<p>There’s a great book by Andrew Ferguson called Crazy U that details his experience with his son’s college search and application process. It’s told in a very funny yet informative fashion. His son displays many of the behaviors described in this thread, so it probably would be a good primer for parents with sons approaching Junior year.</p>
<p><a href=“Book Review: Crazy U - WSJ”>Book Review: Crazy U - WSJ;
<p>That book was discussed on its own thread last year (and elsewhere):</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/1096180-crazy-u.html?highlight=crazy+ferguson[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/1096180-crazy-u.html?highlight=crazy+ferguson</a></p>
<p>Haven’t read this entire thread but - it can be overwhelming for kids and difficult to know where to start. My daughter had some general feelings about it but I set up all the tours and chose at least 90% of the campuses we would see. If I hadn’t insisted we throw in a visit to USC on the way to UCLA from UC Santa Barbara (where she thought she wanted to go and did not end up applying), she wouldn’t be going there as a student this fall.</p>
<p>I am now fully prepared to do the same thing with my 10th grade son, and much better informed too. Pretty much have the list in my head right now ;-)</p>
<p>Thanks for the merit info. He told a lady at the bank today that he’d like to go to school in the Northeast. Yay, we have a starting point! We’re taking younger brother (15) EVERYWHERE we go, so I won’t have to do all of the schools over again.</p>
<p>As a single parent to two children. My oldest will be a college sophomore, and my baby just graduated high school this month. Each child has been completely different in their pursuits of college. My oldest, a son, was actually completely on the ball. This was a totally different child from the past. My youngest, has searched for colleges since she was in jr high, and I had to threaten her to get applications finished.</p>
<p>In the meantime, I am a college planner 
I have told many parents that I am the mediator to help the process go smoothly. Like a teacher shouldn’t teach their own child… Well, at least that was my case with my daughter. </p>
<p>You obviously want the best for your son. I suggest calling a college planner. They do many things that can help the situation. I counsel the student, and do personality and career testing. With these tests and their ideas on their career interest, we see if their ideas match their results. Many times this increases their self esteem, and gives them the confidence in moving forward onto the next stage of life.</p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>
<p>My S2 really showed zero interest in colleges until beginning of senior year. He applied to two state u’s, was accepted to both by Christmas. Chose the one he liked best and off he went. It all worked out fine. He graduated from college last month.</p>
<p>Each of our kids has been radically different. S1 applied to only 3 schools and went to the one he was least sure about. S2 has been thinking and planning for college for the last 2 years (he is a rising senior) and our D (rising Jr)already knows (or thinks she does) where she is going and the job she will get. Each one is an adventure onto itself.</p>
<p>Okay, just an update for anyone who may be following this post. We just got back from a college tour around Florida. Hit four universities in five days. He came home excited about college life. Thanks for all of your posts and for the suggestions!</p>
<p>Good for him! Glad to hear the update. Good luck with the next steps.</p>