[PeppyGPhiB]

The only reason kids are applying to so many schools is because there is so much competition...because schools are getting so many applications. It's a catch 22 these kids - and their parents - have created for themselves. It reeks of indecision to me. Also, thinking parents are pushing kids to apply to schools that the kids have no interest in applying to, in addition to the schools the kids actually do want to attend. If this decision was left up to the kids, as it should be, I have a feeling there wouldn't be so many applications. This is in part why I think parents shouldn't be on the hook for paying for their kids' college educations - kids applying to schools that they know their parents can't afford, and that they're unwilling to take out loans to fund. What is the point in that? Very few private schools give out MERIT scholarships, and let's be real...those are the schools that prompt this kind of frenzy. Meanwhile, schools get so many applications that they can take their pick of the litter...and I imagine many of them are picking the same kids.

In 1995-1996 I applied to six schools: Pepperdine, Univ. of Washington, Boston U, USC, Univ. of Puget Sound and Western Wash. Univ. I got into all six, and you know why? Because I had heavily researched them, visited all of them with the exception of Boston U, and knew that my desires and qualifications were a good fit for them. I also worked hard on my applications and knew that I had to be comfortable with my choices because I was going to be the one footing almost all of the bill. I keep hearing about all these kids who don't visit the schools they're applying to, decide to apply the night before the deadline, and don't give applying much of a second thought because they assume their parents will just pay whatever it takes to send them to whichever school they want. Now, that is reality for some, but I don't really think it should be. I think a lot of kids take their college careers for granted when they're completely paid for by their parents. And when this discussion doesn't happen prior to application period, kids can apply to countless schools just because they can. It's a waste of time and money for all! No one should be applying to schools that they know they either can't get into nor afford.