4 Ways to Help Your Child Get Ready for College Applications

Remember when I taught you how to ride a bike? I was there with you, cheering you on, even though you had training wheels and a helmet. You knew the plan, but you needed my support and encouragement to stick with it. Soon enough, you’ll be growing up and leaving home. And when that time comes, I want to make sure you’re prepared to face the world.

For most kids, college becomes a second home. Even if you don’t live on campus, you’ll spend more time there than at home. That’s why it’s important for us to work together to help you get ready for college applications. The dedication and determination you build during this process will set the stage for a successful future.

When you’re applying to college, it’s important for your parents to support you without doing everything for you. It’s a fine line, and if your parents become too pushy, they can actually hinder your progress instead of helping you succeed. Here are some tips to empower you and guide you towards making the best decisions for yourself.

1. Set Your Goals

When it comes to going to college, the most important thing to figure out is usually where to go. There are many things that can influence this decision, like how big the school is, where it’s located, what classes they offer, the overall atmosphere on campus, and how much it costs. At first, your child might want to keep their options open, but it’s important to make sure they’re not wasting their time. Someone with a GPA of 2.9 probably won’t be able to get into Harvard, and an athlete hoping to play Division 1 sports should probably look for schools that have strong sports programs. If you need some help figuring out which schools might be a good fit for your child, a college admissions consultant can give you personalized recommendations.

Let me share some tips with you on guiding your child through the college decision process. It’s important to give them a realistic budget, so they understand what’s feasible and what’s not. And remember, the right school doesn’t always mean a fancy one. Many prestigious institutions actually offer great financial aid if your child can get accepted. So, do some number crunching and create a handy spreadsheet to compare costs. One school may have higher tuition, but cheaper housing, for example.

Now, even if your kid has their heart set on a specific university, it’s smart to encourage a Plan B in case things don’t work out. Stay positive, but be practical. Take the time to research all the schools that fit your budget. And when you can, go for campus tours with your child. Pay attention to the college culture beyond flashy amenities and famous professors. Your child needs a supportive and conducive environment that helps them focus on their education.

2. Be their Guide to Smart Study Habits

Getting into a good college requires a high-grade point average. To achieve this, I need to develop healthy study habits. Creating a study area with no distractions is a good start. Instead of cramming at the last minute, I should try techniques that help me remember and retain information.

There are different types of learners. Some people learn better visually, while others learn better through hearing. Some people are more alert in the morning, while others are more active at night. I should try different study methods to find the most effective one for me. And no matter how I like to study, getting enough sleep will help me do my best academically.

Even though standardized tests like the SAT and ACT are becoming optional, they still offer a powerful way for you to show off your strengths. To do better on these tests, you can use online resources like practice tests and tutorials. Getting a high score would not only boost your college application, but it would also prepare you for the challenge of college classes.

3. Make the Most of Your Extracurriculars

While good grades and test scores are important, it’s crucial to balance them with extracurricular activities. Colleges are interested in seeing a genuine passion, not just a long list of activities that you’re only slightly interested in. However, activities like internships or community service can give your application a significant boost.

When it comes to getting involved in activities outside of class, colleges pay attention to how deeply and for how long your child commits themselves. If your kid joins every club available during senior year, experienced admissions officers won’t be fooled. Whether it’s music, sports, or community service, students who show leadership and dedication really stand out.

When asked about their extracurricular activities in an interview, your child shouldn’t try to make their achievements sound bigger than they are. Instead, they should talk about how their hobby or sport has positively impacted their personal growth. Admissions officers want to see that applicants were genuinely involved in their extracurricular activities, not just checking items off a list.

4. Be a Stable Presence in Others’ Lives

The process of getting into school can seem pretty scary, and there will be moments when you and your kid will feel down. As a mom or dad, it’s important to boost their spirits and keep reminding them how much you love and support them, no matter what. Let them know that their worth as a person isn’t based on whether they get into a fancy college or get a big sports scholarship.

On a related note, help them prepare for the possibility of being rejected or put on a waiting list. A rejection doesn’t have to be the end of the road. It can just be a little detour on the path to their ultimate goal.

I want to talk to you about something really important. You know, sometimes parents have this idea that their kids should live out their own unfulfilled dreams. But here’s the thing: it’s actually really crucial to remember what’s best for your child.

It’s so important to stay connected with your child and really pay attention to how they’re feeling. And if you start to notice that all the talk about college is taking a toll on their mental health, it might be time to take a break from it for a while. Remember, their well-being comes first.

Now, here’s another thing to keep in mind: just because a college is prestigious or happens to be your own alma mater, doesn’t mean it’s automatically the best choice for your child. It’s really important to make sure that the college environment is healthy and one where they can really thrive.

Getting Ready for the Big Change

Moving from high school to college can be a big change for everyone involved, especially if your child goes far away. These might be the last few years that you have the chance to be close, so let’s make the most of them. Spend quality time together as a family and create amazing memories. You will miss them when they leave, so make sure you have no regrets.

Getting your child ready for college admissions is a lot like teaching them how to ride a bike. You teach them what to do and even though both of you might feel nervous, you eventually have to let go. Before you know it, your child will be on their way to a bright future in college and beyond.