Guiding your child through the college application process can be both rewarding and challenging. There are a lot of moving parts to this machine, but this checklist will help you navigate this journey, ensuring you all stay on track and maximize your student’s potential for success.
1. Initial Planning and Research
Understand Your Role
Your role is to support, encourage, and provide guidance, not to take over the process. Help your child develop a sense of ownership over their college applications.
Discuss Goals and Priorities
Have open conversations about what kind of college your child wants. Consider:
- Location: Proximity to home, urban vs. rural settings
- Size: Large universities vs. small colleges
- Programs: Specific majors or special programs
- Campus Culture: Extracurricular opportunities, sports, clubs
- Cost: Budget, financial aid availability, scholarships
Research Together
Spend time researching colleges. Use resources like college websites, virtual tours, and college fairs. Make a list of potential colleges that align with your child’s interests and goals.
2. Standardized Tests
Understand Test Requirements
Identify which standardized tests are required by the colleges your child is interested in (e.g., SAT, ACT, SAT Subject Tests).
Registration and Preparation
Help your child register for the tests. Find the best test prep coach to help them plan and execute a study plan.
Test Day Support
Make sure your child has everything they need for test day (admission ticket, photo ID, water, snacks). Provide emotional support prior to the test to help them stay calm and confident, and help them celebrate having successfully taken the exam after.
3. Academic Records
Encourage Academic Excellence
Support your child in maintaining strong grades, especially in their junior and senior years. Encourage them to take challenging courses like honors, AP, or IB classes if available.
Request Transcripts
Assist your child in requesting official transcripts from their high school. Ensure these are sent to all the colleges they are applying to.
Letters of Recommendation
Help your child choose teachers or counselors who know them well to write letters of recommendation. Encourage them to ask early and provide any necessary information to their recommenders.
4. Extracurricular Activities
Document Achievements
Work with your child to create a detailed list of their extracurricular activities, including clubs, sports, volunteer work, internships, and part-time jobs.
Highlight Leadership Roles
Encourage your child to emphasize any leadership positions or significant accomplishments in their activities.
The Application Process
Choose Application Platforms
Help your child determine which application platforms they will use (Common Application, Coalition Application, or individual college applications).
Completing Application Forms
Guide your child in filling out all sections of the application forms, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
Essay Writing
- Brainstorming: Hire an essay writing coach to help your child brainstorm essay topics that showcase their strengths and personality.
- Drafting and Revising: Offer to read drafts and provide constructive feedback. Encourage them to seek feedback from teachers or mentors as well.
- Proofreading: Ensure the final essays are polished and free of errors – an extra set of eyes is always welcome.
Application Fees
Assist with the payment of application fees. If your family qualifies for fee waivers, help your child apply for them.
Submit Applications
Double-check that all components of the applications are completed and submitted by the deadlines. Keep copies of confirmation emails or receipts for your records.
6. Financial Aid and Scholarships
Complete the FASFA
Help your child complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as it opens on October 1st. Gather necessary documents like tax returns and financial statements.
State and Institution Aid
Check if any additional financial aid forms are required by the colleges and assist in completing them.
Scholarship Search
Encourage your child to search for scholarships from colleges, private organizations, and community groups. Help them keep track of deadlines and application requirements.
Submitting Scholarship Applicationa
Assist your child in preparing and submitting scholarship applications, tailoring their essays and materials to meet each scholarship’s criteria.
7. Follow-Up
Confirm Receipt of Materials
Ensure all application materials, including transcripts, test scores, and recommendation letters, have been received by the colleges.
Schedule Interviews
Some colleges recommend or require interviews. Help your child schedule these and prepare by practicing common interview questions and discussing their goals.
Campus Visits
If possible, visit the campuses of the colleges your child is considering. Attend information sessions, take tours, and talk to current students. Virtual tours are also a great option if in-person visits are not feasible.
Stay Organized
Help your child create a calendar or spreadsheet to track deadlines, tasks, and important dates. This will help reduce stress and ensure no steps are missed.
8. Decision Time!
Review Offers Together
When acceptance letters arrive, review them together. Compare financial aid packages, program strengths, campus culture, and personal fit.
Final Campus Visits
If your child is undecided, consider visiting or revisiting their top choices. Participate in admitted student events to get a better feel for each school.
Making the Decision
Once your child has chosen, ensure they notify the chosen college by the deadline. Also, inform other colleges that they won’t be attending to free up spots for other students.
Submit the Deposit
Help your child submit the enrollment deposit to secure their spot. This step confirms their intention to enroll and is typically required by May 1.
Final Thoughts
The college application process is a significant milestone in your child’s life. By following this checklist, you can provide valuable support and guidance while empowering your child to take ownership of their journey. Remember, your role is to offer encouragement, assist with organization, and provide emotional support. With careful planning and collaboration, you and your child can navigate this process successfully and celebrate the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.
Dr. Nathan Hurwitz, The Tutor Duo, LLC
