<p>I cannot help but comment on how much things change as a student moves form HS to college. All of the things that "mattered" up to that point (val/sal, HS gpa, SAT/ACT scores, ECs, service, portfolios, essays - as a matter of fact, most of what's discussed on CC) are suddenly a distant memory. Granted that passions continue on (music, sports, etc), but as soon as you step onto the college campus nobody cares what your ACT score was or whether or not you were val or sal.</p>
<p>It's actually kind of refreshing to watch the restart of life in a way, and look at a brand new slate. It's also why so many of us parents "graduate" from the Forum to the Cafe.</p>
<p>How can so many things that are so important at the time just be non-concerns the moment an admission letter comes and an acceptance deposit is sent?</p>
<p>I think it may be because "The Admission" is the culminating event and everybody is glad to put the admissions and financial aid process behind them. Also, most folks are practical enough to focus their energies in a forward direction. You can't rest on your laurels!</p>
<p>It's like giving birth... you can't see beyond the birth - it is just too huge and important and scary... once you've HAD the baby, then all the pregnancy issues disappear and it is on to raising the little darling.</p>
<p>How can they...become nonconcerns? Because, they're ultimately not what makes the educational/social/emotional experience of life at college so worthwhile. Thank goodness!! :cool:</p>
<p>Amen anxiousmom! :D</p>
<p>Thanks for this bit of refreshment digmedia. It sounds as though things are going very well for your son at my alma mater. ;)</p>
<p>There is certainly a difference in our household - now that the college decision has been made (and AP tests are done), there is a lightness and joy. Life is filled with "happy" busy things - senior banquest, parties, watching baseball games, little homework, playing tennis, etc. We've all seen our kids put in many year of hard work - now it's time for them to take some rest and celebrate their achievements. </p>
<p>We now have only two words of advice floating around our house:</p>
<p>"Just make sure to pass your remaining courses" and "Don't do anything stupid!"</p>
<p>It's in the past for some, but the exceptions can be amusing.</p>
<p>My husband dated a grad student before we met. The first time she met his parents, she found the need to work her SAT scores into the conversation. I love that story.</p>
<p>I totally agree that the h.s. resume largely becomes ancient history. However, I will say that my college grad daughter still did put "hs valedictorian" on her resumes for grad school and jobs. I do think that is reasonable. Other things that have carry-over from high school are instances where the student produced something that was published.</p>
<p>"All of the things that "mattered" up to that point (val/sal, HS gpa, SAT/ACT scores, ECs, service, portfolios, essays - as a matter of fact, most of what's discussed on CC) are suddenly a distant memory. "</p>
<p>That's how life goes. I remember when all my friends and I could think about was weaning our babies, and it was all-consuming when the little ones were learning to use the toilet. Five days later, it was on to something else. College admissions is just another step. Then we'll be all involved in planning their weddings, and a year later, it will be something else. Congratulations on coming out the other side of this issue! See you in the cafe (in 12 years, when my last kid finally goes to college).</p>
<p>around our house it feels like it's already summer... more time has been spent at the beach this week than on homework ... how we look in our prom dress has suddenly taken over all of my DD's & friends brain cells... oh well, they've earned the break! when i express some hope that one will end the year well i'm told that DD couldn't fail now if she tried... oh the confidence of youth!</p>