Ways to Support Your Student

Learn About Applying to College

  • Familiarize yourself with basic admission concepts such as timelines, standardized testing, application components, admission criteria, selectivity, and acceptance rates. Note: You do not need to pay a person or company to get good information. College admission websites and other online resources can provide help for free!

  • Learn about the college application process, including:

    • Types of applications (Common Application, Coalition Application, etc.)

    • Decision plans (rolling, regular admission, early action, early decision, etc.)

    • Requirements for schools your student may be interested in

Consider Financial Factors

  • It’s important to discuss the family’s budget and how it can impact college choices. Complete a cost estimator to get a sense of what expenses for your student could look like. MyinTuition offers a college cost calculator for many colleges like Stanford!

  • Familiarize yourself with various financial aid options, including FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and CSS (College Scholarship Service) Profile, to maximize opportunities for grants, scholarships, and need-based aid.

  • Learn more about potential fee waivers or merit-based scholarships schools may offer.

  • Check in with your student’s college counselor about local scholarships.

Create a College List

  • Encourage your student to reflect on their academic interests, career goals, and personal preferences. What type of college environment do they envision themselves thriving in? What factors (location, campus culture, opportunities, etc.) are most important?

  • Assist your student in researching colleges by visiting campuses in person, attending local college fairs, and exploring online college resources. Encourage your student to consider and keep track of factors like academic offerings, financial aid, student life, and location.

  • Support your student in creating a balanced list that includes a mix of “reach,” “match,” and “safety” schools. Be aware of schools’ historic admission rates and academic profiles of admitted students and frame expectations accordingly.

Support Your Student Emotionally

  • Encourage your student to begin the college application process early.

  • Encourage your student to seek guidance from school counselors or teachers who can provide advice and assistance throughout the application process.

  • Help your student create a timeline for completing applications, essays, and other application requirements. Keep in mind scholarship deadlines as well!

  • Maintain open and honest communication with your student throughout the process. Listen to their preferences and aspirations when it comes to colleges, majors, and student life.

  • Offer guidance and advice, but be cautious if encouraging your student to apply to a specific college, pursue a particular major, or receive a particular scholarship. This process has many unknowns and few assured outcomes.

  • The college application process is a journey of self-discovery. Respect your student's privacy and avoid pressuring them to disclose information they may not be ready to share in their essays or responses.

  • Protect your relationship by setting some boundaries around when you discuss college and the application process. Consider weekly check-ins or carve out a set time of day so that other interactions and experiences aren’t overshadowed by this process.

Updated on July 22, 2024 10:53 AM