Did anyone else underestimate their DC this application cycle?

[Anonymous]

Maybe I spent too much time on dcum, but I kept doubting many things. The GPA was not high enough? A high test score would not move the needle? No national awards? Say goodbye to top colleges. Listen to the school counselor and apply ED to a target school? On and on. But in the end, DC's results really surprised us.

[Anonymous]

Yes. And I think it's because the tide is finally turning a bit, in favor of students. The jig is up, so to speak, in many of these schools' admissions policies.

Very different environment from when my older two went through this process 3 and 5 years ago.

I have never seen so many kids get off waitlists, for example, and have schools continue to contact them with additional merit money, after the May 1 supposed deadline.

[Anonymous]

Congrats to your DC! I definitely see that kids are getting into good colleges - I'm a lot less stressed with our younger ones.

[Anonymous]

Nice post, whether true or not, lifts my spirits today. College admissions seem hopeless to me.
-parent of rising junior

[Anonymous]

First of all, congratulations to your child and your family. I think words like “underestimate” or “overestimate” can sometimes imply a need for external validation. Maybe a better way to frame it is "do you reach your goals if not, why not"

[Anonymous]

OP, I'd love to know more. Can you tell us more about your kid and what specifically surprised you? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Congrats, OP! Do you feel comfortable sharing where your child will end up?

I had a child sobbing in my arms for an hour that she wouldn't get in anywhere. She was terrified to open her Mary Washington decision, convinced she wouldn't get in.

She's heading to a T30 school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Congrats, OP! Do you feel comfortable sharing where your child will end up?

I had a child sobbing in my arms for an hour that she wouldn't get in anywhere. She was terrified to open her Mary Washington decision, convinced she wouldn't get in.

She's heading to a T30 school.

You have a nice bonding with your kid

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nice post, whether true or not, lifts my spirits today. College admissions seem hopeless to me.
-parent of rising junior

Your kid is competing with fewer kids this upcoming cycle. Those that were born between Fall 2008 - Fall 2009

[Anonymous]

We suggested a safety with a 70-80% acceptance rate because we doubted our DC would get into their first choice, to which they were admitted. However, they ended up loving the safety, and that is where they are going.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Nice post, whether true or not, lifts my spirits today. College admissions seem hopeless to me.
-parent of rising junior

Your kid is competing with fewer kids this upcoming cycle. Those that were born between Fall 2008 - Fall 2009

Definitely a part of things. But the reasons for why there aren't a lot of great students today go beyond mere demographics. But if you have a top student with great ECs, it's been much easier - compared to a few years ago.

[Anonymous]

I think the tide has turned a bit too. Lots of school have results that look more like a decade ago, than the past 8 or so years, especially beter than 2021-2025.

[Anonymous]

One kid surprised me at how much merit they received from one particular private school. It was a good match for the kid who ended up committing there. The net price calculator showed a much higher cost. Overall NPC were reasonably accurate, especially at public schools.

Another got into more than one reach school, although not much merit aid. Still, wasn’t expected.

[Anonymous]

I did not think he would be recruited for his beloved sport. He proved me wrong.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Nice post, whether true or not, lifts my spirits today. College admissions seem hopeless to me.
-parent of rising junior

Your kid is competing with fewer kids this upcoming cycle. Those that were born between Fall 2008 - Fall 2009

Not for top schools they are not.