<p>So, the realization that we are at about a month before everything is due has started hitting at our house. Everything is in process, but nothing is done. My husband and I are starting to be concerned over the amount of work (school work + admissions essays) that will need DD's attention over the break. DD's teachers and school have grumbled a bit about the on-line applications, so they're not getting done very quickly.</p>
<p>I'm starting to second guess every small phrase and action from our interviews.</p>
<p>None of the AO's seem to have been won over by our DD - her grades, and SSAT scores are really strong, but now I'm questioning if her EC's are enough (1 competitive sport, 2 recreational sports, 1 academic team, 1 service/leadership group). They were all friendly, seemed generally positive, but in comparison to what gets posted here, we didn't get any "wow you'd be a great addition to our student body" type reactions.</p>
<p>Is this second guessing typical? How do you handle the stress of getting it all done amid the chaos of the holidays?</p>
<p>We just postponed the stress til AFTER Xmas. ;)</p>
<p>For S1 fours yrs ago, we first considered BS as an option during Xmas break, then ENTIRE app process was done in the space of ~3 weeks, including cluelessly selecting schools, late registration to standby for Jan SSAT (not even a confirmed seat to test), essays, recs & interviews.</p>
<p>You’ll survive; you’ve got plenty of time left. </p>
<p>Don’t worry too much about how the AO acted after the interview. It is so hard to get a read on that stuff. I have posted before that I left the interview for the school.where DS currently attends and thought that there was no way he would get in. I think much of it is the particular interviewer. Some are “all business” and others are super friendly and talkative. Try to enjoy the holidays and do the essays a little bit at a time. The finish line is in sight.</p>
<p>The kid is freaking out, there were tears of overwhelm tonight when dealing with admission essays, and I was sorely tempted to make myself a margarita. We’re not even half way done and I’m about to develop an ulcer over all this stuff.</p>
<p>I’m going to throw a freaking party when the last of the applications is in. Oh, and as a child of divorce, she’s spending Christmas break with the parent who hasn’t filled out the financial aid forms yet and swears she’s going to every other day… and has since November 2nd… so I don’t think any essays will get done then. Which sucks, it means the pressure is on me to make space for the kid to do them, so I’ve been doing her chores so she can do all her regular school work PLUS her application stuff. </p>
<p>Margaritas. Seriously. 9/10th of the way there. </p>
<p>I appreciate what a big challenge this is for you and your family, feeling overwhelmed and psyched out. Financial Aid deadlines come sooner? So make sure you have that ready before long, also it is easier to contact schools with questions this week before some staff go on vacations?
For my daughter, she made a whiteboard with a checklist that she could use to organize her essays and manage her time. If she only has 20 minutes, then chip away at the easy question. If its one of the bigger essays she can use the whiteboard to percolate key points she needs to include… little steps, little bites, revise revise revise. A really important aspect for you as a parent to think about… is she looking at schools that will foster her spirit? If she fights to get into a school that drives on high pressure will she thrive?</p>
<p>Friendlyson isn’t applying to BS but he’s applying to independent day schools so it’s the same situation here. At the moment the main problem is that there is a big delta between our definitions of a “sufficient” response. We’re switching from a “you need to complete x number of responses today” to “you need to spend x number of hours on this today.”</p>
<p>We did the prep school admissions thing 2 years back and won’t have to do it ever again. My advice is to just chill out. Life doesn’t end if you don’t get into the prep school of your choice. </p>
<p>@AndreiTarvosky Ditto on that last one. I guess it’s something I didn’t realize last spring, but I’m alive, well, and happy. </p>
<p>Eventually, you’ll be glad it didn’t work out. I’m applying again and I hope upon hope that the third time will be the charm, but I’m so glad I’m where I am. Why? My English teacher is amazingly fantastical and I’ve made some really great friends. </p>
<p>Although chilling out is not something I will or can do. #-o </p>
Not the Mama - I have a similar problem. The father is dragging his feet about FA forms, and has categorically insisted he will not pay a penny. That means aid will be assessed on both our incomes, but I have to find ways to pay. Frustrating.
The freaking out has started here, too. And not just at home… There are several students in my grade applying to other schools as well and we now have a tad bit of competition going on. Some are athletic recruits, some are just going for it, some have family connections. It’s getting intense!
Luckily the few kids at my school who are applying are not applying to any of the same schools that I’m applying to! But there is noticeable tension mounting between teachers/GCs/students/parents. I think it is a good idea to just take a deep breath and calm down. Freaking out isn’t going to help you get in.
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