At what point do you decide on a gap year?

[Anonymous]

Do not write the essays for him.

Let him apply RD he doesn’t need to apply early. Pick schools without supplementals. Don’t let him go to social engagements until he hits milestones. But, seriously, stop pressuring him to apply early.

[Anonymous]

Yes, talk to him about a gap year but have an admission in hand. Colleges are usually fine with deferment!

I took a gap year - and also procrastinated college applications. If you know he’ll get them done eventually, stop the hovering and just let him procrastinate.

Maybe the thought of a year off will help motivation, anyway.

[Anonymous]

Hmmm.

A lot of people hire counselors to do the nitty gritty Common App work here. Esp for boys.

I don’t see anything wrong with it as long as kid puts some work into essays.

The rest is just busy work.