<p>Each kid is different. High school to college is the time most kids become more independent. During this transition, there are kids that are pretty much independent already while there are also kids that cannot take care of themselves. Unless the kid is really mature, parental guidance is essential in the collage application process. Most kids would not know their family’s financial situation and know even less the cost of attendance of different schools (if they know even there is such a school). Kids also lack the experience to evaluate themselves among other kids outside their circle of friends (some parents have no idea either). Parents should help in this process to avoid mistake and problems down the road. Without guidance from adults, we have seen kids applying to all reach schools with mediocre scores/GPA or applying to financial reach schools hoping a miracle would happen. However, it would be too much if the parent is writing the essay, filling up all the application forms, decide the career path, or continue the involvement in their daily college life.</p>
<p>AUGirl, I am very impressed with you. You sound exactly like I was at your age – precocious, confident, and a master of your world at a young age. </p>
<p>My (single) parent was not involved at all in the college selection or application process. Not in other matters during high school either, for that matter. I even negotiated a better financial aid offer on my own and my parent didn’t even know this was going on.</p>
<p>Fast forward to the present, and I suppose I am a bit of a helicopter parent. Perhaps because the parenting culture has changed in a generation, or perhaps I am overcompensating for the lack of parental involvement that I experienced, or perhaps my kids (particularly DS) really need more attention than I did because they are maturing on a different schedule. Who knows? Probably some of each.</p>
<p>We parents ultimately follow our instincts about what we perceive is best for our children, and we may or may not be right. Time will tell.</p>