As my oldest prepares to apply to colleges this fall, my mind is swirling with everything related to higher education. Friends are sending their kids off to college for the first time, and I find myself trying to savor the present while planning for the future. For those just starting this journey, understanding the college visit process is crucial. Here’s a light-hearted look at the seven steps involved:
Step 1: The Calm Before the Storm
After careful consideration of your family’s calendar—including taking a day off work, arranging childcare, setting the slow cooker, and finding someone to walk the dog—your child reluctantly agrees to visit a couple of colleges. You feel a rush of excitement; your teen seems to care about their future and is showing some time management skills!
Step 2: Reality Sets In
The day before the visit, you remind your child about the plans. “What?!” they exclaim. “Tomorrow? But I wanted to hang out with my friends/sleep in/play video games [insert any crucial teen activity here]! Why do we have to go? Can’t I just apply without seeing them?”
Step 3: The Big Chill
You had envisioned meaningful conversations during the car ride to campus, but the reality is that your child will likely be glued to their phone or napping. It’s as if they’re silently punishing you for this mandatory outing.
Step 4: Awkward Tours
You’ll sit through an information session and embark on a campus tour. Don’t be surprised if every teen in the room appears mortified, wishing they were anywhere else. Each one is secretly terrified their parents will embarrass them with questions. Just remember: asking about tuition and living situations at a place where your child might spend the next four years? Definitely a no-go.
Step 5: The Hasty Exit
Once the tour wraps up, expect to be in the car two minutes later. Forget bathroom breaks or water—just hit the road. It doesn’t matter that your child is an aspiring athlete and missed seeing the gym; there’s no time for detours. You might be able to dash into the campus bookstore for a $75 sweatshirt, though. That’s a must!
Step 6: The Post-Tour Analysis
The five-hour drive back offers a chance for reflection.
You: So, what did you think?
Child: (grunts)
You: Did you like it?
Child: Ehh.
You: Will you apply?
Child: Maybe.
You: Consider it and let me know.
Child: Actually, I liked that there are comfort puppies and hot chocolate carts during finals week.
Step 7: The Recovery
After a long day of touring, you’ll need a few days to recuperate. You might feel overwhelmed by your commitment to your child’s future, while they seem indifferent. The long car ride will leave you with aches, and you’ll return home to the chaos of a missed day. This emotional rollercoaster—wondering if your child is ready for this next chapter—will repeat itself several times over the coming year.
Of course, this account is exaggerated for humor, and many parents, like the fictional Jamie, might find themselves overly eager in wanting the best for their firstborn. For insightful tips on this challenging process, you can check out this blog post while also considering the comprehensive information available at this resource.
Summary
Navigating college visits can be a comedic adventure filled with ups and downs. From the initial excitement and eventual reluctance of your teen to the awkwardness of group tours, this process is often a test of patience and endurance. Remember, it’s all part of the journey toward helping your child find their ideal college fit.