Parents' 5 Stages of College Admissions

Parents Forum
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<p>Going deep into the college admissions - starting from the idea that “my kid is good enough for a Top 20 school; just gotta decide which one” - brings one through the same process that one experiences grieving the loss of a loved one.</p>

<p>With college admissuions what is lost is our precious na</p>

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<p>Nice job, Kei. Clever and funny.</p>

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<p>Oh, so very true.</p>

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<p>I’m somewhere between depression and acceptance…</p>

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<p>Perfect - great job!!</p>

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<p>Stage 1-- READY Early summer before S or D’s senior year in HS remind student very clearly of the limitations on parental commitment to fund college that have been clearly articulated at prior times so that they came at a time the student could realistically have done something in response. Inquire whether student has any desire to visit any schools during the summer. If so, advise student about booking air in advance and that when student has it tentatively planned he will need to present the plans to you. Take student to airport for him to make visit(s).</p>

<p>Stage 2– SET 3rd week in July discuss application fees issue so that student understands (1) if the parent has a monetary limit and (2) that the name of the college and the amount of the application fee needs to be given to the parent a minimum of 48 hours in advance of mailing. Let this be the only “subtle” reminder of the impending application process. </p>

<p>Stage 3–GO 3rd week of HS senior year inquire whether student feels GC and student are on the same page and remind student that it is parent’s intent to stay out of this process unless asked by student to get involved. Attend any parent/student/GC face-to-face meetings.</p>

<p>Stage 4 – CHILL Avoid telling other students’ parents that you are staying out of this since it one of the first decisions a young adult makes. Don’t bug student’s friends with asking them where they are/have applied and their status. </p>

<p>Stage 5 – ENJOY Stay off students’ emotional roller coaster ride. Share the enjoyment of student’s decision when he makes the final decision where he will attend. Congratulate student on “job well done.”</p>

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<p>The OP is brilliant. But I think that Depression and Acceptance need to be moved to winter/spring of 12th grade. Trust me on this – you ain’t seen nothing yet.</p>

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<p>very nice OP</p>

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<p>Great post, but you forgot the last one:</p>

<p>Withdrawal!</p>

<p>CC and the college selection process is like a drug addiction. Now that my daughter is safely happy at her school I have so much time on my hands and can not kick my CC addiction!!!</p>

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<p>Rotflol! :slight_smile: Then, just when you think it’s all over…check out the “how is your freshman adjusting thread.”</p>

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<p>Yeah svmom - my kid is a Junior in college and I am still here! But I got so much help here on financial aid about which I was clueless. We did not even apply for kid #1 as I assumed anyone above the poverty level would not be eligible. I like being able to help the clueless that come here now! I guess I will gradually let go once mine graduate and I lose touch with all the annual changes.</p>

<p>Great post OP. Though you probably should update it in about a year!</p>

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<p>

My kid graduated from college a year and a half ago, and I’m still here… :eek:</p>

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<p>check out the “how is your freshman adjusting thread.” </p>

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<p>LOL!!! I STARTED that thread!!! I just had to keep talking about my daughter and obsessing over the whole process!!!</p>