<p>My parents don't know what the sections on an SAT are, they don't like my college essay because I don't 'brag' enough, they want me to relax over the summer instead of study, and want me to go to a public college because they think it'll be cheaper than going to an Ivy.. (I'm in the low income bracket so it would probably be the other way around..). </p>
<p>//life</p>
<p>[No, I still love my parents, but they really suck in helping me apply to college.]</p>
<p>Show your parents who's boss! Show your parents you are an adult! Do it your way! Make your own choices!
Pay your own way in the school of your choosing.</p>
<p>When I read the thread title I though you meant socially cool, like the cool kids in high school. I don't mean to be insensitive, but I think you're luckier than the kids whose parents are pressuring them to the point of early burnout and drug addiction. Relax, don't study during the summer? That's what I did as a kid and I turned out just fine. Academic success, now I make a lot of money and all that. Actually your parents do sound kind of cool!</p>
<p>I did everything I have done for college by myself. I have organized every test I've needed to take, scheduled college visits, researched colleges, etc, etc. There is no formal college couselor at my school, the guidance counselors are mainly trying to get people to graduate, let alone go to college. My parents, though supportive, know next to nothing about colleges. I didn't even know about what a LAC was until junior year. It is assumed at my school you will go to 1 of 3 major state schools, that every college bound student goes to. I have never once been pushed any direction test/college wise by anyone. I find people with parents that pay and set up for testing services/college counselors/college trips that are more than 2 hours away are very lucky.</p>
<p>Yes small i'm basically in the same boat as you hah.</p>
<p>you can get a lot of help and advice from the parents on this forum - just ask...</p>
<p>I'm "cool" in that way for a few reasons. My parents were like yours, and I was on my own. I didn't even look at expensive colleges, though, because I was sure I couldn't afford them. I worked at a college before I had kids, so I became interested in higher ed issues. As a stay at home mom, I spent my life in the kids' schools, so they grew up knowing how important education was in their mom's eyes. Finally, I just really like the whole college admissions & financial aid processes. I'm strange that way. </p>
<p>For what it's worth, though, I never pushed my kids to do anything in the summer, or even to do extracurriculars. I expect them to do their best in school, but I don't push them beyond making sure they keep themselves on the right track. The rest is their call.</p>
<p>Gee, someone should tell our son how cool his parents are/were. I thought it would be about social graces in the eyes of a teenager- we are uncool. Your parents may be right about selling yourself in the essays, you take your accomplishments for granted but they may be special and you can't count on school personnel to do the job or know everything about you. It is good to relax summers, downtime is good. Your job is to show them how scholarships and grants (not loans) from private colleges can make them cheaper than your public schools. You need to justify the application fees (or get them gratis if you're very low income), so choose carefully- you don't want to waste hundreds of dollars on schools that are not reasonable choices for you.</p>
<p>Don't use your primary essay to brag; that's not what it's for. But do use the rest of the application to brag. If you don't do it here, where in the world will you do it? </p>
<p>And BTW, if your GC is clueless, offer to give them a list of your accomplishments, or a "brag" letter for them to draw from. No, I'm not suggesting you write their rec; I'm suggesting you give them specific info from which to draw.</p>
<p>It is not uncommon for kids from lower income (socio-economic families) to have parents that are not helpful because they did not go to college. Often such parents simply view college as a bigger high school. It usually is not through malice, but a lack of understanding what it is about or what it takes. In such cases you simply must do it on your own, but you are not alone, there are many in the same boat.</p>
<p>You might mention that there are people, everyday, who start a small business, give birth to a child or harvest an acre of produce all by themselves -- but most big undertakings are best done with the support of family and friends. Check out "242 things colleges don't want you to know" and "A is for Admission." Both of these books can give you and your parents some insights in to how far some families can go on the college game. </p>
<p>You don't necessarily want them to take a page from HyperMom parenting, but it can at least clue them in to some realities. They will be even prouder of you as they realize all the nitpickiness that you have navigated. Don't forget to squeeze in SAT II subject tests (three of them!) if selective colleges are on your wish list. Make sure your folks know that it may cost you less to go to Yale than to the local community college (I'm not kidding!). Good luck!</p>
<p>rb3: 30 years ago, my dad chose both my college and my major! When I expressed interest in a different path, I was told why that was not an acceptable plan!!! Parenting is different than it was at that time, but one thing has not changed and that is that I am sure that both your parents and mine loved each of us very, very much!!!</p>
<p>I don't know if our DS would say we were cool last yr or not...I think he would have loved to switch places...we harped on the SATs and APs, made him practice on line. Harped on the essays...never allowed him to re-use one from 1 school for another, we did tell him that he didn't have to fill out the Princeton app...it is long, very , very long and we flat out said do you want to go there...he said no,</p>
<p>I am sure he would have thought your folks were really cool! Maybe they are acting that way out of love, just to calm you down and make sure you have the best sr yr. Sometimes as parents we are like the opposite force to keep you the median...some kids need a little push and some need to be pulled back a little</p>
<p>Good luck and enjoy the yr...if you're like our DS you'll look back at all of this as nothing and just be thankful you're at your dream school</p>
<p>be happy-all your success will be self-motivated and you will always have a good support system-even if you don't get into "Brand Name College"</p>
<p>I'm a teen too...and my parents are really cool (I think!) compared to others at my school. Shockingly, they're exactly like yours...<em>I</em> was the one to research colleges, set up visits/tours, keep track of essays/deadlines, signing up/studying/sending SATs, taking SAT IIs, going to summer programs, etc, etc. Nothing was ever pushed. I like it better that way</p>
<p>Actually, except for the bragging in the essay part, your parents sound very cool.</p>
<p>I also agree about the bragging, our ds was only asked 1 time a question where bragging could be used...what do you regret that you should have done in your life...the rest were the generic who would you ask 1 question to and what would it be?</p>
<p>I'm so sorry you don't have the kind of support you would like. I know it must be frustrating and seem unfair. </p>
<p>For what its worth, you really sound like someone who knows your game, is really resourceful, and very motivated and achievement oriented (despite doing it all on your own). Kudos to you. </p>
<p>I had the same kind of situation. My parents hadn't even gone to HS and didn't have a clue! They couldn't understand my choices. I ended up just fine (whew).</p>
<p>It can be a disadvantage without the guidance of your family. But you'll be able to take a lot more credit for your success. I imagine you will learn TONS in the process, built huge confidence to take care of yourself (a gift of a lifetime).</p>