Welcome to the second chapter of my year-long adventure as a stay-at-home mom, sharing the ups and downs of my youngest daughter’s final year of high school and her college application odyssey. Along the way, I’m also reflecting on my own journey toward an empty nest and how I might fill my time now that my full-time job at home is coming to an end. If you missed the first installment, you can catch up here.
As the school year rolls on, both parents and students are hit with a whirlwind of feelings—everything from excitement and anxiety to sadness and joy. Yet, beyond the emotional rollercoaster, there’s a practical side to senior year: figuring out what comes next. In our New Jersey community, a whopping 95 percent of high school graduates head off to college, with about 88 percent opting for four-year institutions. We’re conveniently close to Rutgers, where nearly 20 percent of the class will enroll, often living on campus despite it being just a quick 15-minute drive away.
My daughter is no exception; she’s set her sights on ten four-year colleges, encompassing a mix of “safety” schools (where her GPA and ACT scores are above the typical acceptance range), “target” schools (where her scores align with those of last year’s admitted students), and “reach” schools (where she falls below the typical acceptance metrics). For each school on her list, I’ve asked her, “Will you be happy if this becomes your new home?” It’s critical for her to feel confident that her safety options are viable. After all, many students end up thriving at their safety schools.
Sometimes, those reach schools surprise you. My eldest daughter managed to get into one of her dream schools that I thought was a long shot. She had applied on a whim due to a unique program they offered, and to our astonishment, a thick acceptance envelope arrived on a snowy day. We hadn’t even visited the campus before she applied! Six weeks later, our visit confirmed she was smitten.
My younger daughter has her own trio of reach schools in mind. I’m gently reminding her that admission can be tough, yet I encourage her to submit those applications anyway. The costs are adding up—between $30 and $65 per application, we’re looking at a few hundred dollars just for the application season. Thankfully, we’re in a position to manage these expenses! I believe it’s better to know than to wonder what could have been.
We’ve set a goal for her to wrap up applications by October. She’s planning to apply early action to eight of the ten schools, meaning she’ll have answers by February, with the other two likely responding by March or April. This timeline means all her application materials—transcripts, letters of recommendation, and yes, those pesky fees—must be submitted by December 1. Given the high volume of transcripts the school processes, she needs to give the guidance office ample time to get her paperwork completed.
The Common App opened up on August 1, which is great news since all her chosen schools are on the platform—no extra applications to fill out! However, many institutions request “supplements,” which are additional essays or statements beyond the standard Common App essay.
So far, my daughter has filled in all the basic information on the Common App, from her family’s college history to her favorite activities. Yet, she hasn’t quite settled on an essay topic. She’s brainstormed a few ideas that haven’t clicked yet. I’m confident she’ll land on the right one—though I suspect it might be at the last minute on September 30 or even in the early hours of October 1. After all, October has 31 days, so there’s plenty of time to polish that essay!
I reminded my daughter today that in just nine months, we’ll know where she’ll be attending college, and next year, she’ll be stepping onto a campus somewhere—though we’re still in the dark about which one. The anticipation is palpable, and if she can finish her applications, we’ll finally get the answers we’re craving.
For more insights on the college application process, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
As the senior year unfolds, the emotional ups and downs of the college application process can be overwhelming for students and parents alike. With the right preparation and mindset, like ensuring safety schools are considered valuable options, families can navigate this challenging time together. Setting deadlines and utilizing resources like the Common App can streamline the process, leading to a more informed and confident future for students as they choose their next steps.