<p>IndianaKate and others, I can so relate! My D also did not get into her first and second choices. Actually, her first choice was basically the only acceptable school to her and she even tried to convince us of a 5th year high school program at a prep school so she could get another shot at it. We gave her the community college option but she said it was no good unless she was going in as a freshman.</p>
<p>Her dad and I both know that her first choice was way beyond her reach and that she would have been out of her league academically. So the school she eventually (last day of April!) selected was a much better choice we thought. And they offered decent financial aid. But she has been unhappy about it, even joking about the name, since. </p>
<p>However, we attended orientation and it was one of those where they separate the students and they sleep in a dorm. When we picked her up, expecting a scowl, there was a tiny little smile on her face. And, over lunch at a great restaurant, she told us funny stories of the games they played. Also a boy from the school was at a nearby table with his parens, and she was definitely aware of that! Naturally she says the food at the school stinks, and the bathrooms are awful, etc. But she also registered for very challenging classes.</p>
<p>Since then, she's been making lists of what she wants to bring and my main problem is getting her to understand the difference between "want" and "need"! But at least she is a bit better about the fall. I think orientations are designed to take the stress out of the summer.</p>
<p>I know this isn't the place, and maybe I'll start another thread, but are any other parents dealing with their kids complaining about their summer jobs ad naseum? For every hour they work, we hear a half hour of whining!</p>