I went to Penn Admitted Students Day for DC1 and found the parents there to similar to what OP described. A bit uptight and shouldering others.

Was just at the UChicago Open House this weekend for DC2 and I thought it was much better. Down to earth parents. One thing that bothered me was when the professor in the mock Philosophy class asked questions for the students, the parents raised their hands and detracted from the students’ answers.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:wish they separated the students from the parents in some events. parents were grabbing the free swag and hogging up the tables.

Agreed! Parents of Penn admits seemed obnoxious and clout-chasing.

I had the same impression. I was surprised how many parents rubbed me the wrong way during breakfast, the arts & sci break out, and open house. Everyone seemed to radiate a very intense competitive energy. I remember thinking, "calm down, your kid got into a school with so many resources, enjoy it" but many seemed to be sizing up the other parents, grabbing merch or asking me directly (after a brief hi) which other schools my kid got into and asking me to name names. Weird energy for sure.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:wish they separated the students from the parents in some events. parents were grabbing the free swag and hogging up the tables.

Agreed! Parents of Penn admits seemed obnoxious and clout-chasing.

That was our experience on the tour. Parents elbowing to the front of the line to get a seat in an auditorium that was nowhere near full. My DD wound up deciding not to apply.

Ugh. This makes me sad.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:wish they separated the students from the parents in some events. parents were grabbing the free swag and hogging up the tables.

Perhaps schools should be interviewing parents as well before accepting the kids…kind of like when you get married, you don’t get married to a person, you get married to their family.

Too many Asians!!! Saying this as an Asian American.

The ones who didn't get in are going further south to JHU in Baltimore. What school is next to be filled with 50% Asians?sigh.

Anonymous wrote:wish they separated the students from the parents in some events. parents were grabbing the free swag and hogging up the tables.

Ick. It's always those damn parents.

That’s funny, I thought the parents were all very nice. Not pushy or irritating. Maybe because they all feel secure now that their kid got in.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:wish they separated the students from the parents in some events. parents were grabbing the free swag and hogging up the tables.

Agreed! Parents of Penn admits seemed obnoxious and clout-chasing.

That was our experience on the tour. Parents elbowing to the front of the line to get a seat in an auditorium that was nowhere near full. My DD wound up deciding not to apply.

She will hate any top 30 school. Same pushy parents and kids touring the same schools.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:wish they separated the students from the parents in some events. parents were grabbing the free swag and hogging up the tables.

Agreed! Parents of Penn admits seemed obnoxious and clout-chasing.

That was our experience on the tour. Parents elbowing to the front of the line to get a seat in an auditorium that was nowhere near full. My DD wound up deciding not to apply.

Lol

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:wish they separated the students from the parents in some events. parents were grabbing the free swag and hogging up the tables.

Agreed! Parents of Penn admits seemed obnoxious and clout-chasing.

That was our experience on the tour. Parents elbowing to the front of the line to get a seat in an auditorium that was nowhere near full. My DD wound up deciding not to apply.

Anonymous wrote:wish they separated the students from the parents in some events. parents were grabbing the free swag and hogging up the tables.

Perhaps schools should be interviewing parents as well before accepting the kids…kind of like when you get married, you don’t get married to a person, you get married to their family.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:wish they separated the students from the parents in some events. parents were grabbing the free swag and hogging up the tables.

Agreed! Parents of Penn admits seemed obnoxious and clout-chasing.

Students too!!! Hopefully my kid doesn’t become one!

Anonymous wrote:wish they separated the students from the parents in some events. parents were grabbing the free swag and hogging up the tables.

Agreed! Parents of Penn admits seemed obnoxious and clout-chasing.

wish they separated the students from the parents in some events. parents were grabbing the free swag and hogging up the tables.

Yes, we were there and thought it was terrific and well organized. It helped confirm that it would be a great fit for our child. Everyone we met, from the administrators to the other admitted students, were lovely. And the college students we saw and spoke with all seemed happy and engaged.

Any DCUM folk at this week’s admitted students event at Penn? What did you/your child think? My DC liked the other students and the campus looked pretty/lively. We met at least half a dozen students choosing between Penn and Columbia, strangely. Or maybe not strangely.