You can talk to experts and read all the articles online, but nothing compares to listening to other parents and their experiences with college admissions.

Knowing there are other parents struggling with the same questions, problems and unexpected outcomes can help you feel less alone. But where do you find that information? There are two excellent Facebook groups to help: Paying for College 101 and Grown and Flown. With thousands of parents posting and commenting daily, you can ask any questions (even specific ones) and someone will most likely have the answer.

Parents have asked about testing, financial aid, homesickness, the college admissions process and much more. There are plenty of other parents available to offer their advice and non-judgmental help. According to a survey by Paying for College 101, “the most common words participants used to describe the admissions experience were “stressful,” “exhausting,” and “overwhelming.” Most parents can certainly relate to those feelings.

Other results of the survey include:

• Most of the families responding (68%) were going through the college admissions process for the first time
• 27% of students applied to 10 or more colleges
• 39% applied to 1 to 5 schools
• 34% applied to 6 to 9 schools
• 42% of students were waitlisted
• 17% of these students being waitlisted at 2 or more schools
• 89% of responders received some form of financial aid. Of those receiving financial aid, 57% received only merit scholarships, 6% received financial aid based on need, and 37% received a combination of merit and need-based aid
• 66% of responders were either OK, Satisfied or Very Satisfied with their financial aid offer
• 62% of responders chose not to appeal their financial aid award
• 56% of responders have a plan to pay for college
• 24% aren’t sure if they have a plan
• 20% do not have a plan.

For some specific responses and stories from three parents, you can follow this link: College Admissions Decisions & Financial Aid Survey For The Class Of 2023.