How do you avoid competition among other parents when going through the admissions process?

Avoid talking to other parents who are going through the admissions process at the same time you are because you’ll hear things that will freak you out.  Half the time, what they say will be wrong.  They may repeat gossip they’ve heard or share information about school reputations, which are often years out of date.  If you have a few good friends who are going through this, talk with them, but keep the conversation to a minimum as it tends to stress parents out.  Your child may pick up on the fact that you’re nervous about the process and that could make them nervous as well.