Anonymous
Post 06/16/2026 23:02     Subject: It's not easier the third time around
Starting application process with our third child. I am burned out on all of this that I am not nearly as engaged as I was with the other two. Here’s to hoping ED comes through.
Anonymous
Post 06/16/2026 21:09     Subject: It's not easier the third time around
Come on, it has to be easier just because you know more! My oldest is heading to college for their first year in the fall and my youngest is just starting college visits. I’m feeling so much more prepared this time around. The first time it felt like barely keeping my head above water:
Anonymous
Post 06/16/2026 19:59     Subject: It's not easier the third time around
I have found it is super easy third time around. You realize none of this stuff matters and they will be fine wherever they go. You don’t stress and just let it all play out.
Anonymous
Post 06/16/2026 19:22     Subject: It's not easier the third time around
I have an only child ‘24. They had a good outcome but parents of 2nd and third children get to learn from their experiences with the first. We got most of our information and advice from friends whose kids were 1-2 years ahead.
Anonymous
Post 06/16/2026 18:42     Subject: It's not easier the third time around
Anonymous wrote:Just finished 3rd. She couldn’t wait to apply ED having seen her siblings go through it.


About to do it with my 3rd and she also wants to ED and not go through the process like her siblings. That sounds great to me!
Anonymous
Post 06/16/2026 16:51     Subject: It's not easier the third time around
Anonymous wrote:Applications open in August. Get an application in and have a decision by Sept/Oct. Start the school year w/a couple rolling admission schools.

Go from there


Were you answering a different post?
Anonymous
Post 06/16/2026 14:12     Subject: It's not easier the third time around
Just finished with my 4th. It was so much easier because I knew it would all work out. I was less stressed, kid was less stressed, and had a great outcome.
Anonymous
Post 06/16/2026 13:34     Subject: It's not easier the third time around
Anonymous wrote:For whatever it's worth...I'm starting the college application process for the third time, with my youngest kid, and I'm finding that it has not gotten easier. My kids had some similarities as students with some pretty significant differences and while it worked out well for my older two I'm still nervous and stressed about the process this time around. Just wanted to send moral support to anyone going through it this fall, especially if this is your first time. It will work out but that doesn't mean it's not rough while you're going through it. Being steadfastly positive to your kid and leaving your anxieties for your partner or a friend or this board is my best piece of advice.


It's my 3rd time too and I am way less stressed. Don't get attached to outcomes. Kids will figure it out even if they don't get what they want. None of this is make or break.
Anonymous
Post 06/16/2026 13:31     Subject: It's not easier the third time around
Applications open in August. Get an application in and have a decision by Sept/Oct. Start the school year w/a couple rolling admission schools.

Go from there
Anonymous
Post 06/16/2026 13:27     Subject: It's not easier the third time around
Crappp!

I feel like there’s so many new resources now.
Anonymous
Post 06/16/2026 13:27     Subject: It's not easier the third time around
Just finished the process with our third. I actually thought it was better because our kid got into a school (EA) they are really excited about. There weren't any shocks, and in a lot of ways, the third was just better prepared for the process.
Anonymous
Post 06/16/2026 13:10     Subject: It's not easier the third time around
Just finished 3rd. She couldn’t wait to apply ED having seen her siblings go through it.
Anonymous
Post 06/16/2026 12:54     Subject: It's not easier the third time around
Bummed to hear this as I have a 3rd one coming up as well. The advice I received from other parents of multiple kids is that at least your expectations are a little more down to earth and some younger kids having seen their older siblings go through the wringer - are willing to ED to a high target school and be done with the process sooner.
Anonymous
Post 06/16/2026 12:45     Subject: It's not easier the third time around
For whatever it's worth...I'm starting the college application process for the third time, with my youngest kid, and I'm finding that it has not gotten easier. My kids had some similarities as students with some pretty significant differences and while it worked out well for my older two I'm still nervous and stressed about the process this time around. Just wanted to send moral support to anyone going through it this fall, especially if this is your first time. It will work out but that doesn't mean it's not rough while you're going through it. Being steadfastly positive to your kid and leaving your anxieties for your partner or a friend or this board is my best piece of advice.