May 1st in coming fast!

[archermom]

After the notifications rolled in, D2 dwindled her list to 4 schools---including admission to her EA college (where she was deferred back in Dec). On Mondy, H & D2 returned from visiting the remaining 3. Because of her focus of study, it dropped down to her EA school and the one that was added back in Dec. With prom on Friday, she was determined to make a final decision by Thursday...it was all over by Weds. It was difficult...but she was able to "let go" of the EA school and went with the "newbie." We are happy for her...

[Georgiatwins]

Hallelujah-finally I feel like D and S are not the only ones struggling with this choice. We just revisited one school and probably will see two others if we can work it out before May 1. Kids are twins-some similarities and many differences but making a final choice seems almost impossible. School that is longest distance (west coast) will probably fall by the wayside since chances to see classes have ended ( finals begin this week at particular school) and distance/$ are an issue.

That leaves 6 other schools-all in the south with nice merit awards. DH and I want them to choose s school where they will be happy ( and feel good about being there). Like many of you, we are trying to listen and gently guide-but not choose for them. I agree with PP that 17/18 year olds sometimes do not understand everything that will come into a final decision of this magnitude. DH and I are even suggesting both kids look at this as a ONE YEAR decision-they can transfer if things are right. Wise D then asked-how hard will be a transfer be next year, given what admissions were like this year? Out of the mouth of babes....????

I wonder if more visits to schools earlier or overnights/classes BEFORE admissions decisions would change the situation we are all in now. I hate the uncertainty and stress-but I will try to heed the idea to keep discussion at a minimum and perhaps ask for an "internal decision day". Will be following this thread for wisdom and patience---BTW-please hurry with other ideas! LOL

[Dad II]

May 1st is coming fast... ... SO?

I just want to caution all who come to CC for advise. Remember, everyone else is playing with the house money. The finally decision has to be yours. Those who offer advices are very nice but they are not going to pay your bills.

Unless your DD or DS has a good sense of $$, you go pick a school that you could pay for and be done with. They all will be fine with any of the schools you pick.

[archermom]

Honestly, Dad II, it's not ALL about the $$ and not ALL schools are the same. Family situations are different and, within the family, each child is different. It's nice to have open discussions with them about their college options (ie, academically, financially, locale, etc) rather than to pressure them into making a decision that is less than agreeable to them.

[Singersmom07]

Ideally you can blend $$ and other considerations. DD and I agreed before she started where we stood on $$. After that, she could make her decision, even when she chose one that cost us, it was not outside the bounds we had set. She did turn down an almost full ride, but it was her decision, within our bounds.