12? Come on mom, of course you need to do this for him.

And guess what? You’ll probably need to help with college applications too. Even amazingly motivated teens benefit from adult guidance about how to present themselves.

If he doesn’t even want to fill out the applications, is he going to be willing to, or interested in doing the work at the camps?

Anonymous wrote:My parents filled out all my college apps in their entirety for me. All I did was write the essays. I still managed to become a functioning adult who can fold fitted sheets and hold down a job.

I filled out my own college apps, and it took so much time I never learned to fold a fitted sheet.

My parents filled out all my college apps in their entirety for me. All I did was write the essays. I still managed to become a functioning adult who can fold fitted sheets and hold down a job.

At 12, I'd say "this is what we're doing on Saturday, when we're done . . . ", and offer something to look forward to. Then I would sit down together. This isn't a solo activity at this age.

If there's an essay with clear directions to be done without help, then I'd talk through ideas and leave him with that, and a tasty snack, but the rest, I'd be right there with him saying "You took Earth Science this year. That seems relevant. Let's right that."

If the forms are typed, I'd also scribe for him

At 12, could he stay home for the summer - or part of the summer?

^ adding to above, I just reread and saw this camp is free and if he doesn’t do it, you will have to pay thousands. I misread the first time. So you fill out the form. This is more about you saving money and needing something to occupy him in the summer.

12 is too young for this unless it’s some specialty camp he really wants to go to and it will be fun too. And then you need to fill out the form.

I helped my senior with college applications, FYI. He will be fine on his own and didn’t need any help with academics senior year but the applications were a lot.

You do not need to spend thousands on specialty camps at this young age for any other reason other than enjoyment. Please only do this if money is no concern.

Are these really programs for 12 year olds? If not, reconsider.

He’s 12. In 5-6 years the motivation to complete college apps will likely be different.


You mention $$ a couple of times. If he’s not motivated to complete the apps, let him be. Spend the $$. It’s ending as there are fewer camps after age 12 anyway.

Do it for him.

This isn't worth it until they are close to college applications

While you do need to make sure he will benefit from and enjoy the camp, expecting him to fill out a lengthy online form at 12 is not really age appropriate. It’s a good opportunity for him to learn and practice how to do that kind of paperwork, so I’d suggest sitting with him and doing it together.

He’s only 12. The lengthy application high quality pre-college stem programs are typically for rising 10th-12th graders- not middle schoolers. I’m sure there are recreational local stem camps for his age group he can do where he isn’t writing essays for and filling out lengthy applications.

My DS is 12 and based on his test scores and grades, qualifies for a few STEM programs at some local colleges and other programs. I'd love for him to attend at least one next summer because they're free and would save us quite a bit of money, of course. But he needs to be coached through the application and filling out the responses to various questions such as "what courses have you taken that have prepared you for our program?" Stuff like that. I feel like I'm pulling teeth, but at the same time, this is something he needs to get used to for high school and college and like most of us, I'd really rather not spend a couple thousand this summer on expensive camps when all he has to do is fill out the d*mn form. How hard would you push it, and how much would you help your kid fill out something like this? It's a maturity issue as well, I know. Any advice other than barking at him that we need to work on this by x day and he's going to apply come hell or high water?