<p>I suppose I have been what's known as a "lurker," but decided after many months to take the plunge. I've been reading many different forums, but most often this one, as I have a child who is a senior this year, I want to help as much as I can (but not too much- no hovering) with the process, and it is worlds' more complicated than when I went to college. We live in the SE, and UNC has piqued my interest as an outstanding public university. To be frank, "elite" and "exclusive" institutions bother me for those very reasons, while publics appeal to my strong populist instincts. Still, the student must ultimately choose, I know.</p>
<p>I'd like to single out two frequent contributors to this and other forums, eadad and Jack, for thanks. Your posts are generously informative, thoughtful, and articulate. You have provided me with a wealth of valuable information, so much so that I'm at a loss for new specific questions, at least for the moment. eadad, my kid seems to bear similarities to your son at UNC, certainly in his ambition for med school. I can only begin to imagine the thrill of any parent seeing a child follow the path of yours at UNC, particularly the Morehead-Cain. Who knows what the next year may bring for us? I am totally confident that with the record he has built, there can no bad outcome in terms of where he will go to college. Thanks for your many insights.</p>