As a mom of three, I’ve navigated the college application process multiple times, and I’ve gathered a wealth of tips and tricks that can help you and your high school senior succeed. In this blog post, I’m excited to share insights from our latest episode of ‘I Wonder,’ where we dive deep into preparing for senior year and the college application journey.

Key Preparations for Senior Year

Senior year is a crucial time for college-bound students. Here are some key preparations to help your student stay on track:

  1. Organize Important Dates: Keep a calendar of all application and scholarship deadlines. Missing a deadline can mean missing out on opportunities.
  2. Develop a Strong Resume: Encourage your student to highlight their achievements, extracurricular activities, and any volunteer work. A well-rounded resume can make a big difference in applications.
  3. Build a College List: Research and create a list of potential colleges. Consider factors like location, size, programs offered, and campus culture.

Managing Essay Deadlines and Applications

Writing essays and managing multiple applications can be overwhelming. Here’s how to make it more manageable:

  1. Start Early: Begin working on essays over the summer before senior year. This gives ample time for revisions and reduces stress during the school year.
  2. Seek Feedback: Have teachers, counselors, or trusted adults review the essays. Constructive feedback can improve the quality of the essays.
  3. Stay Organized: Use a spreadsheet or app to track the status of each application, including deadlines, required documents, and essay topics.

Understanding Financial Commitments and Finding Fee Waivers

College can be expensive, but there are ways to manage the financial burden:

  1. Understand Costs: Research the total cost of attendance for each college, including tuition, room and board, books, and personal expenses.
  2. Apply for Financial Aid: Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) early to determine eligibility for financial aid.
  3. Seek Fee Waivers: Many colleges offer application fee waivers for students with financial need. Check each college’s website for details.

Navigating Acronyms and Terms in the College Admissions World

The world of college admissions is full of acronyms and jargon. Here are a few common terms:

  1. FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Essential for applying for federal and state financial aid.
  2. CSS Profile: A financial aid application used by some colleges to determine eligibility for non-federal aid.
  3. ED/EA/RD: Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision. Different application timelines with their own pros and cons.

Pro Tip from the Episode

“Have your kid talk to their college counselor at school about where to send their SAT scores. Sometimes, if you are way below or way above the average, it might not be beneficial to send them. For some schools, you might want to send them for scholarship opportunities even if you don’t need them to get in.”

Conclusion

Navigating the college application process can be daunting, but with careful planning and the right resources, you and your senior can tackle it successfully. Whether you’re just starting or deep into the process, these tips will help you stay organized and confident.

For more detailed advice, be sure to watch our latest episode on ‘I Wonder.’ Don’t forget to check out our previous episodes on junior year prep and maintaining strong family relationships during this crucial time.

Let’s start the conversation! Comment your thoughts below and share your own tips and experiences.