Any other "Chill" kids?

Maximus001 · 12-12-2007, 08:45 AM

My S finished all his apps sometime in Oct, sent them all out and hasn't seemed obsessed at all about his chances. He seems to be focusing, even more, on school, community service (at an AID's shelter today), his running, and hanging with his friends.

My wife and I are more on edge (maybe 'cause we'll be paying for the next four years) and seem more excited about his prospects.

Any other "Chill" kids out there, or is this boy an anomoly?

midmo · 12-12-2007, 09:16 AM

It sounds to me like you have a sensible boy! My son is currently a college freshman. He wasn't as fast as your son about getting all of the applications in, but he had a very productive and entertaining senior year--a great year, actually--and spent little time thinking about where he was headed for college between the time the apps were filed and decisions came out. In contrast, I wasted a lot to time thinking and worrying about it.

I'd say you have a well-rounded son who has the ability to make himself happy with whatever college he ends up at. Pat yourself on the back.

Heron · 12-12-2007, 09:32 AM

I'm sorry. That's post is just...cruel. :-)

riverrunner · 12-12-2007, 09:40 AM

Maximus, I'm with you. My D has an EA decision coming on Friday, and she is completely blase, while she forges on. I asked what she'd like to do Friday night: quiet evening at home?, go out and celebrate/distract from disappointment? She said she really hadn't thought about it!!?? I don't think she's in denial, but has just put the process aside because this part is out of her control. I'd like to know how she learned that, because it wasn't from me.

Maximus001 · 12-12-2007, 09:57 AM

riverrunner, I hear ya, LOL. Our son will be hearing from "YALE" on Friday and, like your D doesn't give it a second thought. He's more concerned about winning the open 800 meter at his next meet and shaving a second or two off his personal best.

I've asked him about his relaxed attitude and he just seems confident he'll get accepted somewhere where he'll have an opportunity to get a great education. Kudos to all the enlightened kids!

orchestramom · 12-12-2007, 02:31 PM

these reports are quite reassuring! my D has finished 4 apps, one more to go, (after cutting her list down even further). Did not apply anywhere early, likes all her schools, safeties as well as reaches, tells me I'm more stressed about the process by FAR than she is. Of course I'm also more organized, and much of my stress is created by her *ahem* system

(truthfully, although it's a wonderful source of information and camaraderie, spending time on CC also contributes somewhat to the stress).

I think we can all learn something from the attitude of these kids. My D is the captain of her ship and it's been wonderful to see her take ownership of this process. Bodes well for the coming transition, I think...

nimby58 · 12-12-2007, 02:47 PM

My D also approached this whole process with a healthy, low-key attitude. She worked hard on and submitted her apps in September and then went about her business. Reading CC posts would have been the last thing she would ever have done, although she was always good-natured about hearing some tidbit I picked up here. She found out yesterday that she was accepted ED to Columbia and was overcome with joy (which leads me to the conclusion that even those who are outwardly "chill" can still have a great deal of emotion tied up in the outcome). After walking several feet off the ground yesterday, she is now back firmly on it--hoping that people will not make too big a fuss at school, waiting a bit on wearing her new sweatshirt out of sensitivity to friends on pins and needles this week, and just being her low-key self.

Shrinkrap · 12-12-2007, 02:51 PM

I don't know that I'd call my daughter chill but she is totally invested in the here and now ( friends, classes, friends, EC's... and did I mention friends?), and next year; not so much. She has submitted 12 applications (with a lot of "support"...we need merit aid ), and did show some suprising enthusiasm when she was admitted to one (" I'm going to college!!!")

WashDad · 12-12-2007, 03:36 PM

WashDadJr is just finishing his first semester of college and I think he still hasn't gotten stressed out about anything in the process. The kid should be fighter pilot or brain surgeon.

07DAD · 12-12-2007, 04:08 PM

Maximus001 Your story is not atypical. S took ownership starting the summer before senior year and my major involvement was writing checks for apps, etc.

If I knew then (2007) what I know now, I'd taken the chill route, too! At least for my S, all worked out well and he couldn't be happier. My stress didn't do anything other than make me (more) nuts.

Karen Colleges · 12-12-2007, 04:37 PM

Same here. One year later, S is happy at college, and I don't know why H. and i were so stressed, because S didn't really care.

rodney · 12-12-2007, 04:54 PM

DD has definitely taken the chill route...finished all her apps long ago, slowly working on scholarship stuff....Seems very low-key; enjoying her friends, etc.....I think she will start to "un-chill" when she has to make a decision later on....She does not envy her classmates this week at all......

cgarrett101@aol. · 12-12-2007, 05:23 PM

Same here...D is so busy with school and I know she hasn't been on this site. It's all me....I just want her to get what she's worked so hard for....but I know she will do wonderfully no matter where she goes to college. Obviously, she doesn't have my temperament!!

gadad · 12-12-2007, 06:06 PM

I'd be surprised if D even remembers that Dec. 15 is the response date. I'm not sure if it's a coping mechanism or if she really doesn't feel all that invested in the outcome.

bethievt · 12-12-2007, 06:35 PM

No WashDad

He should be an air traffic controller. Please!