<p>Oh Momsdream, so sorry to hear about your son's friend! What a sad time it is for him right now, even though he has this wonderful college news. I don't know what to say. My prayers are with you and your son.</p>
<p>Momsdream- I also came on tonight to check on your son. Congrats to all of you. He sounds like a very special young man.<br>
I am sorry to hear about his friend. Such sadness. I think it is a reminder to all of us to give our kids a big hug tonight.</p>
<p>Thank you all. There is a lot going on. It's helpful to come here and share. </p>
<p>Now for the extra good news:
I just worked up the nerve to review my EFC online at the Penn website. I am overwhelmed with gratitude. He is a "named" scholar and received a sizable scholarship along with generous fin aid (much more than any of the calculators said I would receive). I was really worried about the fin aid aspect of the ED app because I understood the whole "ED is for the rich" consensus (which has merit, I'm sure). But, it worked out for us. Thank goodness.</p>
<p>Congrats. Will S be living at home? What is he majoring in?</p>
<p>Another congratulations, </p>
<p>I know that you have been doing a lot of praying over the past few this issue. Rembember that all things work together for good, because if he could get in (which he did) the way would be made (and it has).</p>
<p>You know what this means...</p>
<p>You cna't leave the CC because you have a story to tell that will encourage and inspire others.</p>
<p>Momsdream, You must be so proud of your son; you should be proud of yourself, as well! (And now you have plenty of time to find those XLong sheets.) Congratulations!</p>
<p>Momsdream, I have been following reading your posts for a while now and am overwhelmed with happiness for you! After getting two into college I know the relief you must be feeling now.</p>
<p>Backhandgrip, no....he'll live on campus. I always think it's funny when people ask me that question. But, I guess it's a good question since Penn is 15-20 minutes away. It will be interesting to see how thigs play out in terms of how often I see him...which I suspect won't be too often. Heck, I hardly see him now and he lives here....lol. </p>
<p>Sybbie, you're absolutely right. I knew the way would be made. It always is. But, there's usually such a struggle. When I opened the fin aid letter I was thinking "ok, how much fighting am I going to have to do?" It was so nice to see more than I ever expected without me having to fight over it. I bet you know what I mean. I feel especially blessed now. I do hope to inspire and encourage others, which is why I've shared so much of our story. </p>
<p>Xlong sheets 1moremom? Do you mean for his dorm room bed? Is that what he needs?</p>
<p>Thanks klri. Two, huh? Well, I have one more to go...but have 11 years before it's her turn. Things will be completely different then, I'm sure. Maybe I'll be back on CC then.....(or maybe I'll have never left since it's so addicting)....</p>
<p>Momsdream,</p>
<p>11 years! oh my! Yes, this is addicting... I keep reading hoping that I can help someone but everyone else seems to be so much more informed than I. Sometimes, I read the posts and help out my friends who don't read CC (I think every parent/ student, guidance counselor could get such valuable information)</p>
<p>You have such a knack for obtaining great information. I think you will be a valuable resource to this year's RD applicants and certainly would be able to help next year's parents because you will have a child on the inside!</p>
<p>Hope to hear more from you and enjoy the holidays!</p>
<p>Thank you klri. Warm holiday wishes to you and your family!!</p>
<p>Momsdream, X-long sheets will be a hot topic come spring. Just for grins I did a search on the old Parents' Forum-- "Your search for X-long matched 1232 pages"! .I'm happy your financial aid was good news as well</p>
<p>Momsdream, congratulations on the scholarship!! So happy for you. I, too, logged on yesterday just to find out about your son.</p>
<p>Momsdream, congratulations to your son and to you!</p>
<p>Robyrm: Sorry about your son's deferral. I'm sure your wise and sensible outlook will help him as he plows through those RD applications! Best of luck to him.</p>
<p>Robyrm, somehow I missed your post about the your son's deferral. I am so sorry to hear of it. I didn't know that he was applying ED. Although everyone tried to prepare for deferrals, I really don't know how much it helps ease the initial sting. I'll be rooting for your son in the RD round!!</p>
<p>Congratulations to son of Momsdream!</p>
<p>Robyrm, sorry you won't be celebrating until April. (You will, you will.) You've been through this before so you know when it comes time to pack up and leave in August, this recent set back won't amount to a hill of beans. One thing I can say earnestly cite as a downside of ED acceptance is that the kids miss the fun of comparing acceptances in April and really knowing that they could have been a contender.</p>
<p>Congrats to sonsdream, and the mom who helped make it happen!</p>
<p>Thanks fireflyscout!</p>
<p>Agreed 100% Momrath. The downside of ED is that the student never really gets to decide on a school. I mean, they <em>decide</em> where to apply ED. But, they can't really get too attached because of the odds for deferral/denial. So, they <em>kind of</em> select a school. Then they wait for the school to pick them. The school gets the last word. It's a very disempowering (is that a word?) way to go about selecting a school. </p>
<p>On the other hand, in the RD round, the acceptances come in and the student really gets to select their school. They know what their options are and get the final word, often after much fanfare from the schools courting them. It must be very empowering.</p>
<p>Awwww...thanks Mini.</p>
<p>And thank you for your essay advice/feedback ;) Consider yourself hugged.</p>