Having a child apply to college is both fun and stressful. For certain, it is a much more complex process than it was 40 years ago when I applied to college. At the same time, it’s a learning opportunity if one approaches it as a research project. It reveals so much about: family dynamics (can you get through the process in one happy and healthy piece?); attitudes toward education and learning in our culture (there’s a difference); and social equality (or lack of) in the wider culture and the college culture one is considering. Recently, Natalie overheard a high school senior tell a junior, “My advice is to visit…