| Applying to college and college admissions just isn’t | | | | the college application process. |
| like it used to be. In fact, there isn’t much | | | | 4. Applications. Proofread all applications and essays |
| resemblance. Students used to receive an application | | | | to make sure they are free of spelling and grammar |
| from a school and completed the required | | | | mistakes. Sloppy applications and essays can land |
| information. Although it took a lot of writing, it was a | | | | students in the reject pile. |
| pretty simple process. Essays were written or typed | | | | 5. Financial aid and Scholarships. Advise students on |
| on the application and everything was turned into the | | | | financial aid and applying for scholarships and help |
| school counseling office. There, teacher | | | | them to find ways to cut college costs. Suggest |
| recommendations were added, along with an official | | | | schools to add to their college list that are known be |
| transcript and test scores, all to be sent off to each | | | | more generous in their financial aid. |
| college. SAT and ACT scores were included on the | | | | 6. Test Preparation. Discuss the SAT and ACT, |
| transcript. | | | | subject tests and test prep, and which dates are best |
| Today, applying to college is quite different with almost | | | | to take these tests. Talk about the differences in the |
| everything being done online. While technology has | | | | tests and what colleges require. Some educational |
| improved some things, sending your application off into | | | | consultants offer test prep or you can suggest other |
| cyberspace leaves many students wondering what | | | | qualified individuals. |
| really happens to it and how do all of the pieces come | | | | 7. Stress and Anxiety. Help relieve the anxiety that is |
| together at their destination: the colleges. Essays are | | | | a natural part of the college admission process. It is |
| uploaded onto the online application, recommendations | | | | often a very stressful experience for students. By |
| are frequently sent by Naviance, and SAT and ACT | | | | feeling that they have things under control, most |
| test scores are sent directly from the College Board | | | | students find the college admissions process an |
| or ACT. The only part that many high schools are still | | | | interesting experience. This gives them a sense of |
| responsible for is mailing the official high school | | | | confidence and allows them to put forth their best |
| transcript and a profile of the school. | | | | effort. |
| Most students need help with their college search and | | | | It is unrealistic to expect high school students to |
| applying to college. They often feel overwhelmed | | | | navigate the college search, application and |
| and do not know where to turn. They can benefit | | | | admissions process on their own. Some parents feel |
| from a knowledgeable parent, high school counselor or | | | | they can work objectively and effectively with their |
| educational consultant who has the expertise and time | | | | own children and that they have the knowledge to do |
| to answer their questions and simplify the college | | | | so. Some high school counselors are able to provide |
| application and college admissions process. Here are | | | | the individual attention and time, but most simply have |
| seven areas where college-bound students need | | | | too many students to advise and have limited time for |
| assistance: | | | | college counseling. Some families turn to educational |
| 1. College Search. Make sure students do a thorough | | | | consultants who specialize in helping students with the |
| college search and advise them on whether to apply | | | | college search and application process. Their services |
| early decision, early action, or regular decision. Share | | | | are affordable and can be a wise investment for |
| your knowledge of schools which you think might be a | | | | parents. |
| good fit and with which students may not be familiar. | | | | Students need someone to answer their questions |
| Students should keep an open mind during the college | | | | and keep the process moving. They need support |
| search and not limit their choices. | | | | and encouragement to discover what they want in a |
| 2. Essays. Brainstorm good essay topics that help | | | | college experience. This will help them become |
| students show a side of themselves that has not | | | | stronger college applicants and enable them to make |
| come through on another part of the application. | | | | informed college decisions. As a family, you need to |
| Everyone has a story to tell and this is what colleges | | | | decide what works best for you and your |
| want to hear from them. | | | | college-bound student. Whoever you choose, the |
| 3. Organization. Help students keep track of all | | | | goal should be to make applying to college and college |
| deadlines for college applications, supplements, and | | | | admissions a little less stressful and no more |
| scholarships and provide a timeline to get each of | | | | complicated than it already is. |
| these done. Provide the organization that is essential to | | | | |