OK, I don't consider you a helicopter parent. My d had no specific interests, except that she was a good student and knew she wanted to go to college. But the whole experience was overwhelming for her. Remember for these kids that this is the first time in their lives in which they don't know where they're going to school next year! And it's the first time that someone else is controlling their lives and can say "no" to them.
My d had no interest in the process. She told me what things she wanted (approximate size, her important extracurricular, non-lectures, etc.), and I found the schools. I scheduled the visits and took her there. She wrote the applications and did the SAT/ACT thing, but she trusted me. She just couldn't deal with it.
Fast forward three years - she's very happy at her school, selected a major, studied abroad, is working towards a career she loves (that she had no clue about as a high school senior) through internships and making contacts, and will graduate with honors.
Your son will find his way as well. You just might have to be more of a "tour guide" than you'd like.
My d had no interest in the process. She told me what things she wanted (approximate size, her important extracurricular, non-lectures, etc.), and I found the schools. I scheduled the visits and took her there. She wrote the applications and did the SAT/ACT thing, but she trusted me. She just couldn't deal with it.
Fast forward three years - she's very happy at her school, selected a major, studied abroad, is working towards a career she loves (that she had no clue about as a high school senior) through internships and making contacts, and will graduate with honors.
Your son will find his way as well. You just might have to be more of a "tour guide" than you'd like.
