I’m here with you. I check in periodically to remind him to read directions carefully and ask how it’s going. He likes to talk through his ideas at the dinner table, but beyond that he’s handled it all himself. Asked two teachers to read, incorporated their feedback, and has his plan in hand. I won’t say I’m completely chill, but definitely not stressed. |
Hate to break your bubble, but there ARE “chill” students. I teach at a DMV private full of high-achieving students. There are definitely students agonizing over supplementals for the 15-17 schools they are applying to. There are an equal number of students, many also high-achieving, who have set very realistic goals for themselves and aren’t stressing. I’ve been at this a long time. Both groups are going to get into college. Perhaps the stressing group will end up at an Ivy, but most in the other group don’t actually want top 20 schools. And that’s okay. We should be happy that they are all content with their paths in the end. |
I did absolutely nothing for either of my kids applications except pay fees. One got a free ride at a good public and nearly a full ride to a great law school right after. One is at a top 10 public. Both seem happy with their choices. |
Was this a private high school? Our school offers zero help other than sending required documents. The parents often know more than most of the counselors about admissions. |
Just want to commend the parents in this thread! You and your kids are setting a good example for others. Thank you for modeling that another approach is possible—and fruitful. |
Sounds like this thread isn’t for you! |
You, the teacher, knows who is stressing out and who isn't, in the privacy of their own home? If you're so immature that you don't understand that anxiety is not necessary visible to you, the teacher, then I doubt you have enough understanding of human nature to BE a teacher. School selectivity doesn't matter, since students are at different levels and someone's safety can be someone else's reach. 99% of families find college admissions stressful, regardless of where their kids apply. Seriously. What abysmal stupidity. |
I know you need to believe this to justify your involvement in the process, so I’m going to let you continue to think it’s true. Godspeed! |
You’re really ruining the chill vibe here. Go find a thread with other wound up parents. This one clearly isn’t for you. |
I didn't read DD's essays, or have anything to do with the app process. She is at a great school, having the time of her life, studying abroad this year in two different countries, and her tuition was 100% covered. |
You are welcome to deny my reality all you want. I actually have a college-bound senior who isn’t stressing. I also help ALL my students with their essays, so college comes up frequently. It comes up in parent conferences. This is my reality, and it is reality for many other families. For some reason this threatens you, and I’m not sure why. This threatens you so much that you have to fight back with multiple personal attacks. I’m not sure I understand why you need everybody to feel the pressure you do. I hope you survive the college process. It seems to be taking a lot out of you. |
I do think you sound a bit smug. |
I salute you! You are a breath of fresh air! Our kid went to one of those Big 3 schools that everybody hates. While we did meet the college counselor, my kid was on his own to find what he wanted for college and was on his own to fill out applications.. It's his journey, not ours! |
Ok thanks! |
Anonymous wrote: You, the teacher, knows who is stressing out and who isn't, in the privacy of their own home? If you're so immature that you don't understand that anxiety is not necessary visible to you, the teacher, then I doubt you have enough understanding of human nature to BE a teacher. School selectivity doesn't matter, since students are at different levels and someone's safety can be someone else's reach. 99% of families find college admissions stressful, regardless of where their kids apply. Seriously. What abysmal stupidity. You are welcome to deny my reality all you want. I actually have a college-bound senior who isn’t stressing. I also help ALL my students with their essays, so college comes up frequently. It comes up in parent conferences. This is my reality, and it is reality for many other families. For some reason this threatens you, and I’m not sure why. This threatens you so much that you have to fight back with multiple personal attacks. I’m not sure I understand why you need everybody to feel the pressure you do. I hope you survive the college process. It seems to be taking a lot out of you. PP You say you are a teacher at a competitive school. Are you a parent to ALL the 17-year-olds in your school applying to college? As has been mentioned, and I assume you know, there is a vast difference between what you see at school and what goes on at home. Many kids and parents are stressed about money, selectivity and fit. This does not mean they are doing something wrong. I do find the OP very smug and the premise of the thread "Let's all the cool chill parents with self-sufficient kids come hang out on this thread and congratulate ourselves" to be gross. So yes I'm coming to your high five party to say I think being totally uninvolved is irresponsible, or perhaps only possible if you have unlimited money and privilege. |