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