Application Deadline Pressures? Nerves on Edge? Overwhelmed?
TIPS ON HOW TO HELP YOUR SENIOR
Crunch time looms large for college applications! This creates stress in most households. For parents, it’s hard to know how to balance your participation in the process. How do you find the balance between providing useful advice for your student and appearing overbearing? How can you pitch in to avoid that last-minute scramble to the finish line?
First, slow down, make a pot of tea, and sit together at the kitchen table. Pick and choose from these tips:
MAKE SURE YOUR STUDENT KEEPS A CALENDAR
Google Calendar? Outlook? Color-coded school planner? Any of the above. This habit will come in handy in college.
Show your senior how to set aside blocks of time for applications, writing essays, and compiling their portfolios. Treat the application process like another academic subject.
GO OVER YOUR STUDENT’S SCHEDULE WITH THEM
How many hours a week are they spending at their job? We advise no more than 8-10 during the fall semester.
Does your senior fill their schedule with loads of extracurriculars? Can they potentially ease off one or two activities for this semester?
HELP YOUR SENIOR COME UP WITH A WAY TO MANAGE DEADLINES
Keep a calendar (I can’t overstate this!).
Create a realistic timetable & plan to submit two weeks before the college deadline.
Make a spreadsheet with all the deadlines, audition dates, portfolio requirements, and supplemental essays required.
Be aware of high school requirements and timelines, which are often two weeks before the college deadline.
Keep these visual reminders in a public place where the whole family can track progress.
CHECK TO ENSURE YOUR SENIOR IS FOLLOWING THROUGH ON TASKS & GOALS
Huddle over a comforting pot of tea once a week and check in on what they’ve accomplished and what’s left to do.
URGE YOUR STUDENT TO ORGANIZE THEIR EMAIL
Keep emails from colleges on the list in a separate tab or folder.
Remind your senior to check for emails from schools on their list regularly.
Well, I admit that we honestly can’t physically offer that soothing cup ‘o tea at the kitchen table in our Zoom meetings, but our detail-oriented system and personalized approach help seniors get organized and reduce the stress of the application process. If you are looking for help with the application process, please contact us at info@bestfitedu.com.