Questions & Answers

Communication Problems:
“My son is 15. Why doesn't he want to talk about college?”

Dear Annie,

My son is in 10th grade and college selection and admissions will soon be on us. We seem to have a hard time discussing this calmly at home and the anxiety is causing our communication to unravel. In addition to advice, are there any college counselors you'd recommend who would help us navigate through this?

A Little Stressed

Dear A Little Stressed,

It sounds like the anxiety may be yours and that you may be creating unnecessary stress around the college search by gearing up too soon. What do you hope to accomplish by discussing college with your son? He is just settling into the rhythm of high school.

Most high schools do not start discussing the "process" with their college-bound students until the beginning of junior year. The usual SAT testing schedule is October or November of junior year and then again in May of junior year. It is recommended for students who wish to visit college campuses, that they do so in the fall of their senior year.

And that is plenty of time, believe me!

What is driving you to begin this process now?

In friendship,

Annie