Deans Can't Stand 'Helicopter Parents,' but They Hover, Too, When Their Kids Apply

By ELIZABETH F. FARRELL

Admissions deans are often called upon to be the voices of reason in the college-application process. These elder statesmen and women offer calm reassurances and dispense sage advice to thousands of fretful parents and students. They can handle almost any question or predicament — until their own children apply to college.

James S. Miller, dean of admission at Brown University, had worked in the field for more than two decades before his daughter began filling out college applications two years ago. Then everything changed.