There are some easy steps families and students can take to make the college admissions process less stressful.
One, only discuss college one night a week with a limited window of time, say every Thursday night after dinner for a maximum of 45 minutes. As the application time nears, college talk can overwhelm the relationship.
Two, seniors should apply to at least 2 rolling admissions colleges and get them out as early as the college will accept them and the high school can send records (preferably by the end of September) Generally, a decision is made 4 to 6 weeks after applying, though some will take longer.
Three, apply to at least 2 safety schools which are also financial safety schools . These are often in-state public colleges but not necessarily. Applying to a safety school that may be unaffordable is not a good plan.
Four, request teachers and the counselor for recommendation letters in the spring of junior year. Provide brag sheets to the school counselor and teachers. The student should give teachers back the best examples of their work. It is always a stronger teacher recommendation that cites specific examples of the student’s work.
Five, students should engage in activities that feed their soul; activities that they could not imagine doing without. Students should do what they feel passionate about, not what they think colleges want to see.
Six, seniors should get to know college admissions counselors. The first readers of an application are usually the ones who visit the local high schools. The student should introduce themselves and ask questions at the end of college visits. They should send a thank you note after the meeting.
Seven, do drive-through college visits early in the college process to see the different types of colleges. Talking to students who have not visited any colleges about college options is like talking to a visually impaired person about colors.
Eight, Students should complete all their testing by the end of their junior year.
Nine, It is best to complete all essays before the beginning of the senior year, including supplemental essays. These are generally available August 1.
Ten, consider direct admissions, where students submit their application credentials and they are sent to colleges for an immediate decision. One option is Concourse/EAB’s Green Light Match, which offers services for low income and first generation students in 8 urban centers.
Another is Niche’s Direct Admissions. Niche already has a large proportion of the college going population registered. CEO Luke Skurman states that they have 50 colleges signed up and expects that number to double in the coming year.
I didn’t know whether any of the students I work with would use these services until immediately after I left a meeting with Mr. Skurman, I received a text from the parent of one of the students I am working with:
“We were browsing Niche and saw that one of the schools ‘Noel’ is interested in – Stockton University had a Direct Admission. ‘Noel’ clicked the links and is conditionally accepted pending verification of what we have in his Niche profile. Easy Peasy”
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