So from March 25 thru March 31, my freakishly tall , constantly starving 17 year-old son and I are going college scouting. We're heading out of Denver and going to Norman, OK (Univ Oklahoma), Tulsa (Univ Tulsa), Sioux Falls, SD (Augustana College) and Lincoln, NE (Univ Nebraska). A total of 2,240 miles round trip. This will be my longest road trip in the convertible and it is preceded by an 800 mile bussiness trip next week (Utah & Wyoming). So +3,000 on Matilda in two weeks - sure hope the weather stays nice. I already took off the snow tires (probably the kiss of death), I'm changing oil tomorrow, waxed it last weekend and just got my Colgan bra in the mail today. I'm really looking forward to some road time with the MINI and the mutant, errrh , my son.

 

Sweet idea. Maybe I can talk my 15 year old into it for next year. I am doing some school things with my sons. My 15 year old and I are going to LV a week after AMVIV for a teen driving school. In May I'm driving to Philadelphia to my oldest son's graduation (and maybe a Phil Wicks school for both of us the Friday before). This summer I'll fly to Alaska to go camping with my middle son (currently at U of Alaska) and with luck will be invited to drive back to the 48 with him in his 82 VW Cabrio. Even more luck, I'll keep it for him for the next couple of years while he finishes his studies in Germany (in exchange for which he'll find a European classic Mini for me). Am I dreaming or what?

 

In 2 weeks, I get to put all my stuff in the MINI and move back into school. It's only a 45 minute trip, but I'll have to make it twice.

Is that close?

 

What's your son looking to major in? May I recommend stopping in and checking out K-State (Manhattan, KS)? It's about 2 hours south of Lincoln NE on H77.

Great school, small town feel with big city conveniences, and only 5 hours to Denver

 

I'm very familiar with the fine Kansas schools, KU, K-State, Washburn; having rowed against them. My son is thinking of a major in either Chemistry or International Business. The schools we chose were really based on size at this point, not so much desire to attend. This trip is about what size school he feels comfortable at and then he can start to focus on schools of that size.
I think I'm stressing more about his college choice (though keeping it to myself) than I did with my own. Probably a parent thing.

 

Exactly what I was going to say. GO STATE!!!!!

 

Oh and KSU has a great Chemistry department. Especially Biochemistry. The business department also offers certificates in International Business...Not that I am bias or anything. (hehe) But KSU is an awesome school. But it is one of the smallest schools in the Big 12 I am told by a coworker. So maybe that is a draw back. But coming from a high school class of 60, it was the perfect size. Plus I bleed purple.

 

Well, that's just too bad MiniMayBee...

Our delicious matching cars could have met if A&M was on his list. hee hee

Have a safe and enjoyable trip! Those are some great choices he has!

Aggie

 

How about Univ of SD-you'll be near by. I sold some lab equip to there dental hygiene program. Nice campus-small/college town. Not too far from Omaha for concerts. etc. There seemed to be a lot of attractive young ladies walking around as well-something your son might be intrigued by.

 

All i can say is
Go SIU-Salukis!!

 

HAHAHA! May you make many memories on the trip! All good ones, of course....

 

Great Biochem program...I spent MANY hours in Willard/Ackert and that whole area... My BS is in Biology/NRES

I employ some of the CE's to help out with some of the project work in my career. Good people!

Go STATE!!!!

 

They just built a brand new building for the BioChem department. It has security like you wouldnt believe!

But anyway, back to the thread. Good luck on finding the right college for you. (Just remember, purple looks good on everyone! )

 

Saw that! Was up for Clinton's speech

 

So made it back. 6 days, 2,283 miles, 7 States and 1 ticket ($161 for 10 mph dooh!).
Again he was just really looking at size and he got a good mix.
Ranking by freshman class population:
Augustana College is 420
University of Tulsa is 680
University of Oklahoma is 3,500
University of Nebraska is 5,000

We were one day ahead of the weather and nasty storms the whole way so we got to do plenty of top down motoring.
MINI ran great - no problems at all. Ran through 85.1 gallons of gas so the average mileage works out to 26.8 mpg. Here are a couple of snaps:

Entering Oklahoma (3 miles from a waiting Highway Patrol Officer)


Next to the Tulsa Driller


Now back on the road to Utah Monday though Thursday for work.

 

Great pics! Again, excellent schools! What a fun place in life for you all! Good luck and be safe! NO MORE TICKETS!