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The good news is that he can finally move on
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Yes, that is good news indeed. He and I went to a piano recital of a good friend of his and on the way home we had a great conversation about moving ahead and the lessons we've learned.</p>
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One thing your son will always remember, is how you were there to support him.
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I'm not sure what this says about my life :eek: but I'm not so sure I would have handled this so well without all of you!!</p>
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Is your guy going to Tanglewood this summer??
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Yes he is. Do you have someone going there too?</p>
<p>editrix Thanks so much for your sentiments. I know you've been here for this entire 'story' or 'disaster' or whatever you want to call it. The story you shared with me about your H has been one of the images I've looked to for support. I've told myself 'remember editrix's h' <em>lol</em> It's true. Sometimes the best words are a shared experience. </p>
<p>This is just wrong. As a card-carrying grown-up, I realize that life isn't always fair, but this goes beyond unfair into the realm of the ridiculous. I am so sorry that such an outstanding kid is going through this and am awe-struck at the way you and he have handled it (all the while remaining helpful and supportive to other CC'ers). I think that many of us, parents of rising seniors especially, have gone through it with you vicariously, knowing that any one of us could be in your situation next year. Again, I'm so sorry. Cyber hugs to you and Andison.</p>
<p>Andi, I was heartsick upon reading today's (yesterday's) news. But, I do know that you and your son will start to feel better as you chart a new direction, that the worst is already behind you. Wishing you only good things ahead.</p>
<p>Andi....You know our story. Choosing to sit it out for the year was my son's best choice. Andison can capitalize by participating in creative activities which will certainly have a positive influence on his 2010 app.
Press on:)</p>
<p>nopoisonivy I do know your story and I AM keeping it in mind -what there is left of it :D It's a story with a happy ending - and incredible illustrations!
andi</p>
<p>Best wishes from here as well, hope andison has a wonderful year, one that is different and unique. (and fun and rewarding and interesting and filled with wonderful music....)</p>
<p>For what it is worth, here are some random quotes taken from several college web sites:</p>
<p>William and Mary:
"Record number of applications for class of 2009
....Although the exact number of applications will not be known for another month or so, [W&M] is certain of one thing alreadythe record has been broken."</p>
<p>Harvard:
"The Class of 2009 was selected from a record applicant pool of 22,796."</p>
<p>U of Delaware "...average SATs for Class of 2009 at record level.."</p>
<p>Brown:
"Prospective Brunonians - members of the largest applicant pool in the University's history - were mailed .... April 1. ......Outgoing Director of Admission Michael Goldberger said 16,907 students, comprising both early and regular admission, applied for a spot in the incoming class, an increase of 10 percent from last year."</p>
<p>Stanford:
"The total number of applications increased significantly this year, rising above 20,000 for the first time in university history. The admit rate was the lowest ever, with just under 12% of the 20,194 applicants admitted."</p>
<p>Kenyon:
"....next years class of first-year students, the class of 2009, will be the most selective in the history of Kenyon College."</p>
<p>Your son only applied to the most selective schools, largely the ivies.
I assume he will apply to a wider range next year and be sure to show
interest in all of them. (DId he visit the schools that wl him?)
I am sure that he will find a good school with his excellent credentials.
You might want to get a private counselor as others suggested. Good luck.</p>
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I'm wondering if next year will be even worse??
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</p>
<p>As far as Swarthmore is concerned, I think that depends on the USNEWS ranking. Their applications jumped substantially this year along with a jump up from #3 to #2 on the LAC rankings. However, the total apps were still slightly below the levels of five years ago when Swarthmore was ranked #1. If USNEWS jimmies the ranking formula and rearranges the top of the LAC list again, then the number of apps could go up or down.</p>
<p>The admissions rate is back down to where it was in 1970 as the echo-boom glut rivals the demographics during the original baby-boom glut of applicants.</p>
<p>That one line" "I'm wondering if next year will be even worse??" reminded me that andison has to go through this whole process all over again. And (as interesteddad states) he has to deal with competing with students who will apply to a school solely based on the school's specific ranking in USNEWS.</p>
<p>But was glad to hear he has someone to work with, and glad you are feeling more optimistic. Hope you can recapture that enthusiasm and excitement of looking for the "perfect" school - that is, the school where andison can learn and have fun and may not be number one on any list (except for the list of schools where andison can have a great experience and can recall fondly in his old age.)</p>
<p>Just something interesting that I read in a book about nobel-prize winning physicist Richard Feynman. Apparently Feynman had to send 6 letters of rec (from his MIT profs might I add) to Princeton before they accepted him. And he too took a forced sabbatical...albeit between his undergraduate and graduate degrees. Hopefully Andison will follow in Feynman's footsteps and we'll read about him in the papers one day. Then all of us CC'ers can sit and laugh at the foolishness of Swat for not accepting a deserving candidate like him.</p>
<p>hahaha!! You'll be OK! Just buy a down parka, a lot of long underwear and ear muffs ;) Oh and start jogging now so you can run from building to building on very cold days.</p>
<p>Yup...I guess so. But then I'll be forced to lumber around campus resembling the abominable snowman in about 15-20 layers of clothing. From what I've heard Middlebury is a top school...it's just the weather that worries me. Plus I'm from tropical India/Burma...where the temperatures have just hit 45C...which is like 120F or so! And this is normal!</p>
<p>Oxymoron,
I hope you love Middlebury....I have several life long friends who are Middlebury grads....top notch people....very talented, real joy for life, great friends.....the cold will only make it easier to spend time indoors together....what a great journey you will have......</p>
<p>Wow...thanks a lot guys. Yup...I hope that Midd treats me as well as it has treated all of those that you know. And I guess one of the benefits of all that snow is that I can practice my snowboarding! I'm one of those cup-is-half-full kind of people!
And Burma to Midd IS quite a transition...I think I'll be the first person from Burma ever to go to Midd although I'm not a Burmese citizen...just live here.</p>