Helicopter Parents

We asked colleges around the country the following question:
Is it right to call the parents of high school students helicopter parents given today's complex world?

Normally, we would have a response from our college dean blogger on this issue, but unfortunately she is on vacation. Fortunately, many of the other college representatives from around the country, and others involved with college admission, were available and willing to voice their opinions.

OaktonCollege: more fairly, "helicopter parents" refers to those who intervene on grades, teaching styles, other in-class issues - not application process

apetersen: The college admission process is not the only reason they're called helicopter parents. Though I do see your point.

csuf: Helicopter parents are constantly "hovering," which is different than being helpful when they are needed. Thanks for writing.

GingerCM: Parents can helicopter all they want through the admissions process. It's a problem when they're still hovering through junior year.

JimSix: I think helicopter is used to express the psych. of the parents (customer), not deride or criticize them. Their involvement is a good thing.

ajupresident: Yes, I'm with you on that term...Helicopter Parent...as a parent I want the best for my children so why wouldn't I help in anyway I could?

DruryUniversity: Helicopter parents do more than help students apply. It's those who are involved in the student's life to an unhealthy degree.

YorkGradStudies: These kids become dependent on others & can't make decisions as adults. They need to be empowered on how to think for themselves.

CollegeBoundNet: I don't think the admissions process is that complicated at all. And parents that are too into it are indeed hovering.

MidwayCollege: Whatever sort of parent we get, overbearing or not, they are within their rights to pursue their children's admission in any fashion :)

collegeadvice: The answer is both yes and no. Parents can help, but they should try to put the student first--and not try to live vicariously

What do you think?