Once again, it is time for what can seem as the most stressful time of year for high school students. November 1st is traditionally the first of many deadlines for college applications. But with the increase in college applications at some large institutions, some have quietly made October 1st or 15th their priority date. So it is best to start now with making sure what is best for you and your student.
As you’re both counting down the days to May or June graduation, it is very important to note the necessary steps to get through the college application process. I know at times, as a parent it can seem easier to do things yourself so there aren’t any hiccups with the application process. But if it’s one thing I cannot stress enough, is that your student MUST be involved in the process. What will they learn if you continue to do everything for them? So may I suggest sitting down together to discuss the college planning process. Here is an updated suggested list on how to navigate this time of year.
- MAKE A LIST
The college process starts with deciding where you want to attend. Do you want to stay closer to home or journey to a state 1000 miles away? Do you want to be in warmer weather or is the climate not really have a determining factor? Do you want to attend a college/university that has 10,000 + students or are you comfortable with a small and intimate setting? These are the questions you need to start with. Picking a school just because they sent you a mailer or you checked a box at a college fair is not the only reason to apply. The above questions are just the start. In addition the desired location, you must also consider your student’s cumulative GPA.
Every school calculates cumulative GPA their own way. Some are on a 4.00 grading scale while others are on a 5.00 grading scale. Most offer honors or Advanced Placement (AP) classes but there are those schools that offer IB Programming and Dual Enrollment that may be viewed as helpful when competing with other applicants to high academic institutions. It is important to have an unofficial copy of your student’s transcript to make sure all classes and grades are accurate before they are sent out by the school.
High schools these days are understaffed in the college counselor department. So imagine 1-2 counselors completing recommendations and sending transcripts for 500+ students during the fall semester. That is a lot to manage on top of daily tasks that all college counselors provide (ie. set up college visits, search for scholarship options, meet with admissions representatives, etc). At least if your son or daughter is doing their part, there will not be any hiccups after an application has been submitted. Because they are aware of what is being sent. - MEET WITH YOUR COLLEGE COUNSELOR
As mentioned above, your student’s college counselor is going to be the key person in this journey. Your child’s school may use a specific platform to help with the college search. These platforms help narrow down thousands of institutions to a manageable number. There also some online platforms that students can use in this search. Meeting with the college counselor helps tremendously as this is the person that will be completing the student report and writing the counselor recommendation letter. Some schools have questionnaires seniors must complete to help counselors get to know them better. But nothing is better than having a meeting and doing a face to face (masks included) session. Especially this year. Counselor recommendation letters are going to be very important in for admission representatives. The counselor recommendation letter can describe a student’s academics, activities, and personal qualities that a transcript cannot. If you and your child have not yet met with your school’s college counselor, you should do so as soon as you can.
- DECIDE TO SEND TEST SCORES OR NOT
Once the pandemic hit, many colleges/universities decided to exempt test scores from the application process. Mainly because testing centers were not available to students and their was not an online option for the SAT/ACT tests. Data has been reviewed and many schools are remaining test optional. But not all. When making the list in step 1, be sure to note if a school is requiring test scores for admissions requirements. If so, they must be submitted (and usually from the testing center; ie. College Board or ACT.org). The student’s application will not be considered complete if scores do not arrive by specific deadlines.
There are a few options for test prep. Of course you can find a tutor to meet one on one, or virtually. But an option families are not familiar with are the free online test prep options offered by College Board and the ACT. Yes I said FREE! Taking advantage of what the actual companies offer is the best way to review the material.
They’re going to try to sell you the books before you get to the actual part of the website. Having a hard copy is also a useful tool for some students. Remember to play upon your strengths and use the method that will help you best. The books usually cost between $20-$30. As always, AMAZON may have it cheaper. The online options are another way for students to study. ACT has ACT Academy which is personalized practice for the ACT. It is a free online learning tool and test practice program designed to help students get the best score possible on the ACT test.
College Board integrates with Khan Academy. Students can take up to eight full-length test for free. Students answers will automatically be scored at the end of the test and there is a timer to keep track with section time limits. Perks of using College Board and Khan Academy are 1) after taking the practice test, students will get personalize practice recommendations so they can focus on what was missed and 2) taking the practice test is a checkpoint for the College Board Opportunity Scholarship. To start online SAT Practice Test or get more information on the integration with Khan Academy, click here.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE SAT & ACT? WHICH SHOULD MY STUDENT TAKE?
That is a decision that should be made by you. In the past, some schools only would take the SAT or ACT. But that isn’t the case now. College/Universities will accept either and some may even superscore, giving your son or daughter the best option when considering test scores. The SAT has two sections: Evidence-based Reading and Writing and Math. The ACT has four sections: English, Reading, Math, and Science. Both have an optional Writing Test which is required by some colleges/universities. In order to find which test works best for your son and/or daughter they may need to take one of each. This is a great option for underclassmen as they prepare for what will ultimately come the following year. If limited for time, discuss if Science is a positive or negative factor. The ACT has a science section that the SAT does not. That could be your determining factor. - SIGN UP FOR THE SAT/ACT
As a graduating senior applying to college, taking the SAT/ACT early in the fall is recommended. November and December deadlines mean everything must be included to be considered complete. This fall there are more test dates for both SAT and ACT. Please see the links below for those dates and note some have passed already. But there are still tests in October, November, and December for both SAT and ACT.
https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register/dates-deadlines
https://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/pdfs/Test-Date-Schedule-National-2020-2021.pdf
It is also good to note if you have a student-athlete, the NCAA Eligibility Center is not requiring them at all for certification (remember I have a background in athletics). In January 2023, NCAA Divisions I and II adopted legislation to remove standardized test scores from initial-eligibility requirements for all student-athletes who initially enroll full time on or after August 1, 2023. Students should check with the NCAA school planning to attend regarding whether standardized test scores are necessary for admission or scholarship requirements. Just because a student is recruited by athletics, does not exempt the requirments for admission dictated by the college/university.
- REVIEW THE COMMON APPLICATION AND/OR COALITION FOR COLLEGE ESSAY PROMPTS
The college essay is a very important part of the application process. In addition to grades, test scores, and the strength of your senior schedule, the college essay is an opportunity for students to reveal something special about themselves. Students are able to tell their own story to admissions representatives. There are essay prompts to assist with this task so don’t worry about how to get started. Essays are usually 650 words and explore topics of character, achievements, ethical dilemmas, and personal growth. The links below will direct you to common essay prompts.
https://www.commonapp.org/apply/essay-prompts - DECIDE ON EARLY DECISION, EARLY ACTION, OR REGULAR DECISION
Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA) plans can be beneficial to students. The student that has thought through their college options carefully and have a clear preference for one institution, is more likely to chose Early Decision or Early Action.
Early Decision plans are binding, meaning a student who is accepted as an ED applicant MUST attend the college.
Early Action plans are nonbinding. Students will receive an early response but do not have to commit to the college until the normal reply date which is May 1st.
College Boards shares information in the table below to help determine which is the best choice if trying to decide between early decision and early action.
| ED Applicants | EA Applicants |
| * Apply early (usually in November) to first-choice college. | * Apply early. |
| * Receive an admission decision from the college well in advance of the usual notification date (usually by December). | * Receive an admission decision early in the admission cycle (usually in January or February). |
| * Agree to attend the college if accepted and offered a financial aid package that is considered adequate by the family. | * Consider acceptance offer; do not have to commit upon receipt. |
| * Apply to only one college early decision. | * Apply to other colleges under regular admission plans. |
| * Apply to other colleges under regular admission plans. | * Give the college a decision no later than the May 1 national response date. |
| * Withdraw all other applications if accepted by ED. | |
| * Send a nonrefundable deposit well in advance of May 1. |
There is nothing wrong with waiting for Regular Decision Deadlines either. There may be more students in this pool applying and there may be a longer time to receive a decision. But remember, you want your student to provide the best application displaying their best to admissions representatives.
- ASK A TEACHER FOR A RECOMMENDATION LETTER
A number of admissions offices will require a letter of recommendation from a teacher.
ALWAYS ASK FIRST. Remember teachers are busy and you want to make sure you have a letter of substance submitted on your child’s behalf. Teacher recommendation letters can share insight on your child’s progress in a school year as well as describe any personal characteristics that can provide a glimpse into a typical school day of your child. Again, ALWAYS ASK FIRST, ask early, and be prepared to ask more than one teacher. Some colleges/universities may require two for the application process.
- APPLY
There are multiple ways to apply to college/university. Options are:
* The Common Application
* Coalition for College
* Directly to the Institution
The Common Application and Coalition for College both allow STUDENTS (remember mom, they should be doing this) to enter their information once and have it sent to multiple schools. Applying to college can be a tedious task with entering in demographic information, 9th -12th grade classes and grades received, college essays, supplemental questions, etc. etc. etc. Imagine doing this multiple times if your student is to apply directly to an institution. That is a PRO tip of using the Common Application or Coalition for College. It also allows your child’s college counselor one location to upload transcripts and letter of recommendation.
Not all schools use Common App or Coalition. At times an application will need to be sent via the college/university’s website.
Also be mindful of the application fee. They can get pricey! But many admissions representatives will offer fee waivers in exchange for setting a meeting with them or attending an informational session on campus (now virtual campus tours). Very important to note, just because you are using the Common App or Coalition for College, you must still pay for each school you are applying to if there is an application fee.
Also be sure to discuss financials. This is not the time to be secretive with your child about money. College tuition continues to increase. Many students have so much joy upon receiving an acceptance letter only to realize a few weeks later they are not able to attend because of cost. Below are some websites or topics to Google to help navigate these topics. Also do not hesitate to ask questions of the financial aid department at the schools your son and/or daughter are interested in. Many schools now offer a chat feature for quick questions and email is also available.
- APPLY FOR FAFSA
- SEARCH FOR OUTSIDE SCHOLARSHIPS
- SCHOLARSHIPS PER INSTITUTION
- KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GRANT AND A LOAN
Having a motivated daughter who wanted to graduate high school in three years pushed me personally into this space. Yes I do this as a career, but now I understand better the stress levels families put on themselves. It is okay to not be accepted into the school that is only known in the movies, or the school that your great-grandparent attended. STUDENTS must find the best fit for them. Yes MOM, you want the best for your child. That’s a part of the plan, but they also have to see themselves at that school. The next four years belongs to them, not us.
If you need additional help, I created a digital planner with College Counseling tips for students interested in early application dates. If interested, click here.
Good luck on this journey.
Mommy Daughter Adventures 