<p>He’s right (not about the writing it in an hour). You don’t want to have it hanging over your head your whole life that that prestigious college you got into was because of your station in life. My parents have close friends on the board of four out of the five schools I’m applying to, but I’ve told them explicitly not to talk to any of them. If I’m getting into college I’m doing it on my own merits. Good for your son for recognizing the same.</p>