The College Parent Trap – Rantings and Advice About Parenting College Students

Okay this is for my fellow parents of college students. Can we talk about mixed messages for a minute? From the moment our children sprang forth into the world we have been told in every way imaginable to be attentive to and engaged in their education and development.

Read to them. Get the right mobile to hang over the crib. Read to them. Get toys and games that help them to learn. Read to them. Get to know their teachers. Be a classroom volunteer (read to them and other people’s kids). Coach youth sports. Chaperone field trips. Follow what they are learning and partner with their teachers. Encourage them to read. Be involved with their school community. Continue reading “The College Parent Trap – Rantings and Advice About Parenting College Students”

The Definitive All-Time College Playlist

Friday afternoon in mid-September. Classes are done until Monday. No exams or papers due for at least a couple more weeks. The library and the debate club and calculus help sessions can all wait. It’s time to punch out, kick back, and have some fun with friends.

So in the spirit of having fun with friends, I am taking a break from my usual practice of dispensing counsel and sage advice to seekers of college wisdom, to invite any and all interested parties (pun definitely intended) to contribute to the First Annual My College Wisdom All-Time Definitive College Playlist. Continue reading “The Definitive All-Time College Playlist”

Wit, Candor, and a Free Toothbrush: Thoughts on Writing a Great College Admissions Essay

Alright high school seniors, it’s time to get serious about your college admissions essay.

Yes, the dreaded college admissions essay:

  • The most important writing assignment you will ever have.
  • The 250-plus words that will determine your college fate and dictate the course of your entire life.
  • Your opportunity to wow admissions committees with wit and candor and a vocabulary of Olympian proportions.
  • Get it right and you will be on the path to health, happiness, and a future full success and riches beyond your wildest imagination. Get it wrong and… well, let’s not even go there.

Whatever. Continue reading “Wit, Candor, and a Free Toothbrush: Thoughts on Writing a Great College Admissions Essay”