"A great guide and must-read for any prospective parent through the power and powerlessness of their child's college search. Mine included my selfish queries into the various schools school colors ... I then encouraged my daughter to choose the school whose colors I looked good in. I am only kidding a little. (Deep purple and black did look great on me.) I wish I had had this book then... "--Jamie Lee Curtis, actress, children's book author, mother of a recent college graduate
"As a parent and dean of admissions at Kenyon College, Delahunty has witnessed the stress of the college search and admissions process from the inside and the outside. She offers a collection of essays from both perspectives. Parents recall the process as the “last dance of parenting” because of the implication that where a child goes to college is somehow a reflection on the parent. Essays range from hilarious to painful as parents confess to being whipsawed by emotions, sometimes making the process more about themselves than their children, and mixing in memories of their own benighted college selection process. Admissions professionals, with a far broader perspective, offer calm and solid advice on how to help without taking over the process and how to find the best fit for the student. Among the contributors, reflecting on everything from the beginning application process through move-in day, are Anna Quindlen, Jane Hamilton, and theNeurotic Parent blogger as well as admissions directors of Smith and Colby colleges. Parents will enjoy the humor, drama, and poignancy of this collection."--Booklist
