Of All the Hurdles in Applying to College, the Toughest Is Parents

Summary

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As a college-bound high school senior, I find lunchtime conversations with friends have become communal suffering sessions, as we constantly worry about teacher recommendations (What if they stopped liking us over the summer?), essays (Can we stand out in the crowd? Are the words "seducing" and "titillating" OK to use?) and parents (They want me to apply to all eight Ivies?).

Personally, I find dealing with parents the worst of these problems, because if parents do not let their sons and daughters apply to their dream schools, it won't matter if their recommendations and essays are good. Students cannot get in where they do not apply. And all too often, I hear about students not allowed to apply to their dream school because it is too far away, or they feel pressured to apply early decision to a school that isn't their first choice.

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Of All the Hurdles in Applying to College, the Toughest Is Parents

My advice to parents: Let your sons and daughters apply where they want to apply. Of course, make sure they have some...

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