This article is the second part of a yearlong series where a stay-at-home mom shares insights into her youngest daughter’s senior year of high school and the college admissions journey. Alongside this, she reflects on her own transition as she prepares for an empty nest and contemplates her future now that her full-time parenting role is evolving. You can read the first part here.
Senior year of high school can be an emotional rollercoaster for both parents and students, stirring feelings of joy, anxiety, and even sadness. However, amidst these emotions, there’s a practical aspect to consider: planning for the following year. In my town in New Jersey, with its sizable public high school, around 95 percent of students typically pursue higher education, with roughly 88 percent opting for four-year institutions. With Rutgers University nearby, about 20 percent of the graduating class will choose to attend there, often living on campus despite its close proximity.
My daughter is no exception; she’s set her sights on applying to ten four-year colleges, balancing a mix of “safeties” (schools where her GPA and ACT scores exceed the recent acceptance ranges), “targets” (schools where her scores align with previous admitted students), and “reaches” (institutions where her scores fall below the recent averages). For each school, I’ve asked her, “Would you be happy here if this becomes your choice?” It’s crucial for her to view her safety schools as viable options too, as many students end up attending these institutions.
Sometimes, reach schools surprise applicants. My older daughter was accepted into one of her reach colleges, a moment that took us both by surprise, especially since I had expressed doubts about her chances throughout the process. She applied on a whim, drawn by a unique program, and we hadn’t even visited the campus before she submitted her application. After a visit six weeks later, she fell in love with it.
My younger daughter has identified three reach schools. While I’m reminding her that these are competitive, I also encourage her to take the leap and apply. The application fees for her eight selected schools range from $30 to $65, and while we’re fortunate to manage this expense, it does add up during application season. My philosophy is that it’s better to know for sure than to always wonder about missed opportunities.
We’ve aimed for her to complete her applications by October. She is applying for early action to eight of the ten schools, which means she should hear back by February; the other two schools will take longer. This timeline necessitates that all her application materials—transcripts, letters of recommendation, and yes, those fees—be submitted by December 1. Given the high volume of transcripts processed by her school, she’ll need to give the guidance office ample time to meet these deadlines.
The Common App, a widely used online application platform for many colleges, opened on August 1. Thankfully, all her selected schools participate in this system, easing some of the workload. However, several institutions require additional essays known as supplements, which can be demanding.
She has already inputted her basic information into the Common App, which includes everything from her family’s educational background to her extracurricular interests. However, her main essay remains a work in progress. She has explored several topics, yet none have resonated just yet. I fully expect she’ll find her perfect angle, likely rushing to finalize it as the deadline approaches—perhaps on September 30 or even in the wee hours of October 1. October, after all, offers plenty of time to polish her writing.
Just today, I reminded her that in nine months, we’ll know where she will attend college next year, and in a year’s time, she’ll be stepping onto a campus. The uncertainty is palpable, and we’re eager to discover her future. Completing her applications is the key to finding out.
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Summary:
This article explores the emotional and practical challenges of a high school senior’s college application process, highlighting the importance of selecting schools wisely and preparing adequately. It reflects on the hopes and anxieties of both students and parents during this transformative year.