De-Stressing College Choices
Why getting into college causes family distress?
Coming in May, 2012: Rising Seniors! Workshop
Every student's search is different! Sponsored by MSJHS and Mission: SOS this workshop covers college apps season; making the most of summer and important insights into the process from an articulate panel of both students, administrators and parents. The emphasis in this workshop is on the student, not the college. Discussions include college visits, student choice, and fit vs. prestige as well as practical guidance regarding personal statements/essays and communicating throughout the application process. 
Coming in February 2012: “Different Pathways to Success”
College Advice Abounds, from articles to books to radio shows:
Article in New York Times on college advice (PDF)
Terrific Book on how private colleges run their admissions departments. It’s a little scary, so reader, beware: The Gatekeepers: Inside the Admissions Process of a Premier College, by Jacques Stenberg (at Amazon)
Education reporter Steinberg presents a compelling tale in this account, told from the perspective of Ralph Figueroa, an admissions officer at Wesleyan University. Expanding on a series of articles in the New York Times, Steinberg provides an insider's look at how Figueroa and the school's admissions committee factored grades, test scores, essays, extracurricular activities and race into account as they winnowed 700 students for the class of 2004 from nearly 7,000 applicants. Using real names, applications and interviews, Steinberg follows six applicants of varying backgrounds from their first encounter with Figueroa to their final acceptance or rejection.
Countdown to College is a weekly one-hour show dedicated to helping college-bound high school students and their families understand the process of getting ready for--and getting into--college. Show host Beth Pickett interviews experts on the college application process, high school coursework, summer opportunities, extracurricular activities, application essays, standardized testing, financial aid, and college options, with the occasional foray into how to maintain a healthy and positive attitude throughout what can be a very stressful process.
For more information on de-stressing college admissions:
Alice Kleeman at Menlo-Atherton High School has resources for students and parents