Tip #106 in my booklet ‘110 Tips for Getting into the College of Your Choice’ was written for parents:

Stay calm. There are over 3,000 colleges in the USA and most accept 75% or more of applicants. Most students love the college they eventually attend.

Which begs the question - why the annual frenzy and stress around college applications? If you believe stories in the press you’d think there’s an acute shortage of college places. This is not the case.

There’s a frenzy among college applicants of all academic levels fixated on their ‘Dream Schools’. Students choose from a limited number of presigeous brand-name schools.

It’s the same in the consumer world. Brand name goods command a premium. Why do some pay hundreds of dollars for a cologne? Or a designer dress? Buyers assume they will be among the ‘exclusive’ few who wear the scent or dress. High prices ensure selectivity.

So with college applications.

The fact is that there are hundreds of schools with excellent undergraduate programs. This is a benefit both academically and financially. Smart kids are more likely to get merit aid or places in an honors program. Good grades will be easier to achieve. This will impress graduate schools - where working under a top professor does matter.