Our family is in the midst of preparing our 17 year old teen for the college application process.  This year, like last, we are faced with the recommended class schedule from the school counselor for her Senior year. And as with last year, we are feeling boxed in.

In our community as in many affluent communities, kids get pressured from all sides to amp up the competitive race towards college. That pressure likely comes mostly from the parents and then leaks into our schools and through our high school counselors.