So You’re Applying For College…

 

Before I stopped working and became a Stay at Home Mother I worked at a private college straight out of college.  I wanted to share some tips for parents with children who are getting ready for college next year.  I hope that you find something helpful and remember to share with other parents and I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section.  So you’re applying for college, here are some great tips for you.

• Make a list of your top schools – College is not cheap at all, even state colleges are constantly increasing in cost, so now that you know you are planning on attending college make a list of your top schools.  Visit the websites research all the information you need.  Do they offer your first major of choice, what’s the cost of tuition, books and fees, and room and board if you are planning to stay on campus.  When you are done compare schools and pick the ones you know you are going to apply to for sure.

• Ask for Application Fee Waivers – Application fees are not cheap and when you are applying for a number of schools it can become very costly over time.  Don’t be afraid to call the school’s admissions office and ask if they offer fee waivers.  Also visit your high school’s counselors office and inquire there as well.  There are also tons of college preparedness programs like College Bound that can also help you find fee waivers.  If at all possible attend open houses and college fairs.  Lots of college offer fee waivers to students applying when they attend an open house or college fair.

• SAT/ACT – Do you research and find out which test you plan the take.  The earlier the better, this way if you don’t get a score you like you can take the test again.  Also inquire about SAT fee waivers and also practice testing as well.  The college I worked for would use your best scores and combine them.  So if you math was low the first time but night the second time they took the higher from the first test and the higher score from the second test for your best combined score.

• Writing your essay – answering your essay question on your application make sure that you give is lots of thought and consideration.  I know you think that you think it doesn’t get considered but you never know if that is what helps the admission counselor say I want to give this student a chance.  Be original and genuine as possible.

• Visit Schools -If at all possible be sure to visit the schools you plan to apply.  Its a great way to get a feel of the campus and how things look and feel.  At the school I worked for high school seniors could attend classes as guest to give the a feel of college life.  The housing department even had chances for students to visit over night and be hosted by one of the student ambassadors.  Just call the admissions department to find out about opportunities to visit campus.

• APPLY NOW -Its never to early to apply for college.  Some seniors even start in the spring semester of their senior year.  The earlier you apply the fast you know about you acceptance and then you can move on to the next step of paying for college.  Since schools want you to have your Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) in by February 1st for priority scholarships the earlier you apply to college and get admitted the faster you can start working on the next step of know where you can afford to attend.

I hope these few steps help you with your college application process and be sure to follow my blog because next I will discuss paying for college.  Good Luck and I hope you get into your first choice of schools.  Be sure to share this information with a friend.