Parents and College Admissions

[AspiringStudent]

I know that many parents put "pressure" on students to do well, but how many students develop their own college list and do most of their own planning - or do parents usually decide where a student goes to college?

[Omniac Education]

It's hard to say how many students guide the process. Obviously a good number of parents will pressure their student to select one school or another, but the final mix of parent vs. student decision is tough to measure.

However, most parents will admit that this is the student's decision. The student is the one who has to attend the school, not the parent!

[DianaR]

I think most students from working or middle class families choose their own college, but students from upper class families tend to be "sent" by their parents to a school.

Less choice is tolerated when the future of a pile of money is at stake.

[Simplyme]

Originally Posted by DianaR

I think most students from working or middle class families choose their own college, but students from upper class families tend to be "sent" by their parents to a school.

Less choice is tolerated when the future of a pile of money is at stake.

I think you hit the bulls eye here. That is honestly the way it typically goes. Mum and Dad often have the college they attended or the best of the best lined up and most kids are not willing to risk an inheritance or allowance to go against them over a school. Where as like you said middle class families tend to be more focused on what is affordable and what their children's wishes are within reason.