Unsolicited Negative Feedback about College

[Anonymous]

It seems everyone has an opinion. How do you respond when someone says something negative about your child's college choice or a college that your child applied to. In the last week I have had two people say DDs college is a party school. I just say not really, it takes really high stats to get in. Another knocked one of the schools DS got in and was excited about by saying in a derogatory way "of course he got in"

[Anonymous]

I like to respond to this by saying something like "yeah, we never had high hopes for Larlo - but I guess it's better than serving fries at McDonalds. He never was the brightest star in the sky..."

So far, this has always made them at least shut up, or fiercely backpedal. Fun to watch!

[Anonymous]

I would ignore it. And I would find better friends.

[Anonymous]

Yikes. Not a nice person. My response would be to find ways of reducing that person’s presence in my life.

[Anonymous]

Just try and ignore these comments. People used to say the party school thing about my kids school too - it was meant to be derogatory but it was kinda true. I’m glad my kids are having a great time at college and getting a wonderful education. Theres not much to say to the naysayers - but in my opinion life’s about more than being a miserable grind.

[Anonymous]

Hell is oftentimes other Moms. Find better friends or fly solo. And kudos to your D.C. Be proud and happy for him.

[Anonymous]

A woman made a rude comment once and I said, "your son ate dog food to get into his fraternity".

[Anonymous]

By talking about stats to get in, etc. you are basically inviting them to engage in a debate. Just change the subject or say "to each his own."

[Anonymous]

Give her a death stare and say "What did you just say?" And wait.

[Anonymous]

To me, “of course he got in” means “your DS is a great candidate, what school wouldn’t want him.” And a party school I s just that. It doesn’t mean it isn’t competitive. UVA is a party school. That’s not knocking it.

[Anonymous]

One response is to say “ they are all party schools” or “ what college isn’t” with a smile — because they are!

Then move on to he/she is really happy there/thriving/loves her classes/environment,..... So happy he/she found a school that fits her. End of.

We get a bit of that as one dc not at a top-ranked state or Slac but, you know what, she’s a great kid who was born average, had a few challenges, and is exceeding our expectations. I wish people in the DMV would let kids grow, develop, evolve at their own pace. And, pick schools that are good for them!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A woman made a rude comment once and I said, "your son ate dog food to get into his fraternity".

LOL! This is awesome.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It seems everyone has an opinion. How do you respond when someone says something negative about your child's college choice or a college that your child applied to. In the last week I have had two people say DDs college is a party school. I just say not really, it takes really high stats to get in. Another knocked one of the schools DS got in and was excited about by saying in a derogatory way "of course he got in"

People in this are particularly disgusting about their opinions. Remember that when they offer it, it's more of a reflection of their own negative traits. People here measure their own self-worth on cutting others down. I have never seen so many insecure people as I've seen in this area.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I like to respond to this by saying something like "yeah, we never had high hopes for Larlo - but I guess it's better than serving fries at McDonalds. He never was the brightest star in the sky..."

So far, this has always made them at least shut up, or fiercely backpedal. Fun to watch!

OK, this is brilliant!!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To me, “of course he got in” means “your DS is a great candidate, what school wouldn’t want him.” And a party school I s just that. It doesn’t mean it isn’t competitive. UVA is a party school. That’s not knocking it.

Please! It's a rude thing to say and you know it. Stop justifying your own pettiness.