So, it is interesting, if you all take a look at all of our one word answers, I think you find that the “best” place to find them might not be the school that seems “best” to the casual observer. I expect a lot of us knew that already.
Side note, I expected “Happy” would be the winner, and it looks like one of the most popular choices in our “rigorous” poll. But another Grinch alert: It’s not the top two or three words I personally would have picked, and thats part of the point I guess: One word can’t define this experience for any student, just like one particular (dream) school shouldn’t either.
I have followed along many of your journeys and am still stumbling on some of the abbreviations and lingo that is used, but have gained a ton of helpful insight. (I am also barely successful at being able to post, too!)
My daughter was accepted as an OOS ED applicant to William & Mary last week. There is definitely something to be said for the beauty of “GAME OVER” in this grueling process. We live in a state with a highly regarded, much sought-after state school, where the deferrals and wait-lists are known to drag on for months. Not for the faint-hearted!
I have been reflecting on everything over and over in my head… I obviously think that my daughter is the greatest thing since sliced bread, but at times, it was difficult to quiet the voices of doubt because she didn’t play a sport, wasn’t a captain, wasn’t an officer of anything. The last kicker is that she isn’t killing herself with a heavy course load senior year. (which I supported) She was actually watching “Moana” on a Tuesday night a few weeks ago and I said, “I haven’t seen you watch tv on a weeknight in at least 2-3 years!?” And in terms of community service that some of you are debating in these last few pages… with character limitations on the Common App, it seemed like a kid could barely even begin to explain the activitity before getting cut off…
This has to be as painful for you to try and read my dis-jointed posts as it is for me to keep having to re-type them. I’m obviously not cut out to be a contibutor. ; )
My point is (and you may want to run me over with a semi - tensions are high, I get it), is that her qualities still shown through.
In terms of the “word game” (and I may get super roasted for this), but : FUN! She has worked her tail off for years to get to the finish line. It paid off by getting into her dream school, but has been painful to watch. She has such a strong work ethic and is still going full steam ahead. Sometimes when she’s studying, I will creep up on her and whisper in her ear, “YOLO!” : )
Welcome @2018/2022mom and congrats on being done! And can I just say… love your username :x
I hope you keep trying with the posting! I love your word! Fun is super important, and especially for these kids who work so hard. I’ve had my kid take her foot off the gas this year a bit as well, though she has trouble with it. I keep reminding her: Honey it’s senior year, you applied EA everywhere, to all safeties, just don’t get any D’s or F’s otherwise, don’t worry about it!! But she has a real hard time with “good enough”. I suppose that’s a good thing overall. :-?
WELCOME @2018/2022mom I think what you say rings so true. But first CONGRATS on your daugher’s William & Mary acceptance. What a wonderful school, you and she both have much to be proud of. It was on our short list for a long time, and after 2 visits we reluctantly cut it off our list but it was one of those places that we were charmed by from the beginning. She is going to have an amazing experience there! I hope you continue to post, these boards can be a little bit tricky but we love new voices.
Also,I think that colleges themselves are driving the craziness of numbers of applicants. They LOVE it and use it to justify spending, etc. Common app certainly adds to the chaos. S18 got 21 unique emails today alone inviting him to apply, offering to waive application fees, guaranteed $$, etc. But as long as people are willing to continue applying to large #'s is schools, there is no incentive to change.
Also just saw that Providence College is mailing out 6700 letters for EA and ED Friday. Really -mail! Notify us electrically and mail the letters also! While it’s not DS top choice, it would be a good fit for him…
:x