College search has been so stressful so far

[Anonymous]

Rising senior parent here. So far this process has been so stressful. From forms to essays to college lists to college visits, let alone trying to determine the “real” price and direct vs indirect admits into major … I’m so ready for this to be over. Does it get better once apps are submitted? The college list has been particularly challenging. Every time we add one or take one off, it seems the next day there’s a reason to reverse the decision. At this point, none of them look like sure bets that child would want to attend. Luckily we’re pretty flexible so I’m sure child will be happy with whatever works out but so far it hasn’t been fun, at all!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Rising senior parent here. So far this process has been so stressful. From forms to essays to college lists to college visits, let alone trying to determine the “real” price and direct vs indirect admits into major … I’m so ready for this to be over. Does it get better once apps are submitted? The college list has been particularly challenging. Every time we add one or take one off, it seems the next day there’s a reason to reverse the decision. At this point, none of them look like sure bets that child would want to attend. Luckily we’re pretty flexible so I’m sure child will be happy with whatever works out but so far it hasn’t been fun, at all!

The experience is as stressful as you make it. It's never going to be fun or easy, but with the right approach and mindset, it doesn't have to be painful. Considering the many possibilities and visiting campuses can even be somewhat enjoyable.

[Anonymous]

OP, how about consider it a fluid process? Applications "open" in August for rolling admission schools. Throw-in a few apps. Hear by Oct. One way to think of "safeties" is hearing early, rolling or ea. A choice of safeties, at least until they are visited.

[Anonymous]

I felt better once we got all the deadlines for his schools onto a spreadsheet. Seems a lot more manageable. So many templates available, he picked one and together we edited to suit our needs.

The bigger issue I’m stressing about is finances as a sole parent in a public service job. We’ll see how it all plays out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The bigger issue I’m stressing about is finances as a sole parent in a public service job. We’ll see how it all plays out.

Definitely do some net price calculators specific to schools on the list to make sure there are options with reasonable costs for you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, how about consider it a fluid process? Applications "open" in August for rolling admission schools. Throw-in a few apps. Hear by Oct. One way to think of "safeties" is hearing early, rolling or ea. A choice of safeties, at least until they are visited.

This is what we did with DC1. They applied in early October to Penn State and heard by the end of October. It was nice to have one in the bag and be able to concentrate on higher rated applications. As a result, they only applied to four schools.

[Anonymous]

You are making it stressful.

[Anonymous]

Isn’t this your kids job? If they can’t handle applying they’re not ready for college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Isn’t this your kids job? If they can’t handle applying they’re not ready for college.

I knew you'd chime in at some point. Plenty of parents help their kid with this process. It's totally fine.

[Anonymous]

My kids did everything except the college tours. Not stressful.

[Anonymous]

My children handled all applications themselves. They scheduled tour’s and we took them but were 100% hands off. They need those skills for college, why deny them the learning experience?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Rising senior parent here. So far this process has been so stressful. From forms to essays to college lists to college visits, let alone trying to determine the “real” price and direct vs indirect admits into major … I’m so ready for this to be over. Does it get better once apps are submitted? The college list has been particularly challenging. Every time we add one or take one off, it seems the next day there’s a reason to reverse the decision. At this point, none of them look like sure bets that child would want to attend. Luckily we’re pretty flexible so I’m sure child will be happy with whatever works out but so far it hasn’t been fun, at all!

No

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Isn’t this your kids job? If they can’t handle applying they’re not ready for college.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Rising senior parent here. So far this process has been so stressful. From forms to essays to college lists to college visits, let alone trying to determine the “real” price and direct vs indirect admits into major … I’m so ready for this to be over. Does it get better once apps are submitted? The college list has been particularly challenging. Every time we add one or take one off, it seems the next day there’s a reason to reverse the decision. At this point, none of them look like sure bets that child would want to attend. Luckily we’re pretty flexible so I’m sure child will be happy with whatever works out but so far it hasn’t been fun, at all!

I wish I could say yes, but the stress just turns into that gnawing with the waiting! It is a rollercoaster until end of March, unless your kid gets great news in early admissions. Hang in there, and find other things to focus on!

[Anonymous]

Add extra safeties that give merit to take away some pressure