College Confidentially

“Bring More” was my father’s nickname for my alma mater, which drained about $3400+ each year from our family’s savings.  Back in the early 70’s, that was a significant sum for a college education  —  four decades later, an updated version would ring true as:  “Bring Lots and Lots  More.”   I’m delighted to say, with graduation now a springtime away, our academic debt is settled, and this last lap is — well, I think of it as “free.” It’s a hard point to argue, but definitely a breezy time after That Long College Search.  I think it all began November, 2004, when I was coaxed to join College Confidential.  Nothing like this in my day — each school has its own on-line CC forum where college hopefuls with made-up names ask questions — and students, visitors, and parents post replies.   For years, I followed the forums, digested the disagreements, data and dreams.  And when my son decided at long last where he’d settle down, I forged off-line ties with  my favorite forum moms — even meeting them all on campus for tea.   In my eighth year as part of the CC Clan, I’ve  stayed up late to post the latest U.S. News rankings and shared tips that might have helped an applicant or two along the way.   You’ll find my account of  the Class of 2012 Waiting Ordeal in the Stories section.  The good news came later.