<p>Everyone has been talking about kids asking peers for help vs. asking parents. Firstly, there is a difference between kids asking for help vs. parents taking over. A good parent should always be involved in their child’s education. That is the reason for report cards, parent-teacher conferences, etc.
Secondly, many affluent parents simply pay someone else to tutor a struggling kid or guide their kid through the college application process. It would be ridiculous for a struggling chemistry student to not access her Dad, the Biochemist. Not everyone can afford outside tutors or private college guidance counselors.
And thirdly, the college application process is a completely independent situation. Many an outstanding, hard-working, accomplished student gets psychologically stuck when it comes to completing essays, etc. because it is not simply about getting a good grade or getting in. It is also about leaving home and transitioning.
The entire process is not what it used to be. There is so much competition, SAT tutoring, private consultants, college visits, etc. to contend with that the average kid has an unfair disadvantage if his parents are not somewhat involved.
My parents were immigrants, uneducated and gave me no help at all, nor did my high school. I was a top student and simply went to a state school. I was ignorant, uninformed and only 17. My kids now have the support of two college educated parents. While I have always encouraged their independence, giving support, encouragement, assistance and guidance to help them be the best they can be is just responsible parenting.</p>