<p>I talked to d when she got home from school today and she said she'd go ahead and apply to Rice even though she is still hesitant about living in Houston. Whew, we didn't even argue about it. I just kinda told her how this thread had been going and what everyone's advice was. And how I felt about having a larger pool of choices.</p>
<p>I think Rice sounds great, relatively near home, yet far enough away to be on her own. But it's still a reach for her. Like I said before, I don't really mind if she's not accepted, then the decision was made for her. But at least she gave it a shot. Admittedly, she's probably doing it to cheer me up a little. She also said she would pick at least one more reach besides Rice. So here we go again..... </p>
<p>Islandmom-
Another parent of a Rice student here. Must join in the accolades of the school. It has been a perfect match for my s. Has your d. considered spending a weekend on campus?? My son has hosted several "prospies" and both he and they have had a wonderful time. One weekend, however, he had to pass his prospie onto another student, as he had a ton of work to do, with papers due that Monday. So, despite rumors to the contrary, our kids do actually work hard in college!! One last thing-- the college president recently arranged for the students to get free passes on the public transportation system. The new light rail system is pretty entertaining, and they (my s. and his friends) have enjoyed using it to get to activities across town. I really think your d. would have a better feel for the school if she spent a few days there. And if she happens to be there on a weekend containing either the 13th or 31st of the month, she will experience "Baker 13", a Rice tradition. It has to do with a few brave students wearing shaving cream, their pride, and little else....</p>
<p>Well, when I first posted here I was under the impression that d had decided that she was tired of the whole process (which she was) and was going to just stick with the two safeties to which she was already accepted, thus avoiding any more essays or forms.</p>
<p>But now after a week of rest she's going to go ahead and apply to at least two more, both reaches for her. The lesson I've learned from this is don't panic when there's a temporary loss of interest in the whole application process. The frantic pace of the whole process is enough to wear anyone out. God luck to all of you.</p>
<p>As far as when is enough goes, I guess it has to end at the deadline which for us is Feb. 1st. My S just got accepted to his safety but should hear from his ED in a couple of weeks. He has one more reach he's in the process of applying to and then I think he's done. He's pretty tired of the whole thing and wishes he had taken his junior year to look around.</p>