Every year, parents spend thousands of dollars for standardized test preparation courses, writing tutors, college coaches, and more to help their children get into college. As someone who’s gone through the college application process not once but twice, I’ve learned the ins and outs. Here are my suggestions for how to save your sanity and your family’s finances before you pay the first tuition bill:
Start Early
You don’t have to pressure your kid to create a life plan in eighth grade, but it’s important to think about your student’s high school career. Colleges are interested in how students challenge themselves, how they progress in their classes, and if they take advantage of honors, IB, and/or AP courses. If your student wants to take AP classes, consider starting with one and adding another each year. If AP courses aren’t of interest, have your student look for other ways to challenge themself, like taking an honors class instead of a college-prep course.
Don’t Stress About Tests
More and more schools are becoming test optional, so check each college’s website to see what they require for the coming year. Many students still choose to take the SAT or ACT but may not submit them or only submit their highest scores.
Academics Aren’t Everything
Yes, grades are important, but colleges are also interested in what kids do when they aren’t at school. Extracurricular activities, hobbies, jobs, volunteer work, and family responsibilities all take time and should be included on your child’s college application. Colleges care about how much time is devoted to an activity, both in terms of hours per week and years of involvement, so instead of your student joining every club at school, encourage them to stay involved in a few activities.
Spend Time on Essays
With most schools using the Common Application, it’s easy to write one essay and submit it to multiple schools. After grades, essays are often the most important part of an application and give students the opportunity to share something unique about themselves that can’t be gleaned from the rest of their application, so make sure it’s memorable. Some schools may also expect students to complete additional shorter essays. Even if an essay is optional, your student should write it anyway. Most colleges get thousands of applications every year, and it’s easy to move applicants who don’t take time to do the extra work to the ‘no thank you’ pile.
Consider Outside Experts
If your budget permits, hiring a college counselor can be a big help. Private college counselors can guide course selections, help your child build a list of colleges, and review essays and applications. There are also plenty of free resources to guide you. Meet with your child’s high school counselor, attend college-related programs offered by their high school, or check out websites and podcasts focused on college planning. Talk to college representatives when they visit local high schools, attend college fairs, and register for free webinars offered by college admissions offices. Some companies even offer free college coaching assistance, so check your employer’s benefits plan.
Take Advantage of Free Money and Resources
If your child is applying to a Virginia college, see if you qualify for the Virginia College Free Application Week, which usually occurs in late October. Some colleges, both in and out of state, may also send codes to waive application fees. Finally, be sure you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the College Scholarship Service (CSS). Even if you don’t think you’ll qualify for aid, many schools won’t consider awarding school-based merit scholarships or assistance if you don’t complete the forms.
Use Time Wisely
Starting in junior year, use school breaks or weekends to tour colleges. Although visiting schools during the summer is an option, it can be helpful to experience colleges when students are on campus. If you can’t physically get to a school, check out virtual tours and information sessions and consider an in-person visit once your kid is accepted. Encourage your student to use the summer before senior year to narrow down their list of colleges, begin completing the Common Application, and start working on essays.
Set a Budget
Have discussions with your student about what your family can afford and any expectations for their financial contributions before you start looking at schools. In addition to traditional loans, colleges offer a variety of merit and financial aid options. Many faith-based and community organizations also offer scholarships, so check with your school’s counseling office for details.
Be Realistic
While it’s great to aim high, getting into college is never a given. If your student has their heart set on a school, consider applying early decision or early action. Be aware that applying early decision means you’re committing to attend a school without knowing what type of financial aid you’ll receive. If finances are a main driver for your decision, go the early action route. Create a list of reach, target, and likely schools and make sure your child is willing to attend each one. There’s nothing more heartbreaking than hearing about a student who doesn’t want to enroll in any of the colleges they’ve been accepted to.
Talk to People Who Have Gone Before You
Throughout the process, talk to friends with older kids about their experiences. Don’t compare your student’s situation to what you see on social media, especially as the acceptances start arriving. In the end, you need to do what works for you and your family, but it never hurts to be prepared.
