While it might be somewhat easier to get into HMC as a woman, I certainly wouldn't go so far as to say "a lot," as the female students are still exceptionally well qualified. I can also relate, from personal experience as an alumna of the Claremont Colleges, that I found HMC women to be *incredibly* intelligent and interesting on the whole. IMHO, any employer would be fortunate to hire their alumnae.

Perhaps you did not intend to convey this message when you posted above, but it seems to me that you are saying that sleeping and showering with my naked 5 year old is inappropriate, without boundaries, and abusive. Are you saying otherwise?

Can you find out the name of his doctor and contact him or her?

A couple of points: 1) I posted this here to spur discussion, not because I endorse a view that financial wealth should be the driving force in selecting a college. However, given that students are currently weighing a great many variables in choosing a college, and a variety of financial aid options, I do believe that taking into consideration the financial ROI of one's investment in a particular university is prudent. And, to that extent, I find the information reasonably useful. 2) I don't believe that what people make after graduation is primarily driven by whether they come from money. I've seen too many students of modest means leverage the power and prestige of a school's reputation into very lucrative professions. Doors that were previously closed were open on the basis of the university they attended, and to varying degrees, performance. For example, in my law school class, even students in the very bottom of the class were given job offers that only students at the very tippy top of other schools were offered. While I make no comment about whether that is an effective strategy for employers, it is the reality in some professions. And, knowing that you have that kind of cushion, one is much more free to enjoy the educational experience and not obsess over grades and class rank.

To be clear, I see the red flags others have discussed, and agree that I would take action. I'm reacting to the blanket statement that my 5 yr old climbing into bed with my husband and I sans clothes, or showering with me, without more is inappropriate, boundariless, and constitutes abuse. This was the opinion expressed here, and it was expressed without qualification. And I take issue with it.

But, Joanne, you said that irrespective of the other red flags, there was abuse. So, this is a bright line rule for you? No showering or sleeping nude with kids after toddlerhood/preschool under any circumstances? Because, I can tell you among my crunchy Southern California crowd back home (we're currently in Puerto Vallarta), my family is not outside the norm. I can understand that not everyone lives this way, but we live on a sailboat. No bath tubs and not much privacy.

At what age do you feel the bedroom nudity is inappropriate? I have a 5 year old son who often comes into bed with my husband and I in the middle of the night, and it would never occur to us to put clothes on (we currently live in the tropics). I always thought kids developed modesty on their own for the most part, but this thread has me concerned.

http://m.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2014/03/which-college-and-which-major-will-make-you-richest/359628/ The corollary research on which will make you the poorest is pretty brutal.

My only solution has been art at the park or outsourcing. I feel your pain.

This is us too, but it tends to work out to about 45 minutes of math, a 20-30 minute break, and then about 45 minutes of reading and writing. The rest we do informally.

As long as she won't be heartbroken when it ends, I would do it.

That is for sure. I doubt I would have been admitted applying today. This thread is so inspiring as a homeschooling newb. Congrats to all on the acceptances! ETA for clarification: my degree is only from CMC, but one of the majors (Russian) was only offered by Pomona. Double majors are common at the Claremont Colleges.

That's horrid.

I don't assume that by homeschooling I'm somehow shielding my children from having to make choices about having sex or using drugs. These are choices every person has to make at some point, and the values I hope to pass along to my children will be discussed irrespective of where they receive their education. For us, the decision to homeschool is principally an academic one and is therefore maleable.

I still think it's creepy to try to please your dad with your physical appearance. It's like my sons wanting to please me with their bulging muscles and six pack. This kind of objectification of children is gross IMO. I just want them to be happy, to be kind, to be ethical, and to find meaning and joy in their lives.

Following because I'm on my phone and don't know how to find the follow button in the mobile version. ETA: Great thread!

Most weddings are dripped with patriarchy. A father giving away the bride. Unequal vows (to honor and obey the husband, but not vice versa). The pronouncement of Mr. and Mrs. His Name. This just seems par for the course to me.

"A very dear friend had two children at this same camp. Her 8 yo and 10yo boys were sexually assaulted." This would be my concern as well.

Laura, I'm a CMC alum, but had one of my majors at Pomona and did Army ROTC jointly with people from Mudd. I really adored my friends at Mudd, and would be happy to answer any questions about the Claremont Colleges if he decides to wait it out. Best wishes in his decision.

Gah! I was rooting for him! I'm sorry, Hoggirl.

The pool, a massage, mani/pedi, read, a bath, or play online.

Enjoy! http://touch.latimes.com/#section/-1/article/p2p-79687808/

It's one thing to teach respect for one's body in a sexually healthy way, but this fetishization of virginity is just bizarre to me.

Like I said, I hope it works out for you. It doesn't for everyone, and perhaps a little sensitivity about that fact would go a long way.

And that's admirable. Truly. But, please recognize that job loss or severe illness could wipe that out in a heartbeat. I say this as someone who never thought she'd be diagnosed with a chronic, debilitating illness in her 30s while living the life of the 1%. Life can change in an instant; I pray everything goes according to your plan.