Hard to believe, but my oldest is starting high school next year. I have been thinking about college for many years, but mostly just kind of vague thoughts, like "oh, I hope he gets some great scholarships!" :) I have set up a 529 for him, that I've contributed to regularly. Hopefully that, plus a scholarship (possibly athletic, possibly academic - fingers crossed for both) will make the whole funding college thing not too painful.
BUT, things have changed a lot since I applied to college eons ago. The term "common app" wasn't even on my radar. I think it existed, but since computers weren't a widespread "thing" yet, no one really used it? Maybe?
I do remember the application process was pretty painful and that the essay writing in particular was pretty tough. Picking a college wasn't that hard because I knew I wanted somewhere close-ish to home with a nice campus/semi-urban setting. I did end up going to Duquesne in Pittsburgh on academic scholarship, so that was good.
I moved to Waltham for grad school 11 years ago this month! One of the reasons I've stayed is that if my kids choose to, they don't have to go far for amazing schools. Now, reality is hitting home though. How to choose a school? Where to start? I really don't think it's too early to start planning all this stuff.
A friend and colleague is signing her child up for this college application boot camp in Boston this summer. It looks kind of amazing. After less than a week, her high school junior (next year) will basically be ready to roll for applying to college. What do you think? Do I need to rally outside forces?
Posts
I am moving!
6 months ago
