Navigating the College Admission Wait: A Parent’s Journey
The college application process can be an overwhelming experience for families, particularly during the prolonged waiting periods that accompany it. One parent, VaNessa Duplessie, reflects on her journey helping her daughter through this demanding phase, highlighting the emotional challenges that are often sidelined in discussions about college admissions.
Understanding the Pressure of Waiting
As Duplessie navigated her daughter’s senior year, she found herself in a state of constant alertness. The year was filled with numerous deadlines, including college and scholarship applications, SAT examinations, and artistic portfolios. All of this unfolded while managing a rigorous academic schedule packed with Advanced Placement (AP) classes and extracurricular commitments.
Despite the chaos of preparing application materials, the most challenging aspect for the family was the waiting. Duplessie noted that the process was marked by long stretches of silence, characterized by anticipation for application openings, impending deadlines, and decision notifications from various schools — particularly those arriving in March, several months after submissions.
“Waiting was the hardest part of the application season for my family,” Duplessie explained. The stress stemmed not from the active components of the process but from the uncertainty of waiting. Her daughter, while adept at handling the workload, struggled with the emotional toll of this waiting game. Duplessie recognized the need to monitor her daughter’s mental health closely during this time.
Building a Support Network
Recognizing the importance of support, Duplessie found comfort in a community of parents and educators. She emphasized the role of dedicated high school teachers and guidance counselors, who provided invaluable assistance through recommendation letters and essay reviews. These relationships not only enhanced her daughter’s applications but also offered emotional support throughout the process.
To further alleviate the stress, Duplessie turned to social media. Through various Facebook groups, she connected with other parents facing similar challenges. These online communities provided her with practical information and a space to share frustrations and seek advice on managing the emotional aspects of the wait.
“I would have talked with other parents sooner to better understand the mental effects of the waiting game,” she reflected. Engaging with fellow parents could have helped them prepare for the silence that blankets the application timeline.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
Looking back, Duplessie has taken away significant lessons from the experience. She urges parents to embrace the process, acknowledging that it is ultimately about what can be controlled during the application journey. “Encourage your kiddo to feel confident enough to take their shot, no matter the outcome,” she advised. It’s essential to remember that the college admissions process does not define a student’s worth; rather, it is about finding the right fit for both students and institutions.
As her daughter prepares for her next chapter, Duplessie encourages all parents to lean into the waiting. “Don’t rush it, because soon you’ll be dropping your kid off in their dorm room,” she noted, a reminder of the fleeting nature of this significant life stage.
As families navigate the complex landscape of college admissions, it is vital to acknowledge not only the logistical hurdles but also the emotional rollercoaster that comes with waiting. With the right support and a focus on mental health, parents and students can weather this challenging season together.
