5 Things to Focus on in September
Congratulations, families of high school seniors! It probably feels like just yesterday you were buckling them into car seats, and now you’re preparing for college selection. Time flies, but we’re here to help guide you through these important next steps. Our mission is simple: to provide you with straightforward, actionable insights for senior year. We’re here to help you support your student without becoming a helicopter parent or getting lost in endless details. In this issue, we’re sharing five key things to focus on in September to keep your student on track for success.
1. TALK ABOUT THE MONEY
Have you talked with your student about what your family is able and willing to pay for college yet? We are big on this around here – we won’t ever tell anyone how to parent but we will do our best to normalize talking about the cost of college and budgets. One of our favorite experts on this is New York Times journalist Ron Lieber.
2. GET LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
If they haven’t already, encourage your student to start now to give teachers enough time for thoughtful letters - especially if your student is applying to schools with earlier deadlines. In the vast majority of cases, teachers will submit these letters directly to universities or the Common App (below). For a great overview of what these are and how to ask for them, visit the Admissions Mom website.
3. START THE COMMON APP
Over 1,000 colleges and universities use the Common App. If your senior hasn’t started yet, give them a nudge. It is easy to open an account and the first few sections can be filled out quickly. There is also a Parent Resources page. A helpful resource is the AXS Companion - a free tool developed by Oregon State University and the Independent Educational Consultants Association.
4. GET ORGANIZED
Applying to college is a process. If your student doesn’t have a tracking system (i.e. a spreadsheet), download a copy of ours here and share it with your student. They can use it as is or modify it to best suit their needs. Application Tracker
5. UNDERSTAND TESTING
Most schools in the US are now “test optional,” but testing sometimes is required and beneficial. If your senior is uncertain about testing, encourage them to talk to their high school counselor and/or contact an admissions representative from college.
To parents who attended college in the 80s and 90s , the testing world has changed. “You never know!” and “Surely they don’t really MEAN tests are optional” aren’t accurate and only succeed in wasting time and increasing frustration.
TIP OF THE WEEK
The stress of college application can quickly become overwhelming – take advantage of opportunities to reassure your student that good things lie ahead. Remind your student that a majority of colleges accept a majority of applicants, and there is no such thing as one perfect school.
