Still Undecided
The Girl went on another college visit this past weekend. She’s completed her applications to the colleges that she is interested in; but, she hasn’t made up her mind yet. Prior to her visit, it was her “second choice” but now she’s not so sure what her first choice will be. Where to go to college is a big decision. It will have a lasting influence on her life. And, unlike many of the past choices that she’s made, California Girl and I have remained mostly silent on what we think is the best course of action. It’s hard trying to avoid undue influence; especially since we have opinions regarding the merits of each school. But, it’s her life and she needs to “own” the decision.
I know from taking to other parents that many of her classmates are similarly undecided. In fact, since she’s narrowed her choices to a few schools she’s got a better idea of where she’s be this fall than many of her friends. Plus, since the wheels (applications, transcript requests, test scores, etc) are already in motion, she’s not late. We’re not anxious for her to actually leave for college; but, we would like for things to be decided soon so she can stop agonizing over the decision and enjoy the rest of her senior year. The Boy started getting senioritis in February. Hopefully, she won’t get it quite so early in the year. It may seem like fun to graduate and be all grown up; but life will never be so care free again.
I’m sure she will come to the right decision. She sounds like a sensible young lady and a credit to you both.
Alfie: What’s making her choice so difficult is that none of her options are “no-brainers”. There are compromises and tradeoffs no matter what she chooses. She needs to decide what’s most important to HER.
It must be quite difficult not to sway her, even if not trying too. Enjoy your time before she’s off! Is it very different where she is the girl and your youngest then preparing for the boy? I would think it would be a bit harder and perhaps the final reality check toward completely empty nest.
Viemoira: It’s her life. So we keep our opinions to ourselves and focus primarily on obvious facts. The biggest difference is that our son was more decisive. A lot of things didn’t matter to him so he had fewer variables to consider which made his decision a lot easier. When he was a senior in high school The Boy spent more time at home than The Girl does now so it was a big change when he left for college.
I am sure that she’ll come to a decision. What school to choose is a major decision…
KittyKillKill: It’s a HUGE decision for a 17-yer old. It really just dawned on her today that she be off to college in six months or so. She’s been looking at things rather antiseptically so the enormity just now hit her. She’s still got time; but I don’t want for her to become paralyzed and afraid to make a decision for fear of making the “wrong” one.