Parents of the HS Class of 2014

Parents of HS Class of 20xx
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<p>Congratulations to all those with good news! I celebrate along with you every time I read good news!</p>

<p>We are a little bit in limbo but moving forward. My son was accepted at UCSD (Warren College), UCSB (Honors), and UCSC. All good choices. No scholarship offers for any of them, unfortunately.</p>

<p>What has us in limbo is, he also decided to apply to the College of Creative Studies at UCSB and we haven’t heard anything yet, despite being told that acceptances were mailed out a week ago yesterday. We knew that rejections followed the acceptances but he doesn’t have one of those either. He and I both feel confident that it will be fine either way, but we just want to know, as CCS was his first choice. (My personal first choice for him is Santa Cruz but it is his decision. )</p>

<p>The CCS website says NOT to contact them if we haven’t heard from them, as each application is carefully reviewed and it can take a month from the time applications are received. Well, it’s been over a month. I think we will wait another week or two before contacting them.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, we tour UCSD on Tuesday, rather than attending Triton Day. The UCSB open house is April 12th. And who knows, we may need to pay another visit to Santa Cruz. </p>

<p>So we definitely need our cabin on the SS Indecision! I’m packed, with the required paperwork ready, looking forward to the cruise. </p>

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<p>Some words of advice and resources from DS’s counseling department. Have I mentioned how much I love the counselors at his school?</p>

<p>Spring has finally arrived and so have college admissions decisions through all of the various means of communication – online accounts, email, or even snail mail! Therefore, it is no surprise that counselors have been busy responding to the many questions and concerns that come as a result of this “seasonal” news, such as how to decide if being on a waitlist is a good option, how to cope with being denied, how to decide where to go (and what to do when you visit colleges), and even if you can double deposit. (Answer: Please don’t!) In an effort to provide some guidance as you navigate this time of decision-making, we wanted to share a few helpful articles from some experts. Of course, counselors here at ____ are available to help in any way with these topics! We so enjoy being a part of this process with you! In the meantime, however, our hope is that you might discover some answers in the articles below. </p>

<p>With that in mind, we want to first offer congratulations on your many successes! While it can be hard to cope with some of the bad news that this time of year often brings, it is truly important for you not to lose sight of your many accomplishments and the good news that you do receive! So, remember to focus on the positives! Go to the “Admitted Students’ Weekends” or “Open Houses” and enjoy yourself! Ask the questions you’ve been wondering about and allow yourself to be surprised at all of the unique and wonderful things these schools have to offer! So make a decision by May 1 based on what you’ve been offered at this point and move forward. Be happy with your choice! Begin to “wrap your head” around a bright new future outside of these walls at a new place that said “YES!” and embraced YOU with open arms! </p>

<p>Do keep in mind that many of you are going through similar disappointments, so please be understanding and kind to your peers! As you select your college for next year and notify that school (and put the sticker on your car and proudly wear the t-shirt!), please don’t forget to notify the other schools that have offered you acceptance that you will NOT be attending (as well as thank them for their offer). This may free up your spot for some lucky person on the waitlist! If by chance you are considering or need other options, please see your counselor for a list of schools still accepting applications. Last but not least, now would also be an ideal time to thank your teachers with a note of appreciation for supporting your applications with letters of recommendation – and sharing with them your final college decision. They, too, are interested in celebrating your successes with you! </p>

<p>Finances can play a large role in the decision-making process and it is perfectly alright to call the Offices of Financial Aid if you have questions or would like to inquire about the possibility of more aid (especially as you compare the financial aid awarded by various schools). </p>

<p>(NOTE: If the links for the articles below do not work, please copy and paste the url.)</p>

<p>On handling rejection:</p>

<p><a href=“Page Not Found : Stanford University”>Page Not Found : Stanford University;

<p><a href=“http://voices.washingtonpost.com/answer-sheet/college-admissions/college-rejection-its-not-abou.html”>http://voices.washingtonpost.com/answer-sheet/college-admissions/college-rejection-its-not-abou.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>On what to do if you’re waitlisted:</p>

<p><a href=“http://www.usnews.com/articles/education/2008/04/16/how-to-get-off-the-wait-list-and-into-college.html”>http://www.usnews.com/articles/education/2008/04/16/how-to-get-off-the-wait-list-and-into-college.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>On how to decide which school to attend:</p>

<p><a href=“http://voices.washingtonpost.com/answer-sheet/college-admissions/how-to-decide-which-college-to.html”>http://voices.washingtonpost.com/answer-sheet/college-admissions/how-to-decide-which-college-to.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>As always, we’re here to help! Congratulations on all of your successes! See you at Graduation on June 21!</p>

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<p>Congrats to everyone on the acceptances! And hugs to @Dave_N & the others with disappointing news. The vagaries of college admissions elude me. A friend of Spygirl’s is practically perfect in every way: Valedictorian, full pay, state champion athlete, ton of service and is a great kid. He’s been WL or denied at most of his schools. Thankfully he has a few safeties.</p>

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<p>@calla1 I graduated from College of Creative Studies UCSB! I was an art major. LOVED the amazing mix of really smart dedicated people. They are right in their marketing: it’s like a grad school for undergraduates :)</p>

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<p>Congrats to all on the acceptances, and hugs to the ones with rejections. As a parent, I understand how difficult the decision is to say NO to a child who has worked really hard, for a school that is not financially feasible. </p>

<p>My question is how do you plan to decide on a school from multiple acceptances? (obvious one is financially doable), but what else? We have come up with a excel sheet with list of items. We have 10 - 12 key items. But the problem is this-- the school we /DD feel most compatible/fit for her overall is not strong in her major Engineering). The school that is really strong in her major – is not as compatible/fit as the first school. When we/she convince ourselves of either one, we feel like we should choose the other one. We decided to chew on it in our own minds. At the end, the decision will be our DD’s. But she feels so torn. She has talked to her seniors from both schools, she has looked at the four year course maps from both schools, she has visited multiple times. She will be going to the admitted student weekends to both schools but one of the schools the visit weekend is April 26 - 28. Not much time to decide after that if she is still unsure.</p>

<p>I would greatly appreciate what factors and logic you and your children plan on using to make the decision.
I didn’t realize making the decision after the acceptances would be this difficult. Happy and thankful to have this issue but still not easy.- Her question is should she listen to her heart or her mind?</p>

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<p>^ Harvard v. MIT? That must be tough! Just kidding. Good luck to your D.</p>

<p>I will add that I don’t have too much experience with either, though from MIT kids I’ve met I would say that MIT kids usually feel pretty strongly that they belong at MIT.</p>

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<p>It sounds like we UC people are all in the same boat trying to figure out how to attend all of the admitted student programs. My DD got into UCB yesterday and is over the moon happy…but she still wants to check out the UCLA Engineering Open House so that means flying up to Nor Cal on Friday, flying back on Sat night to make it back for the UCLA Open House on the 13th…whew. I’m already exhausted!</p>

<p>I want to let you all that although I haven’t posted a lot, I really appreciate hearing all of your good news. As for the not-so-good news we’ve all had to either scratch our heads and wonder how these decisions are made. We feel very blessed to have gotten into good schools. In hind sight I think I had my DD apply to too many schools but it seemed that it was what was needed due to the arbitrary nature of the beast. In the end, I know that my DD and all of our amazing kids will attend the best place for them and will thrive! </p>

<p>@calla1 - I hope you hear soon about CCS at UCSB - it sounds like a great program!</p>

<p>@GertrudeMcFuzz (love that screen name!) - your DD has some amazing choices - hope the USC news is positive today!</p>

<p>@3TallBlondes - You said it right…all our CC kids have a light and it is their time to shine! I can’t imagine how proud you must have been watching them all perform last night…what a treat!</p>

<p>Since I’m at work and shouldn’t even be on this blog, I can’t congratulate (or commiserate) with everyone right now but I wish you all the best…</p>

<p>And @AvonHSDad - you have made me smile so many times throughout this journey. Please save me a spot on the SS Indecision…I’ll take a lemon drop martini, please! </p>

<p>I’m still thinking about @Apollo6 too and like so many have said before me, it puts everything into perspective. I continue to pray for healing in their family. </p>

<p>Sorry this is so long (see why I don’t usually post…don’t know when to end!)</p>

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<p>Well,@AvonHSdad, sign me up as staff on the big cruise! S14 decided after a week of thinking and picturing himself at Cal Poly in sunny CA that he is going to attend the University of Washington! He has wanted to go there since his oldest sister was there, and though he did a great job of seriously entertaining several other options, in his heart he has always been a Husky.<br>
@jasmineRose, he is also going to be an engineering major. Besides just loving the UW campus, he felt that if he at some point chooses not to continue with engineering, the UW had a greater variety of STEM majors from which to choose. It was very much a “gut” decision, though, as both are excellent schools. He felt almost giddy after making the decision - I hadn’t realized how much it was affecting him! Good luck to you and everyone else on the Indecision - I’ll be sure to keep your drinks freshened!</p>

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<p>@jasmineRose, you made my mouth water with your menu last nite…so much so we order thai noodles take out. Would you ever share your recipe?! You can pm me if you prefer. thanks!!</p>

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<p>thank you @austinareadad & @moltian. @tpcrd66. Sorry ! Didn’t mean to do that :). I will PM you with the recipe. This is my own recipe by putting things together… not from any book. So feel free to alter it.</p>

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<p>@jasmineRose - just my .02 worth. My son went into college as electrical engineering, switched to math, then switched to computer science - which is back in engineering at his school. I think when it comes to engineering as long as it is accredited you are going to see a very similar curriculum at most colleges. </p>

<p>I would check the employment figures upon graduation. However, my son ended up bouncing around all over the place, and I think most kids do. I would pick the feel over the overall school vs the particular major. But that’s just us. </p>

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<p>@jasmineRose, I would like the recipe too! You do have a tough choice but I envy you! :-& </p>

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<p>Friday afternoon and my attention is waning from my job so I thought I’d check in on CC. What better way to procrastinate?</p>

<p>There have been so many posts recently that I am unable to keep up with the news. It sounds like everyone is doing really well and is excited about their choices. I am awed by the talent, maturity, and resilience of your children. And, as others have mentioned, grateful to be a part of this group. </p>

<p>I have been reading posts from the sidelines. D did not apply to any Ivies and all her decisions were received as of last week (save for one scholarship we won’t know until mid April). Although she has had a favorite since November, I will be playing the “is it worth it game” the next few weeks. Not an easy decision where D is concerned because she has chronic health and other issues that make me particularly sensitive to her environment. I will undoubtedly be seeking your advice when the admissions frenzy is over. </p>

<p>May I suggest that we begin our journey on the SS Indecision with a prayer/moment of silence for Apollo and her family, followed by a toast to honor the life and memory of her S? </p>

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<p>Overtheedge: Agreed on the moment of silence for Apollo and her family.</p>

<p>AsleepAtTheWheel: Thank you for your kind words. Son '14 has made us very proud with his level of maturity during a time when it can be so tough to keep your composure and wits when making such an important decision. We’ve always said he needed to be his own man, and he has been. Too many kids at his high school are deciding that they cannot live without each other, so they are all going to college together. Yes, it is a new experience, but trying something new on your own can be pretty cool, too. I’m glad that he wants to see a different part of the country and meet people from all over the world. </p>

<p>I also think some of his maturity may have come from watching his older brother go through the law school process. Today, the older son called. He learned he was waitlisted at Harvard Law, and he was okay with it. He still needs to hear from Stanford, and then he will make his decision on law school. This is the kid who does worry a little about what his peers may think. Son '14 will probably tell him it’s not important what they think. Five years from now, no one will remember.</p>

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<p>itsv - Congrats on your D’14 being names the Young Latina of the Year! Woot! Woot! Way to go - that is so cool!</p>

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<p>@overtheedge That’s a great idea. </p>

<p>@eyemamom I’m sure you are right about the engineering curricula. At several of the schools we attended they noted how constrained their programs are because of accreditation requirements. Our S took an intro to engineering class last summer at the local flagship because we wanted him to see what it would be like before deciding to apply to engineering programs. He discovered that what he liked best was the programming, so he applied to CS majors (in engineering in some schools, but not in others). </p>

<p>He also has told this anecdote: they had a civil engineer come in as a speaker whose message was, basically “Engineers kill people.” And proceeded to point out the design flaws in the new campus basketball arena that made it a death trap for people in the event of an emergency evacuation. They have since fixed these flaws, but what he must have intended as an attention-getting inspiration to prospective students was a turn off for my S. On the other hand, we were sitting at that same campus today (attending the accepted students day) and quite a lot of what he was paying attention to was the design and structural elements of the buildings. And he’s still thinking about that story. So, I’m thinking he might need a campus that has architecture/civil engineering just in case ;-)</p>

<p>Congrats @moltian on having that college choice made, and especially on having a giddy S!</p>

<p>Folks, don’t forget to add the final decisions in red to the Class of 18 doc here: <a href=“Admission to College, but a Wait of a Year - The New York Times”>Admission to College, but a Wait of a Year - The New York Times;
(@moltian already did)
We’ll all be inspired watching all the decisions getting made!</p>

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<p>The jury is in. The final two decisons were released late this afternoon. Accepted at Lehigh and denied (redirected) at Vanderbilt. D was expecting the Vandy result and is now saddled with her two leading schools being Lehigh and Villanova. We have the FA from 'Nova and it’s excellent and very affordable. Haven’t seen anything from Lehigh yet. I am sure we will be heading back to the campuses in mid-April. The good thing is they are only about 50 miles apart. The bad thing is they both get snow and we have to cross PA to get to either school.</p>

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<p>And this part is done…</p>

<p>Got the acceptance from USC today and rejection from Stanford.</p>

<p>Summary, 7-3-1. </p>

<p>Financial Safeties:
University of Minnesota - Accepted (OOS tuition waiver, hoping for more)
Miami, Oh - Accepted (Full tuition +2K)</p>

<p>Matches
University of Illinois - Accepted ($2K Merit Aid - Our flagship and the edge of our affordability)
University of Pittsburgh - Accepted (Full tuition)</p>

<p>Reaches:
University of Viginia - Accepted (but didn’t advance in Jefferson Scholars)
Rice - Accepted (But not enough aid)
USC - Accepted (But not enough aid)
University of Chicago - Waitlisted
Princeton - Rejected
Duke - Rejected
Stanford - Rejected</p>

<p>In the end, our results are slightly better than we hoped and I’m very proud of DS.</p>

<p>We’ll join the passengers on SS indecision for a little while, at least till we get all the FA shopping sheets, then probably help serving drinks. At the least we’ll buy one for the bartenders to share.</p>

<p>We followed the CC motto of getting the rolling decisions in pocket early. The only thing that is a bit unfortunate about this approach is that the good news was front loaded and these last few decisions were the “redirections”. Might need to go to an accepted students day/reception to feel the love again.</p>

<p>Congrats to all and we will continue to watch and join in as everyone makes their decisions. At times like this, I like to think about hedonic adaptation and confirmation bias. Ten dollar words for “most kids end up where they belong and are perfectly happy.”</p>

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<p>It’s a no from Stanford, so he is essentially choosing between Cal and UCLA. I feel a bit battered and bruised from this week, but glad it’s over! Congrats on all the acceptances and happy decision making!</p>

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<p>The college admissions journey came to an end earlier today in our house with a rejection from Stanford, as expected. S sounded disappointed for about five seconds, then smiled and chuckled as he said, “I am going to Rice!”</p>

<p>I am so exhausted by this whole process. I really feel for your guys who still have miles to go before you can rest. I know your kids have wonderful choices before them and I wish them all the best in finding a great place to land.</p>