Tips for the College Bound

 1) KEEP AN OPEN MIND…

about college possibilities for your son or daughter. "I've never heard of this college, so it can't be any good." Avoid being interested in only "big name" schools for your own ego. Concentrating on only "prestigious" colleges is unfair to your child who simply may not have the credentials or desire to attend.

2) COMMUNICATE

Communication throughout the process is the key to success. Listening well is essential. Hear your son or daughter out before offering your views. Let your child know where you stand on issues, especially financial concerns. 

3) BE SUPPORTIVE

Support and trust your child's choices. When decision letters are mailed, help your son or daughter to feel pleased and accomplished by praising his or her acceptances, not conveying disappointment that "the big ones" got away.

4) CELEBRATE

Take satisfaction in your son's or daughter's getting into a college where he or she is likely to do well, grow intellectually and socially, and prepare for a career.

1) GET TO KNOW YOUR TEACHERS

Junior year teachers in your core academic classes (math, science, English, history) will be writing your letters of recommendation for colleges. Do your teachers really know and understand you as a student and a contributing member of your class? What would they say?

2) MAKE THE BEST GRADES POSSIBLE

Your junior classes will be academically challenging, and most likely, these classes will reflect the last grades colleges review before making a decision about your application. If you apply through Early Action or Early Decision options, or if the university/college offers Rolling Admission, then most likely the institutions will not have the opportunity of receiving your senior grades. Junior year grades are the MOST important as every university/college will have these grades to assess your academic viability as a student on that campus. 

3) ACTIVITIES

Look at your resume – this is the story of your activities outside of the classroom. What is missing? Academic pursuits? Leadership? Passion? Grades come first, but look for ways to improve your community, follow an academic interest, or take on a leadership position.

4) TESTING

Come up with your testing plan. We strongly suggest students initially take both the SAT and ACT and find out which test renders better scores. There are also some colleges that are “test optional” whereby standardized tests are not required. This offers an excellent option to students whose GPA’s are solid, but standardized tests do not reflect their true academic abilities. “Test blind” is a term used by colleges and universities that do not look at test scores at all, even if an applicant shares their scores.

Test prep. Think about what works best for you. Learning in a classroom setting? One-on-one tutoring? Are you self-motivated enough for an online course? Maybe a combination! It is important to work test prep into your testing plan.

5) RESEARCH & VISIT THE CAMPUS

Make a list of colleges about which you want to know more. Identify “must see” colleges to plan campus visits. It is important to identify colleges that you do not like as well. This helps students better refine their initial college list.

Nothing can replace the knowledge and “feeling” a student can acquire by being physically on a college campus. 

Meet with college representatives when they visit your high school, most often in the fall. Attend a session, and ask questions, and get “on their radar.”

6) GET HELP IN YOUR PROCESS

Become familiar with the college counselors at your high school. They are responsible for sending your transcript and a letter of recommendation (along with academic letters of recommendation). Help him or her get to know you so that he or she can write a thorough letter of support on your behalf.

1) MAKE THE BEST GRADES POSSIBLE

Your classes will get harder each year – take advantage of 9th and 10th grade classes to help with your overall GPA. It is easier to maintain a high GPA than to pull it up. Start as high as you can! You want to keep as many doors open for colleges as possible. Keep in mind that it is likely that your college will accept you before seeing any senior grades!

Take challenging classes. You want to be successful so make sure you aren’t setting yourself up for failure, but colleges want to see that you are challenging yourself.

2) GET INVOLVED

Explore your interests! If you don’t have any interests, sign up for some clubs and see what you like.

If you are open to service, find a way to volunteer once a week/month and do this consistently. There are service opportunities that match every personality. If you do not want to help people directly, stock shelves at a local food pantry a few hours each month. If you play the piano, go to a retirement community and play for the residents. If you like animals, see if you can help at an animal shelter or coordinate a supply drive to benefit the shelter. Look for something that fits with your interests and personality.

3) WHEN YOU ARE ON A TRIP, VISIT AREA COLLEGES

The best way to figure out what you want, or don’t want, in a college is to visit colleges. Even if you just drive or walk around a campus, the more you see and think about what you want the easier it will be to make your college list and ultimately find your match.

Start a pro/con list. Jotting down your likes and dislikes after visiting colleges will help you narrow your list.