Anonymous wrote:Unless it's ED, mostly this doesn't happen. By Apriil a lot of students are making more mature, different decisions. But if they stick to wanting to go together, room together, their choice. They live and learn.

??

Lots and lots of people go to JMU and Virginia Tech with groups of high school friends. My oldest two really didn't take friend groups into consideration - in fact my second really wanted to go outside of VA - but I think current HS junior would prefer to go somewhere with a cohort he knows. I encourage him to look at other schools and think about how each school would support his goals. Also advised him not to live with hs friends first year if he does end up at UVA with a group of friends. He seems to be listening but who knows?

My DD when asked what they would have done differently in the college applicaiton process said that everyone told her not to go to school with her friends and now she kind of wishes she had - would have made the transition easier and she thinks she still would have made other friends.

Can your kid get into the school? Or alternatively, should they be aiming higher based on grades and scores? That’s when I’d be concerned. Like if they want to apply to Tulane but have the grades for Emory I’d steer them (gently and then firmly) over the coming months.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Has your kid actually said this statement?

In general, do not room with someone from your high school or even the neighboring area, it just limits your social circle and no one I know who’s done this has been happy with the outcome.

Op here. Exact words. She want to apply to go to the same school as friends who already attend and where current friends are applying.

I know people do it but I’m not sold that it’s a great idea

If its a state school, it's not a horrible idea. I would discourage latching on but being in the same social circle is fine I think.

I agree with 12:27.

To OP. Remember that your child might change their mind about this at some point.

When I was a junior I was so certain that I wanted to go to the same college as my best friend. We did not really have the same interests, but in my head I was going to adjust to her dream college, just so we could go to the same place.
All those thoughts just disappeared in my senior year. I became focused on my own goals and my own future. I realised what I was good at.

We attended different colleges, and we both had a great time. And we are still best friends (we are in our late thirties now).