Lessons learned from the college process

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I agree with OP and PP. it is a nerve wracking process so go in with your eyes open. Don’t be the parent who thinks their own kid is amazing and pushes their child to apply to top ivys. Be encouraging but realistic. I saw several disappointed kids whose parents encouraged them to apply early to Harvard or Stanford. Kids had top grades and scores but didn’t stand out in any other way.

+1 And Naviance isn't really helpful with this. My DS has very high SATs and strong GPA but not one of the best in the class and hasn't done much with extracurriculars. Still, the college search tool in Naviance says Ivies are a "match" for him, which is ridiculous. But, some parents will believe that.

Naviance had every Ivy a "reach" for even the top kids at our school. I thought it defaults to "reach" on all Ivies

Maybe your school (wisely) changed a setting? I just looked again using the "SuperMatch" tool and it says all the Ivies are matches. There is no way he's getting into those schools. Which is fine -- we couldn't afford it even if he could get in! Nothing is listed as a reach and it even says UVA is a "safety", which it obviously is not when you look at the scattergram. It's really deceptive to people who aren't better informed about the process.

[Anonymous]

DCPS sends out these ridiculous personalized college and career guides to high schoolers. Such a waste of money and paper. Seems irresponsible as for my 9th grader, it claims Duke and UPenn are matches. I know not to take all this crap seriously but a lot of parents may believe the stuff they are sending out.