Submitted by Amy De Rosa, Aug 23, 2007 12:30

The ideas presented in this article by independent college counselors and others are nothing more than some newly contrived ways for an applicant to 'stand out' among the tens and tens of thousands of students who will again be applying to colleges in the coming year.

Savvy parents, students and counselors know that the demographics for the next few years are such that being a superstar is still going to have to be the way to go, but the subtext here is that the student must fashion him or herself as a 'real' superstar who makes 'real' mistakes. Real mistakes, that is, like typos.

It is repugnant to me that a 17 year-old with help from his parents, high school counselor and college admission officer would market himself as authentically something that he really authentically isn't. Putting aside for the moment, that it is dishonest to do what the counselors in this article are suggesting, it is laughable. More laughable, unfortunately, is the fact that parents and students---the best and brightest included--will follow this advice.

We parents pay far too much attention to the admissions counselors, independent and otherwise who tell us how to package our children in order to chase after a college experience, a very costly four year experience that our children may not even want. Without a doubt there are students who will be a genuine match for the academics they will find at liberal arts schools and technological institutes including the Ivies, the Stanfords and the MITs. But, there are plenty of students for whom a state school or community college will be a perfect fit. There are also students for whom trade schools, military service, on-the-job training or working in the family business will be the best path.

We parents are our children's first and potentially best teachers and counselors. If we take the time to look honestly at our kids, their high school performance, their interests, talents and personalities, we can and should be the primary source for helping our children understand their strengths and how they can best contribute to society and lead productive and fulfilling lives. The 'advice' handed out by colleges and high schools--that everyone's key to success is to pursue a four year degree at age 18--is formulaic and knee-jerk. We parents need to be more discerning and critical consumers when it comes to the matter of a college education. We need to be assertive and pro-active when it comes to our teenagers' futures. Friends, relatives, teachers, scout leaders, employers, a pastor or rabbi can all be resources in helping parents help their children make decisions about the future. And, yes, there are still plenty of good guidance counselors who can help as well. Life after high school should not be determined by what is in the best financial interest of a college or university and its employees. Life after high school should be determined by what is in the best interest of the 17 or 18 year-old who is making the transition to adulthood.

Note: Comments are screened, and in some cases edited, before posting. We reserve the right to reject anything we find objectionable.