As my oldest child gears up for college applications this fall, my mind is swirling with thoughts about the whole process. Friends are sending their kids off to college, many for the very first time, and I find myself trying to balance living in the moment with preparing for what’s ahead. If you’re just starting this journey, understanding the crucial college visit is key.
Step 1: The Calm Before the Chaos
Your child agrees to check out a couple of colleges on a day you’ve meticulously planned. You’ve coordinated work schedules, arranged childcare for younger siblings, set up the crockpot for dinner, and even found someone to walk the dog. For a fleeting moment, you feel elated—your child seems to care about their future and is managing their time!
Step 2: Reality Sets In
The day before the visit, you remind your child about the plan. “Wait, what?!” they exclaim. “Tomorrow? But I want to hang out with my friends/sleep in/play video games [insert any teen priority here]! Why do we have to go? Can’t I just apply online?”
Step 3: The Chill Vibes
You envisioned a heartwarming car ride filled with quality bonding time, but the reality is that your child is glued to their phone, dozing off, or both—silent protests against being dragged on this excursion.
Step 4: Tour Time Trials
You’ll likely find yourself enduring an info session followed by a campus tour. Don’t be surprised to see a room full of teens who look like they’ve been sentenced to detention. Each one is likely mortified to be there, convinced they don’t belong, and worried their parents might actually ask questions. Seriously—resist the urge to inquire about the very place where your child might spend four years and potentially rack up an annual bill of up to $61,000.
Step 5: The Quick Exit
As the tour wraps up—let’s say around 1 p.m.—be ready to jump in the car by 1:02 p.m. No bathroom breaks, no water, and definitely no exploring parts of campus you missed. Your child might want to see the gym for their future athletic endeavors? Too bad—time to hit the road! You can always grab a quick $75 hoodie from the campus store on the way out.
Step 6: The Drive Home Dilemma
The five-hour drive back is prime time for deep reflections. You might ask, “What did you think?” to receive a grunt in response. “Did you like it?” might get you an unenthusiastic “Ehh.” And, of course, you’ll hear, “Maybe” when you inquire about applying there. But don’t overlook that one golden nugget when your child mentions how they loved the comfort puppies and hot chocolate cart during finals week!
Step 7: Total Burnout
After this whirlwind of a day, expect to need a solid three days to recuperate. You’ll feel a mix of frustration over your commitment to your child’s future and their complete indifference. Your back will ache from too much time in the car, and fast food will have left you feeling sluggish. The emotional rollercoaster of imagining your child leaving home will leave you exhausted, and you’ll likely repeat this adventure at least ten more times over the next year.
Note: This is all a bit exaggerated for comedic effect, and the first child often bears the brunt of an anxious parent’s eagerness. Good luck!
For more insights, check out this article on college readiness and family dynamics. And if you’re interested in home insemination options, Cryobaby offers excellent resources. For valuable information on pregnancy, visit WomensHealth.gov.
Summary:
Navigating the college visit process can be chaotic and filled with unexpected challenges. From the initial excitement to the reality of teen resistance, each step—from planning to the post-visit reflections—comes with its own set of trials. Embrace the journey, and don’t forget that this is just one part of a larger adventure in preparing for your child’s future.