Any parents of seniors want to commiserate?

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

Yes - it's awful and definitely worse than junior year. My kid is stressed, overworked and still working on applications. I don't blame the school - more the application process, the stress of a hyper competitive environment and everyone in the world asking her where she wants to go to college - as if her preferences are going to matter! It's really hard.

[Anonymous]

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.

[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 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!

[Anonymous]

Hey PP - it's not that easy. My senior doesn't want to miss stuff they have worked all 4 years to attain either -- and they are told to "enjoy" senior year but then schools get harder and harder to apply to and it's just a big headache.

I fondly remember senior year of high school - can't say the same will happen for my kid.

When my younger DS is ready for college, we are going to try to encourage early decision.

[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 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.

[Anonymous]

I agree. My son also is trying to keep his part-time job. His sport doesn't start until November, so I think it will be at the door at that point. It's too bad because he really likes having pocket money for gas or other things.

As far as classes go, I do think it's a little easier this year. He has a difficult math and science course, but everything else doesn't seem to have too much homework involved.

[Anonymous]

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.

Well, #1 this is high school and not her job. College is way more important than band. She should be applying to her first choice college. She still has plenty of time left before the Nov. 1 deadline. Maybe she should drop another college application in favor of her first choice. There must be some other reason instead of band practice. That’s lame. With her grades and SAT scores, she would most likely get in. How will she feel in 2 years when she’s realized she didn’t apply to her first choice of college because of....band? That would be a major regret in my opinion. Please help her make the right choice.

[Anonymous]

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.

Well, #1 this is high school and not her job. College is way more important than band. She should be applying to her first choice college. She still has plenty of time left before the Nov. 1 deadline. Maybe she should drop another college application in favor of her first choice. There must be some other reason instead of band practice. That’s lame. With her grades and SAT scores, she would most likely get in. How will she feel in 2 years when she’s realized she didn’t apply to her first choice of college because of....band? That would be a major regret in my opinion. Please help her make the right choice.

I agree with this. Not applying to her first choice school because of one essay seems very short-sighted. Encourage her to miss one band practice, or set aside one weekend evening, and get the essay done.

[Anonymous]

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!

[Anonymous]

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!

[Anonymous]

Or you could let her miss half day of school to finish the essay.

It's senior year. Apps are going in, it's fine to miss a little in order to stay up on everything.

[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.

Well, #1 this is high school and not her job. College is way more important than band. She should be applying to her first choice college. She still has plenty of time left before the Nov. 1 deadline. Maybe she should drop another college application in favor of her first choice. There must be some other reason instead of band practice. That’s lame. With her grades and SAT scores, she would most likely get in. How will she feel in 2 years when she’s realized she didn’t apply to her first choice of college because of....band? That would be a major regret in my opinion. Please help her make the right choice.

I agree with this. Not applying to her first choice school because of one essay seems very short-sighted. Encourage her to miss one band practice, or set aside one weekend evening, and get the essay done.

She does not have the time to write a good essay (her standards) -- it will take more than a missed practice or two. She would probably have to miss a competition, which is not acceptable to her. The school she is interest in (first choice) has ED1 due Nov 1., ED2 and RD due Jan 1. She is planning on applying ED2. Statistically, there is no difference in the acceptance rates ED1 & ED2. The only difference is she will not know if she gets in until Late Feb/Early March instead of Jan.

But, with the other schools she is applying to, she should have acceptances to "acceptable" schools by mid nov.

Her real problem is the busy fall (starting august) was predicted. She should have spent a few weeks in the summer getting ready.

Oh, and for her, missing practice or school is a big deal. She wanted to go to school today (Yom Kippur), but we did not let her. She will be at band practice -- it starts near sundown.

[Anonymous]

Today is a middle of the week day off for MCPS. There are no practices. It's perfect for college essay writing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Today is a middle of the week day off for MCPS. There are no practices. It's perfect for college essay writing.

Unless you are jewish and in a day of cessation of work.