<p>I did all my applications by my self (I only applied to two colleges though).
The only thing my parents did is pay the application fees and whatnot.</p>
<p>I like it this way</p>
<p>I provided a lot of logistical support for my son and loved (almost) every minute--not the waiting, though! I don't think it hurt him a bit and he was very grateful for the help. He ended up at a school he loves, is on the Dean's list, picks his own classes and does his own laundry. I also helped out with school plays (finding props, making costumes and fundraising) and another EC (fundraising for trips to competitions) while he was in hs. Most parents didn't have time to do these things and were very appreciative. Though my son could have done it all on his own--and we certainly wouldn't have intruded in the process if he didn't want us to--we would have missed out on many happy hours together on all those great college trips. The expertise I've gained from helping him I have used to help other people's kids, here on CC and in real life. I don't think this is sad or pathetic or damaging. It can be taken too far, but "no assistance" isn't the only sane path.</p>
<p>I didn't even know all the schools our D applied to until our S hit us up for the bill for the application fees! Although she discussed some of her choices with us, she basically did everything herself. Even the application. I had to show her how to work with the computer side of one of the schools which didn't take the Common App, and she got confused by the online form. But it came as a surprise when our son approached us to pay for our D's application fees - appears that we weren't at home when she decided to apply, so he let her use his credit card. I only hope she is that self-motivated when she hits the working world !</p>