Then and Now...Now is just too much pressure.

Parent Cafe
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<p>Having just finished up this process for the first time, it really did shock me how much it has changed in a generation. But I agree with cpt; this board is populated by students who are gunning for top-tier schools, and is not representative of students in general. </p>

<p>Me, high school class of '73, had a B+ average, good test scores, and no ECs. I applied to a grand total of 2 schools (one more than most of my friends) – University of X, with confidence I’d get in because all qualified in-state students got in, and X State University just as a backup. I recall it was a two-page application. I arranged for transcripts. No essays, no LORs. It took me a total of about an hour to do my college applications. I was accepted at both.</p>

<p>We were middle class and didn’t apply for financial aid; my impression is that it was reserved for truly needy students. Tuition was $188 per quarter.</p>

42

<p>I agree with you, Mafool…I wish I would have discovered CC before my S applied.</p>

<p>LasMa–after I transferred to my state school I remember very well writing a check for $200 to cover my tuition. I have to say, paying my own way through undergrad (well, 2 and 1/2 years of it) and that includes living expenses and everything was a big accomplishment for me. I did take out student loans for grad school, though.</p>

<p>It is a different world out there.</p>