About This Lesson
Students have started the rigorous and exhausting process of college applications. With deadlines fast approaching, and early admission letters already starting to go out, take the time to sit down and help your student get ahead of the game. If you haven’t already, look over their current academic status, review their options, and help them through making this life-changing decision.
Before Applying
Once your child is ready to start considering colleges, go over their current and past course load, grades, and extracurricular. Colleges want to see more than just grades; they are looking to see whether the student is challenging themselves and can contribute to their community once accepted. Once you have an idea of what their application package looks like, you can more easily guide them through the rest of this process.
Getting Started
As you are helping them identify where to apply, make sure to see whether it will be a good fit. Discuss their goals, then help find out if they are looking at places that will support them in achieving those objectives. Look at what majors are offered, what resources are available to students once accepted, and how will they help them once they graduate. These questions will help your students as they make this difficult decision.
Major Choices
Picking a major is something your student will need to choose by the end of their first or second year of college. Even though they may not know exactly what they want to study, they should have a general idea. You can help them with their college choice by talking with them about what to look for in a school. For example, does the school offer enough courses in their field of interest or what facilities are on-site to help your student succeed? This will help them weed through the schools to pick the right one for them.
Manage Expectations
Now that you have a better idea of where your student wants to go, take time to see if they are on the right track for their school of choice. After you have gone over with your student what their application package will entail, help them to identify what are reach, match, and safety schools. They then can use this knowledge to help figure out how they want to tailor their application for each school.
Upgrading Campuses
Computers are no longer only part of the future; they are the present. Universities need to have up-to-date ed tech, or your student will already be starting from behind. Schools that utilize smart technology provide a wider range of courses, as well as a new network of people that can work with your student. Finally, with smarter technology, textbooks are going electronic, both lowering costs and ease of use.
On-Site Care
Before sending your student off to college, check what resources are provided on campus. From dorms and dining plans to libraries and study rooms, make sure that the school is setting your student up for success. Help your student come up with a list of benefits they need, including both to study and a social life. Also, check how the advisor system works and whether the student will be getting the support they need.
After Graduating
Alumnae services are how many universities set themselves apart. When looking at these services, check to see if there is a support network among alumnae. A quick social media search, such as Facebook, LinkedIn, etc., will help you see if there are any socializing among former students. Most colleges also have an alumnae section featured on their homepage. This provides a glance at how the college will support your child after graduation.
Until your student receives their acceptance notification, students will be under a lot of stress. Provide them the help they need in this process. Additionally, make sure that they don’t overwork themselves as they prepare, submit, and wait on their applications.
