The college application process can be
quite daunting for anyone. Younger students in particular need guidance
and support to get through the process easily and with success. Not only
are there tuition and costs to consider, but applying to colleges also
includes a great deal of anxiety for students who have their heart set
on getting into a particular college. Realize that your child is an
unique individual who may need very specific things as she applies to
her desired colleges. Here is how you can guide her through the
application process:
Step 1: Be Calm and Supportive
Decide
to help your child with the process, while being logical, grounded and
supportive. Offer assistance and advice, while guiding the process
gently. Let your child know that you respect her choices and do not
offer to do everything. You may receive many solicitations from college
consultants who will offer to help your child through the process on a
fee basis. However, this really shouldn't be necessary, unless you are
confused enough to need special advice. It is far better to save the
money for the numerous school expenditures that will occur once your
child has been accepted, enrolled and attends college.
Step 2: Establish Guidelines
Know
what your budget is. Be honest about what your family can actually
afford. Do not be embarrassed about the facts of your financial
situation. If you will need to rely on public assistance and loans, know
what those parameters are ahead of time. Find out about funding from
your local colleges, online and through counselors at high school.
Step 3: Access Free Information
There
is literally a wealth of free information available. School and college
counselors generally have a ton of information that can help to guide
you. From local to far away references and those online, individual
schools and college websites are designed to assist with every aspect of
the college application process.
Step 4: Establish Goals
Make
an outline with your child to distinguish what her goals are. It may be
the first time you're confronting life goals. Putting this information
in writing can be challenging. Having an outline will sort out how to
proceed for the college application essay requirement. Give your child
the time to adequately express herself. Encourage her to always keep
options open. Ensure that she understands if she isn't accepted, it has
little to do with her as a person.
Step 5: Help Build a Resume
Unless
she's already had a job which required a resume, many children will not
have a clue as to how to proceed. Help her design a resume that
highlights her strengths or an activity list that outlines how she's
been involved in the community. This information will be reviewed by
college entrance examiners, so it needs to be done with great care. Help
your child get letters of recommendation in order.
Step 6: Be Thorough
Ensure that you check over each document to be submitted for spelling, grammar and punctuation. Check it over for flow and content to ensure that it is logical, complete, makes sense and is compelling.