| Before I went through this process the first time four years ago with D1, I would have thought someone insane to quit their job to help with the apps, or to even advise in a hands-on capacity. But it was tough then and now, 4 year hence with D2, it's probably even more of a winding road, certainly more competitive.
I think the advent of the Common App has helped a lot, but if your child is planning on applying to multiple LAC's, Ivies, or even the 'hot' college du jour, be prepared to jump through whatever hoops each college says to complete the app and make your kid look good to the adcoms. I remember Duke's app being like a test in itself.
Without being branded as a helicopter parent (probably by other quasi-helicopter parents!), the main 3 things I did for D1 were research (to narrow down choices), scheduling & proofreading. It's a rare 17-year-old that can grasp the nuances of each university's process and can analyze the long-term possibilities of each one, especially when EC's & homework take up whatever free time the student has.
Besides, it's my money that's going towards the cost, which in my eyes justifies any help I give my kid. |