<p>I find myself very unsettled and nervous, probably even more than in the beginning of application process. Now that all acceptances letter came in, FAFSA filled here comes time when my D has to actually decide which school will be her place for the next 4 years.
I am starting to second guess myself - did we had enough schools to choose, are those schools are going to be good for her or we should have choosen some other colleges?
Should I have participated in the process more, less? Will she be happy? Is she ready to leave?
As of now she has 4 schools as her first choice. She came to know admission people, coaches pretty good, it is going to be very tough to say No to the rest of schools.
I am already putting down schedule of admitted students days trying to coordinate with my schedule. Last overnight trips- I feel sad. Visiting colleges was so much fun!</p>
<p>lindalana, I think this is a very common feeling. Now the daydreams about where your daughter will go to school start to feel more real. I felt the same last year. The only advice I'll offer is to try to maintain a relaxed attitude and just visit the final choices as scheduled. The last thing -- something I mentioned to my son several times -- is that nothing is set in stone. In an ideal world, kids go to college, love it, and never want to leave until graduation. But sometimes, it just doesn't work that way. There are always options, like transferring or taking a gap year to do some things before starting college. It's not the end of the world if a kid changes his/her mind.</p>
<p>Ah, yes, this is where the rubber meets the road, as they say - all the planning eventually comes down to the fact that indeed our dear kiddos are leaving home! This is what we've been aiming for all these years - so why doesn't it feel better!? Take comfort in the fact that you can say "acceptances" - plural! - meaning that your daughter has been successful in this process! Then, the fact that there is some angst involved in saying "no" to some of the schools means that she has extablished some nice relationships with them, which probably means a good fit exists. Support her as she makes this, her first big and probably last "no-lose" decision! Celebrate the fact that you and she have enjoyed these college visits, a sign of a healthy relationship between you! Know that countless others of us have been in your shoes, and not only survived, but rejoiced in the mature young people who have come home from college at Thanksgiving! Best wishes to you both as you travel this road into the unknown together.</p>
<p>And , seconding SJmom, I had my eldest transfer mid-sophomore year very successfully. Took a lot of thought and planning, but she's very happy now as a junior.</p>