This is the second part of a yearlong series chronicling the experiences of a stay-at-home mom as her youngest daughter embarks on her senior year of high school and the college application process. Alongside her daughter’s journey, she reflects on her own transition to an empty nest and contemplates her future now that her role at home is evolving.
The senior year of high school can be a whirlwind of emotions for both students and parents, ranging from joy to anxiety and everything in between. However, amidst this emotional rollercoaster, there lies a practical challenge: planning for the year ahead. In my town in New Jersey, where we have a large public high school, approximately 95% of the graduating class intends to pursue higher education, with about 88% opting for four-year institutions. With Rutgers University just a short drive away, around 20% of students typically enroll there, many choosing to live on campus despite its proximity.
My daughter fits the mold of her peers; she is applying to ten four-year colleges, including a mix of public and private institutions. Her list includes “safety” schools—those where her GPA and ACT scores exceed the typical admission threshold—“target” schools where her academic profile aligns with last year’s admitted students, and “reach” schools where her credentials fall below the typical range. For each school she’s considering, I’ve asked her, “Would you be happy attending this school if it becomes your final choice?” Safety schools can often be a viable option, and it’s essential for her to view them as just as legitimate as her target schools.
Reaches can sometimes yield unexpected outcomes. My eldest daughter got accepted to one of her reach schools, despite my earlier warnings about her chances, and she eventually fell in love with the campus after an impulsive application. I had initially grumbled about the application fee, but the surprise acceptance letter changed everything.
My younger daughter has her sights set on three reach schools. I caution her about the competitive nature of these applications, yet I encourage her to take the plunge regardless of the financial aspect. It’s important to know for sure rather than always wonder what could have been. We aim to have her applications completed by October, with early action submissions for eight of the ten schools. This means all required materials—applications, transcripts, recommendation letters, and the inevitable fees—must be submitted by December 1. Given the high volume of transcripts processed by her school, we want to ensure the guidance office has ample time to meet deadlines.
The Common App, which launched on August 1, simplifies the application process, as all the colleges on her list accept this general online application. However, many institutions also require additional “supplements,” which are extra essays or statements beyond the standard Common App essay.
My daughter has filled out much of the Common App, including detailed sections about her family’s educational background and her extracurricular interests. Yet, she’s still working on finalizing her essay. She has explored several ideas but hasn’t settled on one yet. I’m confident she will find the right topic—perhaps even in the waning hours of September 30 or the early moments of October 1. After all, she has the entire month to perfect her writing.
I reminded her today that in nine months, we will know where she will be attending college, and in a year, she’ll be stepping foot on a campus. The uncertainty is palpable, yet we are eager to uncover the outcome. Finishing her college applications will bring us closer to that clarity.
This article was originally published on September 9, 2015.
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Summary:
The college application process during senior year can evoke a range of emotions for students and parents alike. As students like my daughter prepare to apply to various colleges, including safety, target, and reach schools, it’s essential for them to consider their happiness at each potential institution. With early action deadlines approaching and the Common App facilitating the application process, the journey is both exhilarating and daunting. While the future remains uncertain, completing these applications is a crucial step toward discovering where they will spend the next chapter of their lives.