I've just finished 700 miles of driving with my wife and daughter touring Dartmouth, University of Vermont, Middlebury, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Smith, Mt. Holyoke and Connecticut College. Locally we've already toured Tufts, Brandeis, and Harvard.
It's been a great experience for all, filled with observations about the students (they look really tired or they look like they have a reasonable amount of free time), comparison of the admission officer standard presentations, and a first impression of the culture of each school.
My lesson learned - applying to college in 2010 is nothing like applying to college in 1980. It's much more complicated with many more online resources and an iterative process to find the right fit.
However, the best advice is from the Middlebury Office of Admissions, which published this quick guide for Parents.
10. Remember - the process is not about you.
9. Support and encouragement are more appropriate than pressure and unsolicited advice.
8. Do not use the words "we" or "our" when referring to your child's application process.
7. Help them prepare but let them perform.
6. Encourage your children to make their own college appointments, phone calls and emails.
5. Allow your children to ask the questions.
4. Prepare your children for disappointment.
3. Never complete any portion of the college application for your child.
2. Do not let stereotypes or outdated information steer your child away from schools in which they would otherwise have an interest.
1 . Never, ever, buy a college t-shirt or sweater from the bookstore in your size.
Words to live by.
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