It happens right around the time you hear those voices telling you to fill out the FAFSA.Have you noticed everything unpleasant is linked to an acronym? Sure, the family’s left SATs behind, but the winter’s long and dreary. SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) doesn’t help, although you can buy a light for that. January and February are difficult months for parents of smug college-bound kids because that’s when EDA surfaces.
Early Decision Attitude occurs after the month-long euphoria of getting into the college of choice. It is characterized by a change in sleep and study habits (A LOT LESS!) and accompanied by the familiar phrase “RELAX, I’m already in college”. The symptoms of EDA are often exacerbated when the student sports university logo apparel. While EDA is usually normal, parents who let down their guard can be as surprised as their early decision students (Yes, acceptance letters are based on continued outstanding performance.). So, keep an eye open and the light on your senior. Better safe than sorry and sad.
© 2011 Dr Nancy Berk, excerpted from the book College College Bound and Gagged: How To Help Your Kid Get Into A Great College Without Losing Your Savings, Your Relationship, or Your Mind
My daughter developed EDA;unfortunately, she forgot to get into college first. I am glad those days are behind me. Just the initials FAFSA send me into a dizzy spell. I love these excerpts and your book!!
Oh Kathy! You’re on the other end of the anxiety. It is a rough time for all, but by May everyone should have calmed down. Thanks for your comment! ~n
Oh yes, I am on the other end of the yearly madness. And I am only the receptionist. The admissions officers are probably developing ulcers and PTSD about now. And I work for a graduate school. Our students are older and it should be easier to deal with all their problems, right? Don’t believe it!
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This struck a chord with me, because I work at a graduate school of one of the large universities. Our department doesn’t give early decisions, though, which means I end up fielding a lot of calls from anxious applicants, wondering when they will get their decisions. Of course, if we DID give out early decisions I would have to field calls from applicants who haven’t heard anything yet, wondering why their friend So-And-So already got an acceptance and if that means they’ve been rejected. You can’t win in these situations. 😉