When questions arise during the admissions process, should students contact colleges, or should the parents handle it? https://www.collegeconfidential.com/articles/is-it-ok-for-parents-to-contact-admissions-offices-to-check-in/
Agree with this. Students should do it, unless it is a FA question. Then it is fine for parents to engage. In fact, I think it is preferable for parents to deal with the FA stuff. Kids barely know what a W2 is, about retirement accounts, who owns 529, etc. And I think a parent is much better equipped to negotiate with the FA office when needed.
I also agree. The parent is not the one applying to college.
Student contact shows a higher level of interest on the part of the student. Parent contact shows a higher level of interest on the part of the parent. Colleges that consider level of interest may notice the difference.
Students should do it. It makes them look so much better and so much more ready for college. It also is good practice for the student.
I remember, though, the angst when Skidmore required a call to set up an interview, and my son was not able to be home or get to a phone during the right hours in the week we needed to call, due to his work hours. He had made all of his other college calls himself, but could not see a way to do that one. Spouse called on son’s behalf, explaining the situation, and the admissions secretary said, “Don’t worry about it. Most of the calls we get are from parents.” !!!
Competitive colleges aren’t measuring interest based on phone calls. You can call, email, sign up for mailings, visit repeatedly, and still never show a reasonable explanation for your interest in the Why Us or show knowledge of what matters to them via what info you provide in the app, supp or interview.
But yes. Let the student make the ordinary contact, if he must. (Not flakey questions.) I did call about FA and the verification. No regrets.