As a parent who just recently went though the college application process with my daughter last year, I know how frustrating it can be to not know how things are going with our kids’ applications. As an admitted helicopter parent, I had to sit on my hands many times when I wanted to give a quick call or send a quick email to the admissions office because I had questions or concerns. My student’s general lack of worry made me even more worried! Did they have everything? Why is it taking so long? Why did my neighbor hear back 9 days after their application was received? Ugh…it is awful. Hang in there.
And don’t call. If you absolutely positively must have an answer to a question, and the website or Internet or this forum are not of any help, then have your teen call the admissions office on their own behalf. The only calls that we as parents should be making to PSU (or any school after application has been submitted) are those calls pertaining to the financial side of things. If you think that calling the admissions office multiple times will in any way help your son or daughter gain admission, you are wrong. And it very well may hurt their chances greatly.
It’s hard to make the switch for us, and also our kids, from the parent negotiating things, to the student negotiating on their own behalf. But trust me when I tell you that your student will eventually make those first few awkward calls or emails to department heads, advisors, professors, and the like. And their confidence and maturity will soar when they realize that they are in control of their future. Mine hated her schedule that she signed up for at orientation…when she realized that she could change all of her class selections online, and do it without ‘asking’ anyone? She was amazed. And empowered.
Be well, you guys…don’t let the stress eat you up!