<p>In answer to the OPs question, for us it’s definitely easier the 2nd time around. </p>
<p>Our older daughter ('08) had the goods and desire to aim high which set up a disastrous set of circumstances. We are still scratching our heads over her results, and probably why I still hang out on CC, trying to make some sense of it all. </p>
<p>Except in loving, fine character, our younger daughter ('12) is nothing like her older sister. She has given next to no thought about college. Her ultimate goal is to be a drummer in a rock and roll band. </p>
<p>The first time around we poured our time, energy, heart and soul into the process because scholarly pursuits at a top college were all our daughter had dreamed of and worked toward for many years. She did what the experts told her would get there. We realize now she was misled and we, with the very best intentions, encouraged her to take the wrong approach. She paid the price. Poor firstborn. </p>
<p>This time around we get to relax. If/when the little drummer girl decides to show some interest in college, we will help her all we can. In the meantime she’s pretty much doing what she enjoys, no more and no less. We could push and prod her into harder classes, better grades, higher-profile ECs, etc., but that would dull her shine. The sparkle and joy in her eyes is worth far more to us than college acceptances. Live and learn.</p>
<p>So, yes, it will be easier the second time around for us. I can see how it might not be for everyone, though. </p>
<p>Now back to the great reach/match/safety debate!</p>
<p>I’m hoping #3 will be easier. #1 applied Ed, was accepted: done! #2, a music major, had twice as many applications and pieces of paper, not to mention re-screen recordings, resumes, music lists and essays than a “regular” college applicant. And only ONE Common App school. Then we went on the ten day audition trip. Fortunately, he had great success, but the air traffic control-like organizational system and months of worry were enough to send all of us to the funny farm. #3 was nice enough to give us 3 years to have to worry about it, but I have to say that knowing test schedules, what WILL be required etc. makes this time much easier from an experience standpoint.</p>
<p>The match/reach discussion began with the blanket statement that all T20 schools are reaches for all students. While I agree they’re reaches for most students, I think that students with top academic credentials – top 5% or so of the class, most rigorous curriculum, ACT of 35 or 36 or SATI of 2340+ – can call these schools matches. That doesn’t mean they’re guaranteed admission. It means the school is not a long shot, which to me is the definition of a reach.</p>
<p>It has a lot to do with the HS. The top 5% of our HS almost all got in at least one T20 schools, every year. Last year, 17% of the graduating class got into T20 school. </p>
<p>Here on CC, the most powerful evidences are all the successful stories from that 3.6 GPA thread. It is not that hard to get into a T20 school at all, for a good student.</p>
<p>Any student in the top 5% of a well known HS, with >3.80 GPA and >95% test scores, he/she could consider any of the T8 - T20 match schools. That doesn’t mean they’re guaranteed admission into any one of them. But if you apply to 2 ~ 3, you are in at least one.</p>
<p>My definition of a “reach” is the student’s stats becomes really irrelavent.</p>
<p>At my kid’s school, 35% of kids go to T20, but a lot of them are athletes, and we don’t know rankings of those 35% kids. We also had a Val who didn’t get into any school. She applied to 10+ schools. Our GC managed to get her into deferred admit to Harvard.</p>
<p>D2, I thought you were waiting for “news” on December 15. “We should see” implies that your son hasn’t heard a thing yet. Is that true?</p>
<p>We know your son got accepted to OSU…but AFTER that acceptance you posted that you hoped to hear “good news” on December 15…which would lead me to believe that Son2 has heard from 2 schools already…OSU and one other.</p>