Here’s where I’ll post the good things I find online about NCSSM. It’s anticipatory of the questions we will ask about whether or not to go. I’ll update it when I find more, cause there are a LOT of opinions. Please note, however, that all of these are the opinions of individuals.
Due to the expansiveness of the internet and the potential of added feedback, this list will never be exhaustive. However, I’ve added a version to the title so that you know if the list has been updated. I’ll put the new updates in… something different, like bold or underlined or other fun stuff so that they’re easier to find. I added the incomplete for people who are too lazy to read this paragraph and just want to get that info.
Some general questions and answers can be found in the first few pages here
The Good Begins:
Taben1112 On CollegeConfidential
NCSSM applicants for next year(Class of 2015): Post 19
I think NCSSM delivers beyond the STEM field. In fact, already our child has met incoming juniors who have a strength in STEM, but are equally strong in the humanities. Some have clearly said that they are going to NCSSM because of the ‘diverse, talented, and capable high school student body’ Luther refers to, above all else. The arts and sports extracurriculars are very strong. There are indeed negatives to attending any residential high school, including NCSSM. But I would not avoid going for fear of being trapped in the STEM field for life.
I talked to another graduate (from 2011 I believe)recently. He loved it. Said that for all the negatives he had a lot of positives and actually found the vast majority of his teachers helpful and his classes challenging and informative. That being said, he was not running the race to be at the top and had no illusions that the experience would be the end all and be all of things. He loved the ‘scene’ of the NCSSM high school. He loved the mentorship he did. He loved being able to be on a Varsity sport though he had never been on a team in his life. He loved meeting kids from all over the state and making life long friends. He loved the clubs. He loved the diversity. He loved (most of the time) the residential part (though he did envy those who lived closer who could head home for an evening or go out to dinner with a parent just to get away). He is happy with where he is attending college and with the scholarship he received. He and is friends look forward to Alumni events already.
He did NOT like the work load (the amount of work constantly on his plate), his lower GPA, the fact that he felt tired far too often and the mandatory work service. But, in the balance of things…he would do it again. He DID go for the friendships, residential experience, diverse school, interesting clubs and activities AND the academics…but not only the academics.Yes, I agree that you have to go in with your eyes WIDE open. But that includes knowing that some student do in fact have a good experience…while others have that of Shadinar’s. No place works for everyone. Some do leave before graduating and nothing is wrong with that. If it does not fit you, you should be willing to make a change. Hear the warnings, then make your choice.
I am ‘pro Shadinar’s psots’ because I am pro information. Hearing his story is as important as hearing from those that do not regret going to NCSSM one bit and count it as one of the best experiences of their lives.
TWell, Shanidar, I think you have made your point very, very clear…and though you are clearly very angry still, it is good to hear your view point.
I talked to another graduate (from 2011 I believe)recently. He loved it. Said that for all the negatives he had a lot of positives and actually found the vast majority of his teachers helpful and his classes challenging and informative. That being said, he was not running the race to be at the top and had no illusions that the experience would be the end all and be all of things. He loved the ‘scene’ of the NCSSM high school. He loved the mentorship he did. He loved being able to be on a Varsity sport though he had never been on a team in his life. He loved meeting kids from all over the state and making life long friends. He loved the clubs. He loved the diversity. He loved (most of the time) the residential part (though he did envy those who lived closer who could head home for an evening or go out to dinner with a parent just to get away). He is happy with where he is attending college and with the scholarship he received. He and is friends look forward to Alumni events already.
He did NOT like the work load (the amount of work constantly on his plate), his lower GPA, the fact that he felt tired far too often and the mandatory work service. But, in the balance of things…he would do it again. He DID go for the friendships, residential experience, diverse school, interesting clubs and activities AND the academics…but not only the academics.Yes, I agree that you have to go in with your eyes WIDE open. But that includes knowing that some student do in fact have a good experience…while others have that of Shadinar’s. No place works for everyone. Some do leave before graduating and nothing is wrong with that. If it does not fit you, you should be willing to make a change. Hear the warnings, then make your choice.
I am ‘pro Shadinar’s psots’ because I am pro information. Hearing his story is as important as hearing from those that do not regret going to NCSSM one bit and count it as one of the best experiences of their lives.
T
If you’ve read The Bad, you’ve seen Shanidar’s posts. Shanidar and Pennylane2011 were exchanging correspondence, and here’s Pennylane’s positive look. You can see the two exchanging thoughts FROM HERE but Pennylane2011’s comments may go back a little bit further.
A NCSSM Journey 