DEAR ABBY: I will be in the 11th grade in the fall. It's the year in which everyone goes insane searching for "the perfect college."
When we went to my brother's college to see him off last September, I got a good look at it and really liked it. My parents suggested I should look elsewhere, considering that I had "followed along" at every school my brother has gone to. Wherever he went, Abby, it made perfect sense that I would go there, too.
My parents think it would be wise to give him his space now. They're not barring me from applying there, but ... anyway, Abby, I'd like a second opinion. Thanks. -- WONDERING
DEAR WONDERING: Stop "wondering" and listen to your parents. They appear to be intelligent people who are sensitive to the needs of both of their children. In other words, having a college experience entirely on your own could be a growth opportunity for you, too.