Any parents of seniors want to commiserate?

[Anonymous]

I'm glad your kids listened to you! Yes, even with that done there are so many supplemental essays. Thank you for your commiseration and best wishes to your twins. May they all keep their perspective that this will be done in January and they will be fine in the end.

OP - I will have to add though, it all depends if your child is a procrastinator or not as well as other factors. Of my twins, I will say that it is my daughter who was and continues to be the most diligent in getting things done -- she is done with her supplemental essays as well. But my son is a procrastinator, only getting a draft of his main essay done at the very end of summer and he has yet to finalize it after receiving feedback from teacher. But there are other factors...the schools my daughter is applying to have less supplemental essays than my son. Also, my son is currently involved with travel soccer and also working on his Eagle project. So he is not "done" with his main essay or supplemental essays.

[Anonymous]

Yes, the procrastination gene runs strong in my senior! Thankfully, my other child is the opposite -- starts early and does things in chunks to avoid stress.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have never seen my DD so stressed out and unhappy. I thought junior year was supposed to be the hardest but she never seemed like this last year. The stress of college apps on top of an unbelievable amount of homework in her senior year classes is too much. Can’t they take it a bit easier on them first quarter? It’s hard for me to watch.

First quarter is really bad for my DD -- in addition to class there are the marching band practices (10 hours per week) plus most Saturdays being taken up by Marching competitions. And this year, it is looking like the marching season will extend a few weeks (the band is really god and may add a national competition). She has not had time to complete her college essays. Most of the schools she is applying to are limited in the requirements, but she is not applying to her first choice ED because she does not have the time to get the second essay done before Nov 1. She is a good student -- 4.2 + GPA with 1400+ SAT's, taking 5 APs. But she can not manufacture time. Between now and thanksgiving, she most Sundays (two are allocated) to get caught up on work, and 1 Saturday, and three days off from school (where there may or may not be band practice).

She is happy for te band's success this year, and thinks this is a once in a lifetime experience where everything comes together with band -- literally the first VA band to win a BOA regional in more than 40 years). But, it is hard work. #proudfather.

Wait a minute, all she needs is on essay for the college of her dreams? For god’s sake, have her miss a freaking band practice! College is much more important!

Would you tell a football player to miss a game or practice? She takes band very seriously.

NP here. Uh, yes, I absolutely would.
This is crazy!

Another NP: I, absolutely, would encourage my child to miss a sport practice and/or game to finish one essay for his FC school. No hesitation!

Something makes no sense if a three hour practice is what separates your child from the perfect essay and garbage.

[Anonymous]

The colleges driving the push for kids to take 5 AP classes at a time, plus intense ECS that show their "passion" plus the rest of the their schedule... it is ridiculous.

in college 5 classes is a full schedule - that is probably 16 credit hours right there. That is a FULL SCHEDULE.

But we expect these kids to be doing a full college level schedule (with a huge amount of homework that no way reflects the homework level of actual college classes in college) PLUS the other 2 classes they need for graduation, PLUS time intensive ECS, PLUS doing all the college apps and writing essays to sell themselves.

It is ridiculous. AP system is a scam and shame on colleges for buying in to the hype and screwing over our kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have never seen my DD so stressed out and unhappy. I thought junior year was supposed to be the hardest but she never seemed like this last year. The stress of college apps on top of an unbelievable amount of homework in her senior year classes is too much. Can’t they take it a bit easier on them first quarter? It’s hard for me to watch.

First quarter is really bad for my DD -- in addition to class there are the marching band practices (10 hours per week) plus most Saturdays being taken up by Marching competitions. And this year, it is looking like the marching season will extend a few weeks (the band is really god and may add a national competition). She has not had time to complete her college essays. Most of the schools she is applying to are limited in the requirements, but she is not applying to her first choice ED because she does not have the time to get the second essay done before Nov 1. She is a good student -- 4.2 + GPA with 1400+ SAT's, taking 5 APs. But she can not manufacture time. Between now and thanksgiving, she most Sundays (two are allocated) to get caught up on work, and 1 Saturday, and three days off from school (where there may or may not be band practice).

She is happy for te band's success this year, and thinks this is a once in a lifetime experience where everything comes together with band -- literally the first VA band to win a BOA regional in more than 40 years). But, it is hard work. #proudfather.

Wait a minute, all she needs is on essay for the college of her dreams? For god’s sake, have her miss a freaking band practice! College is much more important!

Would you tell a football player to miss a game or practice? She takes band very seriously.

NP here. Uh, yes, I absolutely would.
This is crazy!

Another NP: I, absolutely, would encourage my child to miss a sport practice and/or game to finish one essay for his FC school. No hesitation!

Something makes no sense if a three hour practice is what separates your child from the perfect essay and garbage.

PP here. Exactly. It is not that three hours would make a difference. It is the repeated three hours 3 days a week + the loss of most Saturdays for competitions + regular homework....

Marching band is a commitment of about 300 hours from August 1 to the end of marching season. School is about 50-60 hrs per week (HW + Class). During the Fall, Marching Band adds at least 10 hours a week, and sometimes (for example last week) 30 hours.

So at 60-90 hours per week, there is not a lot of time for applications. Getting the Apps done is about an 80 hour task. The breakdown is 20 hours per big essay, and about 5 hours per app. If you are in band, the fall is a tough time. (Similarly, if you play football, fall is tough).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The colleges driving the push for kids to take 5 AP classes at a time, plus intense ECS that show their "passion" plus the rest of the their schedule... it is ridiculous.

in college 5 classes is a full schedule - that is probably 16 credit hours right there. That is a FULL SCHEDULE.

But we expect these kids to be doing a full college level schedule (with a huge amount of homework that no way reflects the homework level of actual college classes in college) PLUS the other 2 classes they need for graduation, PLUS time intensive ECS, PLUS doing all the college apps and writing essays to sell themselves.

It is ridiculous. AP system is a scam and shame on colleges for buying in to the hype and screwing over our kids.

Yes, the change to college's expectations and selectivity is absolutely ridiculous. High schoolers are in class all day and then come home to hours of work (even before EC which are expected). Very different from college or life afterwards. It's way too much to put on these kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The colleges driving the push for kids to take 5 AP classes at a time, plus intense ECS that show their "passion" plus the rest of the their schedule... it is ridiculous.

in college 5 classes is a full schedule - that is probably 16 credit hours right there. That is a FULL SCHEDULE.

But we expect these kids to be doing a full college level schedule (with a huge amount of homework that no way reflects the homework level of actual college classes in college) PLUS the other 2 classes they need for graduation, PLUS time intensive ECS, PLUS doing all the college apps and writing essays to sell themselves.

It is ridiculous. AP system is a scam and shame on colleges for buying in to the hype and screwing over our kids.

Yes, the change to college's expectations and selectivity is absolutely ridiculous. High schoolers are in class all day and then come home to hours of work (even before EC which are expected). Very different from college or life afterwards. It's way too much to put on these kids.

No. the real issue is grade inflation. When I went to HS, average was about a 3.0. Today it is 3.5(U), 3.8(W). That means that most kids are getting mostly A's and B's. So the only way to differentiate yourself is by taking every AP....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have never seen my DD so stressed out and unhappy. I thought junior year was supposed to be the hardest but she never seemed like this last year. The stress of college apps on top of an unbelievable amount of homework in her senior year classes is too much. Can’t they take it a bit easier on them first quarter? It’s hard for me to watch.

First quarter is really bad for my DD -- in addition to class there are the marching band practices (10 hours per week) plus most Saturdays being taken up by Marching competitions. And this year, it is looking like the marching season will extend a few weeks (the band is really god and may add a national competition). She has not had time to complete her college essays. Most of the schools she is applying to are limited in the requirements, but she is not applying to her first choice ED because she does not have the time to get the second essay done before Nov 1. She is a good student -- 4.2 + GPA with 1400+ SAT's, taking 5 APs. But she can not manufacture time. Between now and thanksgiving, she most Sundays (two are allocated) to get caught up on work, and 1 Saturday, and three days off from school (where there may or may not be band practice).

She is happy for the band's success this year, and thinks this is a once in a lifetime experience where everything comes together with band -- literally the first VA band to win a BOA regional in more than 40 years). But, it is hard work. #proudfather.

Hi Madison! You’ll had an amazing show! And I agree you commit to band, you let 100 plus kids down. There’s a hole on the field, and it’s not like you can send in the second string.

We’re also stress the CA essay here. Everything else is done. But yikes! Fortunately our seniors get a huge break this time of year. But still. My kid has put a lot of effort in, but it’s just not that great. IDK. But the CA Essay sucks. #stressedmom

— love the BOA 4th place finishers (9our highest top)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have never seen my DD so stressed out and unhappy. I thought junior year was supposed to be the hardest but she never seemed like this last year. The stress of college apps on top of an unbelievable amount of homework in her senior year classes is too much. Can’t they take it a bit easier on them first quarter? It’s hard for me to watch.

First quarter is really bad for my DD -- in addition to class there are the marching band practices (10 hours per week) plus most Saturdays being taken up by Marching competitions. And this year, it is looking like the marching season will extend a few weeks (the band is really god and may add a national competition). She has not had time to complete her college essays. Most of the schools she is applying to are limited in the requirements, but she is not applying to her first choice ED because she does not have the time to get the second essay done before Nov 1. She is a good student -- 4.2 + GPA with 1400+ SAT's, taking 5 APs. But she can not manufacture time. Between now and thanksgiving, she most Sundays (two are allocated) to get caught up on work, and 1 Saturday, and three days off from school (where there may or may not be band practice).

She is happy for te band's success this year, and thinks this is a once in a lifetime experience where everything comes together with band -- literally the first VA band to win a BOA regional in more than 40 years). But, it is hard work. #proudfather.

Wait a minute, all she needs is on essay for the college of her dreams? For god’s sake, have her miss a freaking band practice! College is much more important!

Would you tell a football player to miss a game or practice? She takes band very seriously.

NP here. Uh, yes, I absolutely would.
This is crazy!

Another NP: I, absolutely, would encourage my child to miss a sport practice and/or game to finish one essay for his FC school. No hesitation!

Something makes no sense if a three hour practice is what separates your child from the perfect essay and garbage.

PP here. Exactly. It is not that three hours would make a difference. It is the repeated three hours 3 days a week + the loss of most Saturdays for competitions + regular homework....

Marching band is a commitment of about 300 hours from August 1 to the end of marching season. School is about 50-60 hrs per week (HW + Class). During the Fall, Marching Band adds at least 10 hours a week, and sometimes (for example last week) 30 hours.

So at 60-90 hours per week, there is not a lot of time for applications. Getting the Apps done is about an 80 hour task. The breakdown is 20 hours per big essay, and about 5 hours per app. If you are in band, the fall is a tough time. (Similarly, if you play football, fall is tough).

20 hours on one essay doesn’t sound right at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have never seen my DD so stressed out and unhappy. I thought junior year was supposed to be the hardest but she never seemed like this last year. The stress of college apps on top of an unbelievable amount of homework in her senior year classes is too much. Can’t they take it a bit easier on them first quarter? It’s hard for me to watch.

First quarter is really bad for my DD -- in addition to class there are the marching band practices (10 hours per week) plus most Saturdays being taken up by Marching competitions. And this year, it is looking like the marching season will extend a few weeks (the band is really god and may add a national competition). She has not had time to complete her college essays. Most of the schools she is applying to are limited in the requirements, but she is not applying to her first choice ED because she does not have the time to get the second essay done before Nov 1. She is a good student -- 4.2 + GPA with 1400+ SAT's, taking 5 APs. But she can not manufacture time. Between now and thanksgiving, she most Sundays (two are allocated) to get caught up on work, and 1 Saturday, and three days off from school (where there may or may not be band practice).

She is happy for the band's success this year, and thinks this is a once in a lifetime experience where everything comes together with band -- literally the first VA band to win a BOA regional in more than 40 years). But, it is hard work. #proudfather.

Hi Madison! You’ll had an amazing show! And I agree you commit to band, you let 100 plus kids down. There’s a hole on the field, and it’s not like you can send in the second string.

We’re also stress the CA essay here. Everything else is done. But yikes! Fortunately our seniors get a huge break this time of year. But still. My kid has put a lot of effort in, but it’s just not that great. IDK. But the CA Essay sucks. #stressedmom

— love the BOA 4th place finishers (9our highest top)

+1 I have a marching band kid too. You don't just skip it to do homework, college apps, whatever. Mine's not a senior yet but I'll definitely be keeping this in mind when I get on her about doing those essays in the summer!

[Anonymous]

How/why did this become a band thread?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How/why did this become a band thread?

I made reference to the fall being hard under normal circumstances because of the band load. Other people told me DD should skip events....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have never seen my DD so stressed out and unhappy. I thought junior year was supposed to be the hardest but she never seemed like this last year. The stress of college apps on top of an unbelievable amount of homework in her senior year classes is too much. Can’t they take it a bit easier on them first quarter? It’s hard for me to watch.

First quarter is really bad for my DD -- in addition to class there are the marching band practices (10 hours per week) plus most Saturdays being taken up by Marching competitions. And this year, it is looking like the marching season will extend a few weeks (the band is really god and may add a national competition). She has not had time to complete her college essays. Most of the schools she is applying to are limited in the requirements, but she is not applying to her first choice ED because she does not have the time to get the second essay done before Nov 1. She is a good student -- 4.2 + GPA with 1400+ SAT's, taking 5 APs. But she can not manufacture time. Between now and thanksgiving, she most Sundays (two are allocated) to get caught up on work, and 1 Saturday, and three days off from school (where there may or may not be band practice).

She is happy for the band's success this year, and thinks this is a once in a lifetime experience where everything comes together with band -- literally the first VA band to win a BOA regional in more than 40 years). But, it is hard work. #proudfather.

Hi Madison! You’ll had an amazing show! And I agree you commit to band, you let 100 plus kids down. There’s a hole on the field, and it’s not like you can send in the second string.

We’re also stress the CA essay here. Everything else is done. But yikes! Fortunately our seniors get a huge break this time of year. But still. My kid has put a lot of effort in, but it’s just not that great. IDK. But the CA Essay sucks. #stressedmom

— love the BOA 4th place finishers (9our highest top)

TJ?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The colleges driving the push for kids to take 5 AP classes at a time, plus intense ECS that show their "passion" plus the rest of the their schedule... it is ridiculous.

in college 5 classes is a full schedule - that is probably 16 credit hours right there. That is a FULL SCHEDULE.

But we expect these kids to be doing a full college level schedule (with a huge amount of homework that no way reflects the homework level of actual college classes in college) PLUS the other 2 classes they need for graduation, PLUS time intensive ECS, PLUS doing all the college apps and writing essays to sell themselves.

It is ridiculous. AP system is a scam and shame on colleges for buying in to the hype and screwing over our kids.

Yes, the change to college's expectations and selectivity is absolutely ridiculous. High schoolers are in class all day and then come home to hours of work (even before EC which are expected). Very different from college or life afterwards. It's way too much to put on these kids.

No. the real issue is grade inflation. When I went to HS, average was about a 3.0. Today it is 3.5(U), 3.8(W). That means that most kids are getting mostly A's and B's. So the only way to differentiate yourself is by taking every AP....

I think grade inflation is not accurate. My 9th grader has more homework than I had a senior. I had a very high GPA and was in National honor society etc. His is about the same (according to first progress report so far) but works 3 times as hard for what he gets. The issue isn't grade inflation, the issue is that college is so much more competitive because people are willing to apply to schools that are very far away, and US News ranks on selectivity which has resulted in colleges working the system and actively recruiting kids all over the place, whether they have the scores to get in or not, and bringing their selectivity index up super high.

I applied to only my state flagship. My kids won't have that luxury because our state flagship does not accept students the same way. I had automatic acceptance because of my scores and GPA combination. That does not exist now. I don't know anyone who applies to fewer than 6 schools, but most are applying to more than 10. Kids have to work so much harder because they already are stressed about it by middle school.

[Anonymous]

Another band parent here. No, you don’t just miss a performance or competition.

But you plan for it. DS has essay drafts done over the summer, polished them in English class and has all applications done and submitted. Took some pushing to make him work on them this summer, but he’s so happy to be done and focused on school and band and enjoying senior year.