Anonymous wrote:Last year was worse with the pandemic. My kid checked out and shut down. He got the school and package he wanted but it was a joyless and lonely process and year.

+1. Last year was so much worse.

Given the snooze that was COVID years, I’d say our senior is having his best year yet, academically and socially. Admittedly, that’s not saying much. Too bad it is too late for the academic performance to matter. Now if he would choose the college already, we can really start the party.

It is very sad.

This should be the end of their childhoods. When we encourage them to go on to independence and adulthood with confidence.

Too many parents in this area latch onto USNWR rankings, so that their kid’s college becomes (in their minds) an extension of the parent’s resume/accomplishments.

It is Selfish and unhealthy.

(I am not accusing OP of this mindset but think adults really need to consider why/how high school changed into some kind of rat race full of strategic activities, outside consultants and burnt out teens.)

Anonymous wrote:This college application cycle killed DC’s spirit. Basically just trying to get through the rest of the year and move on.

Why did it kill DC’s spirit?

Anonymous wrote:Why did it kill his spirit? My kid will be a senior next year. Has the application process gotten worse since we were kids?

The process is easier. Fill out one application and write an essay or two and hit submit. I remember filling out 6-8 different applications and maybe 1-2 of the schools had the same essay. There was only regular decision back then so we were doing this smack dab in the middle of senior year. Not fun. My senior wrote his essay at the end of junior year and had his English teacher read it and comment. He filled out the Common App in August and that was it.

It has if people aren't realistic. Many DCUM kids apply to very selective schools and many are rejected. There are 4,000 colleges in this country and the majority of them aren't selective. Pick a few and your kid will have choices.

Why did it kill his spirit? My kid will be a senior next year. Has the application process gotten worse since we were kids?

Last year was worse with the pandemic. My kid checked out and shut down. He got the school and package he wanted but it was a joyless and lonely process and year.

My DD was very, very lucky with the college application cycle and got into her first choice EA in December. However she totally checked out if both social and family life in favor of working babysitting jobs for college. She had to keep her grades up so academically she’s still strong but she’s already left high school in her head.
I loved my senior year of high school and still am very close to a few high school friends. My daughter will not feel the same.

I am limping to the end of the school year each year as a parent - and I consider myself pretty happy. Perhaps sad but true!

OP, I hear you. Even with some very solid acceptances, my
kid is limping to the end of his senior year.

OP sounds overly dramatic.

Anonymous wrote:I’m sorry your kid didn’t get into any schools. Do they have a plan for a gap year?

OP—Ignire this passive aggressive person above. Ick.


I’m sorry to hear your student feels that way, and I hope they feel better soon. The process is exhausting.

I’m sorry your kid didn’t get into any schools. Do they have a plan for a gap year?

Of college? Yes, it is.

This college application cycle killed DC’s spirit. Basically just trying to get through the rest of the year and move on.