silly CSUs try to compete with the UC system!
lolololol wrote:
It's so funny to see silly CSUs try to compete with the UC system!
Don't be an idiot
There are many more research opportunities as well as the opportunity to work with grad/PhD students and faculty at the UC schools like Cal, UCLA, UCSB, UCSD than there are at CSUs like Cal Poly.
Actually, for undergrads I would argue there are more at Cal Poly. The undergrads participate in the research there, while undergrads at UCs have much less opportunity. Plus undergrads get to actually be taught by and work with professors rather than TAs in their first couple of years.
The top college programs produce student-athletes and graduates who earn Summer Olympic medals, IAAF Outdoor T&F Champs medals, and major marathon wins. USC, UCLA, Texas, and Stanford are tops on the medals stand.
Advantages for
Cal Poly: Kelly Mac has great legs
UC System: the principal source that US Federal Labs recruit for DOE, NASA, CIA, Pentagon, NIST, NSA, etc. scientists and engineers.