As my eldest prepares to apply to colleges this fall, I find myself immersed in the whirlwind of college-related activities. Friends are sending their kids off to new adventures, many for the first time. It’s a delicate balance of cherishing the present while gearing up for what’s next. For those just beginning this journey, understanding the significance of college visits is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of the seven pivotal steps to navigate this process.
Step 1: The Calm Before the Chaos
Your teen agrees to explore a couple of colleges on a carefully chosen day, coordinated around your family’s schedule. You’ve taken time off work, arranged childcare for younger siblings, prepped a slow cooker meal, and even found a dog-walker. In this moment, it feels like your child is genuinely invested in their future and is managing their time like a pro.
Step 2: The Wake-Up Call
As the trip approaches, you remind your child of the plan. “What?!” they exclaim in disbelief. “Tomorrow? But I have plans with my friends/sleeping in/play video games [insert any other essential teenage activity] on the agenda! Why do we have to do this? Can’t I just apply online?”
Step 3: The Reality Check
Instead of the deep, heartfelt conversations you envisioned during the drive, you’ll likely find your teen glued to their phone or napping, silently protesting the trip. Any hopes of bonding over shared experiences will be dashed as they find ways to ignore your attempts at conversation.
Step 4: The Tour Experience
Prepare for an information session and campus tour that may leave you feeling more like an unwanted guest than an interested parent. The room will be filled with teens who are equally disinterested, and all eyes will widen with dread at the thought of parents asking questions. Resist the urge to raise your hand about vital details regarding where your child might spend the next four years and where you could potentially invest up to $61,000 annually. Walking to the front of the group to hear the guide better? A major faux pas.
Step 5: The Rush to Depart
As the tour wraps up around 1 p.m., expect to be in the car and heading home by 1:02 p.m. No detours for bathroom breaks or a refreshing drink. Don’t even think about exploring parts of the campus you missed, like the gym where your child hopes to train. Stay on track—there’s fast food on the highway if you need to refuel. You might even make a quick stop at the campus bookstore for a pricey sweatshirt.
Step 6: The Reflective Drive
The five-hour journey back provides a perfect opportunity for deep reflection and dialogue, or at least that’s the plan:
You: “What did you think of the college?”
Child: (grunting sound)
You: “Did it resonate with you?”
Child: “Ehh.”
You: “Will you consider applying?”
Child: “Maybe.”
You: “Just think about it.”
Child: “I did like the part about the comfort puppies and hot chocolate cart during finals week.”
Step 7: The Aftermath
You’ll need a solid three days to recover from this single day of college touring. Expect to feel frustrated by your commitment to your child’s future contrasted with their apparent indifference. Your body will be sore from the long car ride, and your diet will suffer from fast-food choices. You’ll return home to the chaos of having left for a day, oscillating between emotions about your child leaving home and whether they’ll find the right fit. Brace yourself, as this will likely be repeated multiple times over the next year.
Of course, this description is a bit exaggerated, meant to add some humor to a challenging experience. Every family experiences this uniquely, especially with the first child in the college exploration phase. For more insights on navigating this journey, check out our other blog post here. And if you’re looking for a reliable source for at-home insemination kits, visit this site for great options. Additionally, for those seeking support around pregnancy and home insemination, this resource is invaluable.
In summary, college visits are a rollercoaster of emotions, logistical challenges, and unexpected outcomes. Embrace the journey, and don’t forget to have a little fun along the way!
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