Merrimack Parents Blog

Having two graduation ceremonies a few weeks apart has me feeling like I am in a whirlwind.  Marc is on his way home and Anthony is getting ready to leave.

The latest to-do/decision for Anthony is to rank his preference of residence halls at Merrimack. Our only suggestion was to try to get a few different opinions from current students. The Resident Assistants (R.A.’s) are great and are available to help.  If you have any questions regarding dorm information, check the Merrimack website or call Residence Life (978-837-5507) for assistance. Another factor in the housing experience is living with a roommate.  That is a personal choice.  Some students prefer to live with someone they know while others are…

The Accepted Student Reception at Merrimack was both informative and enjoyable.  Although it was easier to travel around the campus because we were familiar with our surroundings, I still found myself fixated on Anthony’s reaction throughout the day- the same way I fixated four years ago when we attended the reception with Marc.   What I noticed both times was a sense of calm and comfort which made me happy because although I loved many qualities of Merrimack I hoped they would notice those same qualities without me mentioning them first.

When we sat in the Rogers Center listening to the speakers – Anthony was attentive and when I suggested we sit in on one of the academic sampler classes I…

Whether it is big or small, not a day goes by that we are not faced with making a decision or two.  Now that the majority of seniors have some idea of the post-graduate plans, it is important to start the planning process. Assuming that appropriate research has been done, maybe you’ve taken a tour, shadowed a class or even had the opportunity to enjoy an overnight stay; all this information should be helpful in deciding your future plans.

As I have mentioned previously, it is okay to get a second opinion, collaborate, have fun in the decision making process. This should be an exciting time for you and your child.  I am not saying that it will be stress…

Over the Thanksgiving holiday when we were all together as a family I made a comment to my two seniors - “OMG (I teach fifth grade – they love when I speak in code) I just told my class the other day that I can’t believe that December is fast approaching and we are almost half way through the school year – while  you will be on your way to middle school my two sons who are both seniors will be graduating!”  All of a sudden, they stopped what they were doing, looked at each other and made one of those fake gulping faces – ugh!

I am not sure if it was the OMG or the fact that reality…

It is already November and everything appears to be moving along:

• Common Application – checked (and rechecked)
• one more guidance appointment – check
• teacher recommendation – check (phew!)

We are now ready to hit the “submit” button!

We have decided to apply early action.  Anthony is very confident about the schools he wants to apply to and the luxury of knowing of the acceptances by December is a plus.  Applying early action gives you the advantage of weighing your acceptances and the financial packages that the schools have to offer.  It makes the rest of senior year a little less stressful when you know what school you will be attending.  It gives you that extra time to plan.…