<p>Welcome, cyclonehome, you will catch up!</p>
<p>There is a longtime poster named “jonri” who compares selective college admissions to the challenge of casting a high school musical. It makes so much sense! Read it here (scroll down to find her post #12):</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/1087553-my-life-over-already-what-should-i-do.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/1087553-my-life-over-already-what-should-i-do.html</a></p>
<p>You’ve jumped in to learn at a revealing time in the admissions cycle. Stay tuned from now 'til May as colleges announce their decisions and students decide where they’re going. In addition to following the Parents forum, you might also zero in on the forums for a couple of colleges that are likely to make your daughter’s list–you will pick up a lot. </p>
<p>You will hear two sad refrains…if you can learn how to avoid these laments, you will be far ahead of the pack!</p>
<p>(1) I didn’t get into any of my “dream” schools and {I don’t have a safety} or {I hate my safety}.</p>
<p>(2) I got into my “dream” school, but I didn’t get the merit or financial aid I need to attend, and {I don’t have a financial safety}, {I hate my financial safety} or {my family and I are going to incur massive debt so I can attend}.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>