<p>I am not sympathetic with the admissions offices at all. Yeah, they do have to put up with the occaisional parent nut, but people who write irrational , threatening letters like that the OP mentioned are truly nuts, and probably not just in the college admissions field. EVERYONE who deals with crazy has to put up with the antics and at least the colleges only have limited time with them. I saw one go nuts in Starbucks over some simple mistake.</p>
<p>Thank you Lord, for my daughter…I never laid eyes on her apps, her essays, or anything else. We discussed EA/ED strategy (no ED was my only input), but she decided where to apply, when to apply, and how to apply. My one and only contact at a school (by email) was post acceptance to request a re-assessment of financial aid. I still haven’t read her personal statement/essay, but I would love to after all the comments on her acceptance letters.</p>
<p>as parents, i think we babyboomers have always been hyper-involved in our kids lives, and college admissions is the ultimate culmination of all our efforts. I think a little self-examination is in order.</p>
<p>i’m as guilty as most and may have been among the extreme helicopter moms, if only my s. had allowed me. he basically forced me to butt out, and in hindsight, i think he was wise.</p>
<p>but while i think criticism of parents by admissions officers is valid, they should also acknowledge that much of the problem stems from the colleges own desires to rate well in the various ranking systems.</p>