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[quote=Anonymous]Only ED to truly top choice school that you can easily afford.

Don’t ED2 out of panic. Only do if truly top at that time.

Absolutely do your own research and don’t fully rely on any 3rd party- not your school counselor, not your expensive paid private counselor, not this forum, not your other family member or friends. No one knows your kid as well as you do. No one wants what’s best for them more than you do. Get advice, sure, but don’t rely on anyone.

Jump in and read about the process. It’s different than when you went. No good place to start reading. Just start- here, online, podcasts, books. Some will be a waste of time but unfortunately you’ll have to do that. There’s no super efficient way to do this. Lots of noise out there but you’ll figure out what poles to your kid.

Rankings are stupid. Good for best fit.

Don’t talk about college list with anyone except parents and counselor. Not grandparents or friends at school. No one. It’s too stressful as it is to have others asking you about it. And everyone gives you their negative opinion about the school. It’s like naming a baby- don’t tell anyone til the baby is born - then everyone will love it!
Give kid a phrase to use when people ask -
“I’m still figuring it out” then change the subject.

Rolling and early admits are gold for self-esteem and reducing stress even in super high stats kids. Especially when the merit aid is offered too. Mine had 2 admits before getting into the ED school and I underestimated how
Much those 2 early admits would help their psyche.

No one at school knew where they were applying or where early.  One of the few no k e knew anything about

The applications take a lot of time! Every part of it. In retrospect would’ve done a lighter class load senior year because of this.

It’s exhausting for the parents, even if kid is doing it all.

Kid will be emotional during the process. Tears were shed. Had to console kid more than in past several yrs all put together. They really feel their worth is tied up in this.

Make sure you still enjoy HS. HS is life too,  not just a preparation for life. 
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