Parental Involvement

<p>Parents, how involved were you in the college selection process? My parents kind of let me choose which colleges I wanted to apply to on my own without much input. How did you guys do it? Also, how involved are you or will you be in your childs education when he or she goes to college?</p>

<p>I let him do what he wanted. I suggested that we visit certain schools...but if he didn't want to visit, we didn't. There were a few instances where he wanted to visit the schools alone, even though they were in other states. If he could get there and back in a day, I allowed him his freedom to explore alone. I told him that he could go to college wherever he wanted - and I stuck to that. </p>

<p>I'm not involved in his day to day academics now, so I don't expect to be next year. He walked into the house at noon today and I asked what was wrong and why he was home so early. He told me this is mid-terms week. I had no idea. I make sure my bill is paid and go to parents meetings where they're called. I guess next year will mean the elimination of the parents meetings and I'll just make sure the bill is paid.</p>

<p>We visited college campuses together whenever we traveled since my daughter was small, but she first discovered the school she'll be attending on a visit with her aunt. She maintained her strong interest in this school, and eventually convinced us that it was the right place for her. That's not to say we didn't look further. </p>

<p>During the last year before applying, we all combed college websites looking for other good fit, reach and safety schools. She welcomed our input, so her dad and I made suggestions, which she added to her list or rejected. We discussed what sort of things she was looking for in a school, but ultimately we all knew it was her call, because she was the one who would have to live with the decision. So, we were quite involved in a supporting role, but it was her choice. </p>

<p>Once she leaves for college, she'll be thousands of miles away, so our involvement, aside from finances, will be minimal.</p>