So being an involved parent isn't so bad after all

Parents Forum
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<p>Ran across this article on the Collegeboard website today <a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/press/releases/155116.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.collegeboard.com/press/releases/155116.html&lt;/a>. I found this section to be the most interesting:
[quote]
A majority of students indicated satisfaction with parental involvement in their college search activities.
Sixty percent of students are satisfied with the level of parental involvement in their search for the right college; 28 percent want their parents to be more involved; and only 6 percent of the students surveyed who reported some parental involvement in their college search reported that they want their parents to be “less involved.”</p>

<p>Much of the reported parental involvement actually appears to be very constructive and supportive.
For example, nearly half of the students whose parents were involved in their college plans indicated that their parents had encouraged or insisted that they apply to schools they had not otherwise considered.</p>

<p>“It’s important for us to keep in mind the important and positive role that parents do play in helping students make the transition to college,” said Brad Quin, senior director of Higher Education Advocacy and Special Initiatives for the College Board. “This is a challenging time for all families, and we should be encouraged that in the vast majority of cases, the outcome is achieved with a good balance of guidance but not control.”</p>

<p>Richard Hesel, partner of Art & Science Group, added, “College and secondary school leaders should try to see parental behavior as an opportunity rather than a threat. Engaged parents can be much more easily mobilized to support the academic achievement of their children.”

[/quote]

Glad to see that parental input is, for once, not seen as a bad thing. About time. They do offer a "helicopter parent" quiz. I don't know if there is any research behind it, but if so inclined, take a peek <a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/parent_quiz/155044.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.collegeboard.com/parent_quiz/155044.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

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<p>Thanks, jym. That was a nice pat on the back for a job well done. I needed that right about now, as do all the emptynesters.</p>

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<p>Thanks for the thread start and link, jym626. Yes, it is refreshing to see involved parents getting some appreciation. </p>

<p>Now I have to take the helicoptering quiz!</p>

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<p>I passed the quiz! I passed the quiz! But, then, I knew I was about perfect :D. Question is... should I tell DS?</p>

<p>Thanks, jym.</p>

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<p>Thanks jym626--I took the quiz and received a warning that I am close to becoming a helicopter parent!! I am so good at hovering I thought for sure I would be awarded an official "Helicopter Parent" Hmmm, may be I should have written my son's essay. There's still time and hope for me yet!!!;)
(notice my screen name???)</p>

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<p>Oh gosh, I was worrying that I was too involved and the quiz told me to I can get MORE involved. Yikes, better get cracking on number 2 and number 3 because we just delivered number 1 two weeks ago to his college..too late to hover more over him.</p>

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<p>I passed!!!! Stay the Course: Your level of involvement seems to indicate a balance between your child's responsibilities and decisions, and your advice and guidance.</p>

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<p>momofthree-
Go pester your oldest with emails, IM's, packages and phonecalls! Tell him you apparently didn't hover enough, so you plan to make up for lost time!!!
I got "stay the course" also, FilAm-mom! I plan to print it and frame it! :)
Glad this thread was helpful! We don't usually hear the words "parents" "college" and "helpful" all in one sentence (unles the word "not" is in there somewhere!)</p>