<p>I am sincerely happy that things worked out for your S. Your post is, however, utter nonsense. Skier’s S applied ED. He applied to a total of 6 colleges–2 of which him mom selected-- so it is more than a bit over the top to refer to “hitting that common app send button 20X.” </p>
<p>The idea that the only reason skier’s S didn’t get accepted was that his top choice somehow knew that he wasn’t a “fit” or wouldn’t be “happy” there or that a LAC known more for other fields would reject a science-oriented applicant is just plain ridiculous. </p>
<p>I am thankful that skier’s post is from last year, so it’s unlikely she’ll actually read your post and, if she does, I hope that her S is blooming wherever he ended up. </p>
<p>I’m glad that things worked out for your child. However, in reading the post of someone whose child was less successful in the college search, remember the old “There but for the grace of God go I” bit .</p>
<p>I really didn’t mean to in any way put down Skier, or even to refer directly to her and her son, when I mentioned the multiple common app. sends. I was referring to posts on both threads that mentioned again and again how the application process has changed so much thanks to the huge number of applications being sent in by so many candidates. I was trying to say that focus might be a better approach for candidates applying to LACs than the shot gun approach.</p>
<p>I also wanted to say, again, not to Skier particularly but in general, that these LAC schools are interested in fit just as much as they are in excellent academics and a terrific application. Not getting in can just as easily be about being over qualified as it can be about anything else. If the admission office of a school has found that students with particular profiles are way more likely to transfer than others, then they may avoid that profile, even if the candidate is outstanding. You hear all the time about a highly competitive school taking a candidate that a less competitive school rejects.</p>
<p>In Skier case in particular, I actually think her son may have shot too low. He was an outstanding, obviously gifted candidate, and some of these schools may have decided he’d move on to a top engineering college or some other more elite program after a couple of years. He was obviously more than qualified for these schools. The “more” part may have been a problem. He will thrive where ever he goes, I’m sure, and the college he chose is hugely lucky to have him.</p>
<p>OF COURSE there but for the grace of God go I, and I may end up there yet… For all I know my son will hate his first choice and want to transfer after one semester. I hope not, and I’m also hoping his GC and the college that took him know what they are doing. Still, who knows what is coming around the bend. I’m just glad to be done with this gut wrenching process!</p>