Many kids are in the final stages of applying to college. If your child is one of them, here are some essential tips to get through the last-minute stress of the college admission process.
• Don’t Panic – Your child will get into college. And for most of them, it will be a top choice – if you’ve done your college research diligently, set your sights realistically, and don’t make stupid mistakes on the application.
• Choose Schools Smartly – Make sure you child applies to a couple “safety” schools; places your child would be truly happy attending. Don’t confuse rankings with the right fit.
• Don’t Apply To Too Many Colleges – Seven to nine schools are about the right number. Two or three safeties; two or three “possibles;” and two or three “reaches.” Applying to more schools doesn’t increase your odds of getting in.
• Know the Financial Aid Policy – Schools that are “need-blind” make admission decisions completely independently of the need for financial aid. “Need-aware” schools factor in asking for money. Schools tell you their policy on their website.
• Don’t Make Stupid Mistakes – No typos, no grammatical errors, and no misspellings. Answer all the questions. And if your child is adapting essays for multiple schools, be sure to customize the essay for each particular college. There is nothing worse than telling a college with strict distribution requirements how much you value their flexibility.
• Don’t Waste the Essay – This is the opportunity to give a college a reason to admit your child. It is the place to make his “hook” clear. Remember, schools are looking for the well-rounded class; not the well-rounded kid. Give the college a reason to want your child, and an easy way to understand and remember their hook.
• Don’t “Tweak” Your Kid’s Essay – Mom or dad can proof the essay, even comment on it. But admission officers know in a heartbeat when an adult has had too much input.
• Scrub the Facebook Page – Yes, colleges do look at a kid’s Facebook page; particularly when a student is on the admission bubble. Schools want nice kids. Tell your child: if there is something on your Facebook page that might embarrass Grandma, get it off.
This article originally appeared on Forbes.
Image courtesy: nongpimmy / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
