Parents of College Class of 2018 (A.K.A., "Is this the line to the poor house?")

[PrincessKsMom]

Found this interesting on the FAFSA website:

"The 2014-2015 IRS Data Retrieval Tool will be available on Feb. 2nd. However, please keep in mind that the IRS will begin processing most tax returns on Jan. 31 or later to accommodate the delay in processing due to the government shutdown."

Maybe you all knew this already, but I didn't.

 

[JeannieNM]

Yes laid off this morning. Not even sure which way is up.

I'm so sorry to hear this. How are you doing?

 

[erincon23]

Yes laid off this morning. Not even sure which way is up.

We were in this position a couple of years ago when our older son was going to college. The schools he was interested in were very willing to take note of our changed circumstances, but required some kind of proof - Unemployment application, follow-up when he was entering school, etc. Good luck to you. It's such a hard thing to go through!

I kind of dropped out of this thread for a while, because DS18 had decided to do community college for a year, but he changed his mind during the fall. He now wants to go away, and found the one school he wants to apply to (it's a state school, he shouldn't have any problem getting in, and we're hoping he gets into their honors program). He doesn't want to apply to any other schools, which is fine - he's prepared to go to CC for a year if he doesn't get in here, which is pretty unlikely.

But he needs to write a personal essay for the application, and it's very important, because he's on the edge for the honors program (essay is required for general admission, not just honors program) - and he's just not getting it done! He won't listen to any suggestions for how to write a good essay, from me or from books/websites, isn't putting time into it, and his first draft was lackluster and not up to par (he's an excellent writer, and is planning to be an English major, so I don't get it). This is all his idea, I'm ok with either away or CC. Do I back off and let him deal with the consequences, or do I keep pushing? He loves this school, it really is a good fit for him, and he says he definitely wants to go away, but I'm not seeing any effort. Help!

 

[TLuvsD]

Sometimes lack of effort is lack of effort. Other times it is fear: fear of failure, fear of the next step, big change. See if his English teacher will review the essay (neutral person). I would keep nagging....umm reminding....

 

[IDoDis]

We were in this position a couple of years ago when our older son was going to college. The schools he was interested in were very willing to take note of our changed circumstances, but required some kind of proof - Unemployment application, follow-up when he was entering school, etc. Good luck to you. It's such a hard thing to go through! I kind of dropped out of this thread for a while, because DS18 had decided to do community college for a year, but he changed his mind during the fall. He now wants to go away, and found the one school he wants to apply to (it's a state school, he shouldn't have any problem getting in, and we're hoping he gets into their honors program). He doesn't want to apply to any other schools, which is fine - he's prepared to go to CC for a year if he doesn't get in here, which is pretty unlikely. But he needs to write a personal essay for the application, and it's very important, because he's on the edge for the honors program (essay is required for general admission, not just honors program) - and he's just not getting it done! He won't listen to any suggestions for how to write a good essay, from me or from books/websites, isn't putting time into it, and his first draft was lackluster and not up to par (he's an excellent writer, and is planning to be an English major, so I don't get it). This is all his idea, I'm ok with either away or CC. Do I back off and let him deal with the consequences, or do I keep pushing? He loves this school, it really is a good fit for him, and he says he definitely wants to go away, but I'm not seeing any effort. Help!

Sounds like Senioritis which hits about this time of the year. Many kids are tired, have little motivation, and just want to be done with high school and any kind of assignment that involves sustained effort. When is the application deadline? He may think he has all the time in the world and is therefore not in a big rush. Let him know how his procrastination could impact his college expenses and set small goals with him. Say, by this date, you'll have revised the first paragraph. Then by this date he will have revised a couple more paragraphs. That way he's not looking at the whole essay all at once which can be daunting. Maybe he's not happy with his topic which is holding him back. Or maybe he is a bit fearful of going to college which is stopping him. Have a heart-to-heart talk with him and see if you can get to the root of the problem.

Good luck!

 

[madge]

Do I back off and let him deal with the consequences, or do I keep pushing? He loves this school, it really is a good fit for him, and he says he definitely wants to go away, but I'm not seeing any effort. Help!

this is my son ... mostly. (he has always wanted to go away. no staying here for CC, that's the only real difference)

I let it go after a certain point. He was getting constant emails from the schools on his list. They all had the same deadline, so he was aware of how much time there was before it was too late. I would have preferred that he finish everything before the holidays, but true to his personality ... he didn't. That was when I stopped reminding him about things.

In the end, he got everything turned in before the deadline. On his own. I never saw an essay or application, but he'll have to accept what happens if he didn't do his best work.

 

[erincon23]

Sometimes lack of effort is lack of effort. Other times it is fear: fear of failure, fear of the next step, big change. See if his English teacher will review the essay (neutral person). I would keep nagging....umm reminding....

Sounds like Senioritis which hits about this time of the year. Many kids are tired, have little motivation, and just want to be done with high school and any kind of assignment that involves sustained effort. When is the application deadline? He may think he has all the time in the world and is therefore not in a big rush. Let him know how his procrastination could impact his college expenses and set small goals with him. Say, by this date, you'll have revised the first paragraph. Then by this date he will have revised a couple more paragraphs. That way he's not looking at the whole essay all at once which can be daunting. Maybe he's not happy with his topic which is holding him back. Or maybe he is a bit fearful of going to college which is stopping him. Have a heart-to-heart talk with him and see if you can get to the root of the problem.

Good luck!

this is my son ... mostly. (he has always wanted to go away. no staying here for CC, that's the only real difference)

I let it go after a certain point. He was getting constant emails from the schools on his list. They all had the same deadline, so he was aware of how much time there was before it was too late. I would have preferred that he finish everything before the holidays, but true to his personality ... he didn't. That was when I stopped reminding him about things.

In the end, he got everything turned in before the deadline. On his own. I never saw an essay or application, but he'll have to accept what happens if he didn't do his best work.

Thanks. There's not really a deadline, but the college's honors program counselor suggested he wait until 1st semester grades are available - which is this week (he got straight As), and the program keeps accepting kids until they hit their max, which they say is usually April or May. He doesn't have a choice of topic, so that's not it. Since this is the ONLY school he's interested in, and the honors program automatically awards thousands of $$$, it's in his best interest to get this done!!! I've tried to get him to open up about what's going on but frankly, I really think, from his responses, that it's laziness. Guess I'll keep pushing!

 

[TLuvsD]

If there is serious money involved, try a bribe: if you finish by date X you can have (new computer game, whatever). If not, nagging sounds good!

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Today's Gold Box special on Amazon is Swiss Gear backpacks at a big discount just in case you want to start your college shopping now. Also found a great website: dormco.com

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Good news! DD just got her acceptance letter for Stockton's Honors Program. So excited for her.

 

[DisneyFan32WI]

My daughter received a great 18th birthday gift...acceptance into UW-Madison and Arizona State University. Now we just have to decide which one. This seems to be the hardest part!

Anyone have a child at either of these schools? Any feedback would be appreciated!

 

[Bluestars]

Congratulations on the recent acceptances!

My son found out yesterday that he won an ROTC scholarship. Two of the three schools they listed were his top 1 and 2 schools. Now, if only he can get accepted to the school he wants to attend, we can move on from the waiting.

 

[madge]

congratulations!

DS was informed today that he made the cut & is under consideration for the competitive scholarships at the one private LA school on his list. It's a day-long event with interviews, etc. held on Monday, February 10. He's already scheduled to attend a similar day at one of the state schools on Saturday, February 8.

So, that's going to be fun. Thankfully, we live in the middle of the state. One school is 3 hours west and the other is 2 hours east. LOLOL

 

[JeannieNM]

Good news! DD just got her acceptance letter for Stockton's Honors Program. So excited for her.

Congratulations!!!

My daughter received a great 18th birthday gift...acceptance into UW-Madison and Arizona State University. Now we just have to decide which one. This seems to be the hardest part!

Anyone have a child at either of these schools? Any feedback would be appreciated!

Our DD was also accepted to ASU. She is going towards the end of Feb for her audition. It is in her top 5. She has a good friend who loves it there. She has done well grade wise while really enjoying the climate and the social life. My sister lives in the area and she says it is a huge school, like it's own city. I will report back when we go for the audition.

Congratulations on the recent acceptances!

My son found out yesterday that he won an ROTC scholarship. Two of the three schools they listed were his top 1 and 2 schools. Now, if only he can get accepted to the school he wants to attend, we can move on from the waiting.

The waiting is hard. I think almost harder for me then for our DD.

congratulations!

DS was informed today that he made the cut & is under consideration for the competitive scholarships at the one private LA school on his list. It's a day-long event with interviews, etc. held on Monday, February 10. He's already scheduled to attend a similar day at one of the state schools on Saturday, February 8.

So, that's going to be fun. Thankfully, we live in the middle of the state. One school is 3 hours west and the other is 2 hours east. LOLOL

Congratulations! The private school I'm guessing is the same as one of our DDs top choices. She did not apply in time for scholarship consideration (and she was not really a candidate for one anyway). I'm sure you are very proud of him no matter how it turns out. Happy Driving.

We hit the road so to speak on Thursday for the first of 3 trips to California and 1 to Arizona this month. I am going to vent a little. Originally we had one trip planned for California, we would be gone a solid week but it would have covered three auditions without 3 sets of plane tickets, etc. We had to change what we planned because our daughter was performing mid week and so it broke the trips up. Two of the auditions are group auditions on a specific date. This Friday my DD informed me she was not performing her scene (they received a 98 out of 100 at regional competitions) because it was inappropriate for the middle school kids that may come see it. I am furious, not only has the drama teacher known the content for months, we could have avoided a lot of expense and energy if she had figured this out before. DD is going to talk with her tomorrow about having the piece moved to the middle school lunch time slot and restricting that block to high students only. I can not reschedule all the plane tickets and the one audition we were going to do in the middle of the two weekend ones. Life!!!

 

[Bluestars]

We hit the road so to speak on Thursday for the first of 3 trips to California and 1 to Arizona this month. I am going to vent a little. Originally we had one trip planned for California, we would be gone a solid week but it would have covered three auditions without 3 sets of plane tickets, etc. We had to change what we planned because our daughter was performing mid week and so it broke the trips up. Two of the auditions are group auditions on a specific date. This Friday my DD informed me she was not performing her scene (they received a 98 out of 100 at regional competitions) because it was inappropriate for the middle school kids that may come see it. I am furious, not only has the drama teacher known the content for months, we could have avoided a lot of expense and energy if she had figured this out before. DD is going to talk with her tomorrow about having the piece moved to the middle school lunch time slot and restricting that block to high students only. I can not reschedule all the plane tickets and the one audition we were going to do in the middle of the two weekend ones. Life!!!

That is very frustrating!

Good luck to your daughter on her auditions. It sounds like she is working very hard.

 

[Bluestars]

congratulations!

DS was informed today that he made the cut & is under consideration for the competitive scholarships at the one private LA school on his list. It's a day-long event with interviews, etc. held on Monday, February 10. He's already scheduled to attend a similar day at one of the state schools on Saturday, February 8.

So, that's going to be fun. Thankfully, we live in the middle of the state. One school is 3 hours west and the other is 2 hours east. LOLOL

That's exciting! The school must be very impressed with him.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Stockton is having a Freshman get together March 29. DD can't attend because she has a color guard competition that day. They also having an Honors Experience overnight June 22-June 23. Right now DD is graduating June 19. Two more snow days and she'll graduate June 23, and be unable to attend this as well.

 

[madge]

Congratulations!!!



Congratulations! The private school I'm guessing is the same as one of our DDs top choices. She did not apply in time for scholarship consideration (and she was not really a candidate for one anyway). I'm sure you are very proud of him no matter how it turns out. Happy Driving.

LA = Liberal Arts. DS isn't straying out of Kentucky. LOLOLOL

 

[IDoDis]

My daughter received a great 18th birthday gift...acceptance into UW-Madison and Arizona State University. Now we just have to decide which one. This seems to be the hardest part!

Anyone have a child at either of these schools? Any feedback would be appreciated!

DD was going to apply to ASU and had her ACT scores sent there, but then decided she wanted to go to an in-state school and save her debt for medical school. She has a couple of friends there who are freshmen and they seem to like it pretty well. It is known to be a BIG party school. In fact, it was rated #1 on the 2012-2013 list of top 100 party schools and was #2 for 2013-2014.
http://www.fiestafrog.com/blog/top-party-schools-universities-2012-party-schools-nightlife/
http://www.fiestafrog.com/blog/top-20-party-schools-2013-2014/

When I was in college (MANY years ago -- too many to count!), my friends and I drove to Tempe to see "The Who" in concert at the ASU stadium. We stayed with some past high school friends in their apartment that was either on-campus or just across the street. We slept on the floor. I remember it being this crazy, wild scene of kids out and about everywhere. Lots of keg parties. Now of course, that was back in the 80's and hopefully the school is more secure now. Parties aside, ASU has a good academic reputation. I'm sure not everyone there is a party animal.

Congratulations on the recent acceptances!

My son found out yesterday that he won an ROTC scholarship. Two of the three schools they listed were his top 1 and 2 schools. Now, if only he can get accepted to the school he wants to attend, we can move on from the waiting.

Woo hoo! Congrats to your DS! I hope he hears from his #1 choice soon!

congratulations!
DS was informed today that he made the cut & is under consideration for the competitive scholarships at the one private LA school on his list. It's a day-long event with interviews, etc. held on Monday, February 10. He's already scheduled to attend a similar day at one of the state schools on Saturday, February 8.

So, that's going to be fun. Thankfully, we live in the middle of the state. One school is 3 hours west and the other is 2 hours east. LOLOL

Congrats to your DS! I hope he gets the scholarship!

Congratulations!!!

Our DD was also accepted to ASU. She is going towards the end of Feb for her audition. It is in her top 5. She has a good friend who loves it there. She has done well grade wise while really enjoying the climate and the social life. My sister lives in the area and she says it is a huge school, like it's own city. I will report back when we go for the audition.



The waiting is hard. I think almost harder for me then for our DD.



Congratulations! The private school I'm guessing is the same as one of our DDs top choices. She did not apply in time for scholarship consideration (and she was not really a candidate for one anyway). I'm sure you are very proud of him no matter how it turns out. Happy Driving.

We hit the road so to speak on Thursday for the first of 3 trips to California and 1 to Arizona this month. I am going to vent a little. Originally we had one trip planned for California, we would be gone a solid week but it would have covered three auditions without 3 sets of plane tickets, etc. We had to change what we planned because our daughter was performing mid week and so it broke the trips up. Two of the auditions are group auditions on a specific date. This Friday my DD informed me she was not performing her scene (they received a 98 out of 100 at regional competitions) because it was inappropriate for the middle school kids that may come see it. I am furious, not only has the drama teacher known the content for months, we could have avoided a lot of expense and energy if she had figured this out before. DD is going to talk with her tomorrow about having the piece moved to the middle school lunch time slot and restricting that block to high students only. I can not reschedule all the plane tickets and the one audition we were going to do in the middle of the two weekend ones. Life!!!

Sounds like you all are going to be very busy! Yes, it would have been nice to know about the performance change before you purchased airline tickets! That sounds very frustrating.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Can anyone help with a FAFSA question? We have a savings account for DD for college. My husband's name and hers is on it. So is that to be considered under our money or hers?