The college application process can feel like a whirlwind for high school students. There are many things to consider, including what colleges to apply to and what backup options to consider. And, of course, there’s the matter of figuring out how to find funds for college if you can’t full-ride.
Fortunately, parents can help ease the stress of applying to college in many ways. After all, you’ve done this before, so your input is invaluable. Even though the process has probably changed a bit since your college days, your experience is still helpful. You can provide four resources for your child during the college application process.
1. College Admissions Consultants
A college admissions consultant is an important resource for high school students. Finding a good one can mean the difference between an acceptance or rejection letter. College admissions consultants are trained to help students increase their chances of acceptance. They know what colleges are looking for and how to avoid common application mistakes.
Some high school students underestimate how tricky it can be to prep for college. They might think they can do it all independently, even without experience. But without proper guidance, they may fail to get accepted to the college of their dreams. After all, the acceptance rates at some universities can be as low as 3%.
As a parent, you can help your student get their head out of the clouds and firmly back in reality. Explain that even with exceptional grades, they aren’t guaranteed a free ride to college. That’s why they need to meet with a skilled college admissions consultant. If possible, look for a consultant who has worked in a college admissions office in the past. That way, you can rest assured that they know firsthand what colleges want from prospective students.
2. Essay Writing Resources
Writing a stellar college essay is a notable part of the admissions process. Though not all colleges require this written portion, some of the top learning institutions in the world do. If your child isn’t, they may save this piece of the application for the last second. The result will likely be a sloppy, rushed essay that won’t won’tthem stand out from the masses.
Encourage your aspiring college grad to prepare to write an exceptional essay by taking advantage of free online resources. Writing workshops hosted by organizations like Khan Academy or Coursera can equip your students with some of the basics of storytelling. Online communities where students can receive feedback on their drafts, such as College Confidential or RedditReddit’s slyingToCollegee thread, can offer a fresh perspective.
Finding a resource that clicks with your student could take some time. So, be patient as you navigate and sample various websites and tools. Once your child learns how to create a solid essay, consider running the finished piece by their college admissions consultant. They can provide valuable feedback that may improve students’ chances.
3. List of Common College Interview Questions
Many high school students underestimate the importance of preparing for a college interview. Most institutions of higher learning do not require interviews, but a select few do. Most of the Ivy Leagues use evaluative interviews to help them weed out applicants. Preparation is key to making a good impression if your child has their sight set on such a school.
Help your child prepare by compiling a list of the most common college interview questions. In this case, the internet is your best resource. Many sites aim to help students anticipate common and unusual college interview questions. Some even go a step further by offering sample answers and interview tips.
Practice these questions with your child. Ensure your child knows they should only use the sample answers for inspiration and never quote them verbatim. The interviewees won’t be pressed if they suspect your child is giving them copy-and-paste answers. Each answer should be carefully thought out and delivered sincerely and honestly.
4. College Acceptance CalculatoIt’stnIt’siseise to put all your eggs in one basket when applying for college. Unfortunately, many students hang all their hopes and dreams on just one or two institutions. However, the situation could end up causing disappointment if they make their first, second, or even third choice.
If your high school student has unrealistic expectations about getting into a prestigious university, be supportive but realistic. A college acceptance calculator can help your child see how likely they will be accepted to a certain institution. Then, they can set reasonable expectations and create one or more backup plans as needed.
Some colleges have acceptance calculators on their websites where students can input their current SAT/ACT scores and GPA. Keep in mind that college acceptance calculators are not 100% accurate. However, they can often give students the motivation they need to improve their applications or strengthen their essays. Some students even retake their SAT to aim for a higher score after using a college acceptance calculator.
The college application process is a huge step toward a bright future. Use the resources above to guide your child through it and increase their likelihood of success.