@MBNC1755 This is why it’s common to create an email that is used only for college admissions, so all that garbage email does flood the personal inbox. Note to self if you have a younger kid following D20. 
@bigmacbeth D17 used her HS email for SAT/ACT registration and Common App. Big mistake! So much trash email mixed in with more important HS stuff. That was a rookie mistake by dad helping her with the registration forms. D20 made a gmail account specifically for college stuff. So much better!
D20 submitted 8 apps total. 5 EA are all acceptances.
Hoftstra self-selected out due to insufficient merit aid.
Fordham is likely to self-select out for the same reason.
NJIT, UBuffalo, and Temple are all in the running with great merit options.
Still waiting on McGill (rolling), Stevens (RD), RIT (RD).
App/Essay burnout is real here. She still has a bunch of small essays to write for local scholarships in the next month or so.
My D20 HS asked them to use their student email to register for the PSAT, SAT, and ACT. Sorting through all the email has been a challenge. I wish I had noticed the unsubscribe link on most emails months ago. It would have helped so much.
And we took it one step further, creating a third email that was only used for college applications. Any emails sent to that address need to be opened and read. We still get marketing emails sent to that address but at least they are from schools that received applications.
Just know that the unsubscribe does not always work. ?
@lkg4answers We created a throw-away email address for SAT signup and all things college-related. No separate one for applications, because matching emails is one way they could ‘connect’ the previous contacts with the school to show interest. But, we did set up an email filter for the schools that D20 ended up applying to so everything else is sent to a ‘kinda spam’ folder. Then everything all in one place.
some of these schools are just aggressive, with the emails, the texts and the phone calls. luckily not many schools call during the day when he’s at school; but it’s been been heavy with recruiting.
@TrendaLeigh I’m another person from NC agreeing that App is well regarded ?.
We are in grad party planning mode. S wants an outdoor, non fancy party, but I am a little concerned what to do if it rains. Also, what do people do at HS grad partes? Its been so long since I’ve been to one that I have forgotten. Lol
In NC? Play cornhole. Most I have been to have food, and music and (in NC) cornhole. So some sort of outdoor games, lots of good food, a DJ (or playlist with a decent sound system), decorations, and you are set. Bonus points for firepit and smores.
We threw a big grad party at our house for D18. Here’s what we did:
-Yep, cornhole.
-two cakes, one with D’s HS colors/logo, one with college colors/logo.
-more snacky food.
-D made a huge collage with a tri-fold board and a couple hundred photos of her and her friends/family. It turned out to be a great conversation piece.
-Memory jar. We encouraged each guest to write a fun memory they have with D and put it in the jar. We provided strips of cardstock and pens.
-The BEST IDEA: we rented a photo booth. It came with fun grad-themed accessories. D was able to get photos with each of her friends and family members (and the special teachers and swim coaches she invited). She made her own photo album later from those treasured pics.
I doubt S20 will want to go to all this trouble. I haven’t asked yet what he envisions for a grad party. As much fun as D’s party was, I’d really be okay with downscaling a bit. Lol
We’re used to big outdoor summer parties as both kids birthdays are in the summer. I have a large garage though so I just clear it out and fill it with tables. If the weather is good people hang out in the yard and if it’s crappy they have the garage. Otherwise you could rent a tent if you have room.
Question for those of you with senior girls: can you give us some ideas about where to shop for teen business/business casual attire? My dd is tiny and I’m having a hard time finding some nice separates for her that fit properly, look youthful (juniors) but still professional, and are reasonably priced. I just found some cute ankle pants at Abercrombie that looked perfect, but they are sold out in her size/length. 
Any suggestions?
@amsunshine My D (she’s 20 - size 0) has had success finding business casual separates at Express and the Express Outlet as well.
Thanks – I’m looking at Express right now. Will check out the outlet…
M D17 has had the most luck at resale shops like Plato’s Closet. She too is tiny.
@amsunshine I have also found Zara to be good. It’s not too expensive and that European sizing is smaller. Same is true for Top Shop but I’m not sure if you have that near you.
@NYC2018nyc Oh – thank you! I had forgotten about Zara for some reason --perfect! I don’t think there is a Top Shop near us.
Fortunately we don’t have that problem. Both of my kids have unique names. So far all colleges have been able to match demonstrated interest based upon address, birth date and high school.
@amsunshine Nordstrom carries Topshop, I get topman suits for my DS from there as they are (much) cheaper and (a lot) slimmer than adult brands like Boss.
H &M and Loft has nice separates as well. Loft has size 00 and up.