College applications: What I've learned as a parent the second time around

HappyNJOOS
Thu, 14 Nov 2019 21:59:27 +0000

First child: applications submitted at last minute to make EA deadline
Second child: all applications all done by Aug 18

First child: personal essay done end of September
Second child: personal essay done Aug 15 (before school started)

First child: waited too long for dorm deposit
Second child: deposit already sent to one school

First child: never checked applicant portal for updates
Second child: checks weekly, found 2 schools accepted without any email or snail mail

Both kids did good in touring colleges early (Soph + Junior year). Second child knew better questions to ask.