<p>So many of my neighbors have been asking me where I'm going to college. Right now I'm waitlisted at places that I really want to go to, and while I have other options, I'm really trying to get off these waitlists. Am I wrong to feel annoyed that my neighbors constantly question me about college? I try to just say politely that I'm still deciding between my options, but they continuously push me to tell them what my options are. I'd be happy to tell them where I got in when I know for sure and am happy with my choice, but shouldn't they be able to tell that if I say something like I'm weighing my options, I'm not ready to tell them yet? </p>
Yes, but their well wishing spirit and desire to share in your “good news” is clouding them. Understand that.</p>
<p>You know, there’s nothing wrong with telling them the real situation – that you’ve been admitted to some neat schools but unfortunately have to be on the WL for some others that, if they accepted you, would really really intrigue you.</p>
<p>i know the feeling… alot of people/aunties/uncles have been asking me the same thing. </p>
<p>just tell’em that you don’t know yet, and you haven’t heard from all of your colleges. or just tell’em that you’ll let them know as soon as you make a decision.</p>
<p>people asked me where i was applying- and i just told them that i didn’t like telling people where i applied until i got accepted there, so they’d just have to wait </p>
<p>They are just trying to be nice. They aren’t trying to annoy you.</p>
<p>Just tell them that you don’t know yet because you’re hoping to get off the waitlist of a college you would prefer to attend. Say you don’t want to name the specific schools because you don’t want to jinx your chances of getting off the waitlist. Ask them to cross their fingers for you, and then change the subject or wish them a pleasant good bye.</p>
<p>I think every junior/senior in high school and their parents goes through this to an extent. Everyone you come into contact with wants to know where you are applying, where you got in, where you are going, etc. Then they want to tell you all about that school - from what they heard 20 years ago! My suggestion is keep the answer brief and vague, if you don’t really want to get into it.</p>
<p>We were in Florida for winter break last year - after son was deferred ED from Duke. The LAST thing he wanted to talk about was college. We just came up with a blanket stmt - “we are on vacation, and that includes from the college process” and refused to discuss further. I know some of my mil’s friends thought we were rude, but whatever.</p>
<p>Many grown-ups struggle to find conversation topics when they bump into teenagers. They’re probably not trying to be nosy. They just figure college is a common topic with 12th graders at this time of year. They actually think it’s a “safe” thing to talk about. In addition they probably watched you grow up and are genuinely fond of you. </p>
<p>I know it’s hard. But please give them the benefit of the doubt. It’s perfectly fine to say, “I don’t know where I’m going. I’m on a couple of wait lists and it will be a few weeks before I find out if they’ll come through for me.”</p>
<p>I actually think you’re handling exactly how you should – simply explain you have some really great options and you’re still in the decision process. No one needs to know you are on any waitlist; it’s none of their business. After May 1 your approach might need to be altered somewhat. I hope you get pulled off one of your waitlists. Good luck to you!</p>
<p>DougBetsy is right–they just don’t know what to say to you and are trying to share your good news. Be prepared for the next one: What are you going to study? When I am asked about child number one, I take a deep breath and say, “This week…” It always gets a chuckle. You might try that and say, “TODAY, I am leaning toward ______.” Then the next person who asks, say something different. This will make it much more fun for you and will give your neighbors the opportunity to say something nice about the school you are considering.</p>
<p>I’m guilty. S is a junior, but for years, when I come across a senior I ask about their plans for college. I do it because I am interested. I enjoy hearing about where they have visited, what they liked, what they didn’t. Most of these kids are from our church and I’ve known them their entire lives. I’m thrilled at their options - no matter what they are! I don’t press them for details, so I hope I am not annoying. I understand this is a streesful time, but be flattered that these people are interested in you.</p>