Stop asking teens about college plans

[Anonymous]

My daughter is a senior and every adult she encounters asks her where she wants to go to college, how her applications are going or what her SAT score is. Please give these kids a break. They have enough on their plate. They don’t need to be asked about college at every casual encounter.

And, could people with more social savvy than I have share a good response she can use to deflect these questions?

[Anonymous]

Just have you kid ask them about about their college studies and those of their children. Then they will blab on about that and leave your kid alone.

[Anonymous]

Time to land the helicopter.

[Anonymous]

What else do you suggest as an ice breaker? It’s what people can relate to.

[Anonymous]

I agree, OP. It’s like asking a woman if she’s pregnant.

[Anonymous]

Also - it’s ok for them to be uncomfortable. My daughter is because she knows she’s behind. Great - keep asking. Maybe it’ll kick her butt into gear.

[Anonymous]

Sorry I care about your special snowflake.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree, OP. It’s like asking a woman if she’s pregnant.

How so?
Literally people can’t talk to each other without offending someone.

[Anonymous]

I would never ask someone their SAT scores! But no, I don’t agree that the topic of plans for college are off limits or inappropriate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just have you kid ask them about about their college studies and those of their children. Then they will blab on about that and leave your kid alone.

+1

She can say something vague like "I'm still working on my applications," and then ask "Where did you go?" or "Where did your kids go?" Follow up with "Do you/they like it?" etc. People will happily take over and who knows, she might get some good tips!

[Anonymous]

Kids at that age need to realize that attending college is the expectation. If they plan to deviate they better have a good back plan, and be able to articulate it to adults convincingly. You are lucky you have savvy acquaintances. You can’t shelter her forever.

[Anonymous]

Agree. Two of mine spent three years on the military before they went to college. Not every kid is heading to college.

[Anonymous]

A better question is What are your plans after graduation.

[Anonymous]

Stop being ridiculous, OP. Your child can respond something non-committal every time. She doesn’t need to answer the actual question.

“Yes, I’m looking at colleges.” And stop there.

[Anonymous]

They should not be asking about their scores. That is rude.