<p>But my son is finished with his testing, his applications are all done (except for one supplemental essay, but that's on him), and I made travel plans for his last pre-app visit scheduled for this weekend. I have started the CSS Profile, I just need to wait for December paycheck and can finish that, and know when all the deadlines are for CSS and Fafsa. I keep hovering around these boards, thinking there is something else, but maybe it's time to take a step back. I feel slightly addicted to the whole process! Letting go now...</p>
<p>You can always start thinking about scholarship apps. I know our local community foundation’s app goes out on Dec. 1. It is actually a really great set up, the one application allows the student to be considered for about a hundred local scholarships.</p>
<p>And take your son out for ice cream or something when he finishes that last essay. :)</p>
<p>I know, it is weird to have researched so much, nagged and worked so much, and now this stage is done! Researching scholarships is a good idea. Or, you could hang around here or IRL and advise kids who are not as far ahead in the process. Does your S have any friends who are floundering?<br>
One piece of advice for later next spring, a natural question to ask seniors and parents of seniors is “where are you going next year?” DON’T! It can get very awkward if a kid is taking a gap year, didn’t get in to where they wanted or can afford and/or is going somewhere they don’t want to go, are joining the military or whatever. I learned this the hard way, BTW. A much better question is “What are your plans next year?”</p>
<p>One of the best things about these boards is being able to talk about the whole process. One of the first things I learned here was not to talk to it with anyone I know. I’m really good at sidestepping the whole topic now! Let my poor guy get past homecoming and Thanksgiving and maybe I’ll start nudging him about scholarships. There are two local ones that he said he was interested in, so I’ll just remind him 
I’ll still be hovering around here for the next few years because I’ve got another one coming up.</p>
<p>Just keep an eye on the dates for those scholarships… they sneak up on you! I agree about helping others. I knew one of D’s friends was having trouble with his search… superstar at math, oldest in a family of 5 kids (younger ones with some issues, too). His parents seem overwhelmed by the whole process (they asked me a lot of question at a parent college night we had at school recently), and D told me he is not happy with his college list… So I did ask him how it was going the other day, and what he planned to study… CS & math, but he does not want just a technology school. I suggested a couple of schools that might provide good aid (merit & need based), and he asked if I knew any more. So I did some research for him and sent him an email with a few more. It felt good to help him out.</p>
<p>How about making plans for all the free time you’re going to have when that son or daughter is off in college?</p>
<p>I’m not looking forward to it.</p>