The BIG C's: character, collaboration, and curiosity are now in vogue
Here are some examples of ways teens get stuck and how you, as a parent, can help your teen get unstuck and on the road to college.
The shortest month. The longest wait.
What you can be doing while you are waiting for college decisions
The shortest month. The longest wait.
I like to refer to February as the “quiet” time in the college admissions cycle. My colleagues on the college side would probably beg to differ as they read through mountains of applications. But from the student and parent perspective, February is college-quiet. After months of working on college essays and applications, we are now all waiting (patiently?) for colleges to do their thing by reviewing all those applications and putting them into various decision baskets. Families often ask me, “what should we be doing now?” and “is there anything else we can do to impact decisions?” Here are some thoughts and suggestions on what to do this month:
1. Send mid-year grades to colleges
Many high schools automatically send an updated transcript with mid-year grades to colleges, but don’t assume that yours does. Check in with your high school counselor to ensure that colleges are receiving that important document.
2. Send an update. One update.
The last thing you want to do is pester the person reading your application with a stream of updates to your application. However, if you have something to report that feels significant to you, such as a new honor or accomplishment, then you should let colleges know. First, go to your applicant portal (many colleges have them). Is there a simple way to upload an update? If not, then send a short email with your news to the admissions office, preferably the regional admissions person. My best advice is to only do this once!
3. Complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile
If you haven’t done this yet, now is the time. The FAFSA
is needed for consideration of financial aid based on need. The CSS Profile
is an additional evaluation that’s required by about 400 colleges and universities. Even if you don’t think you will qualify for financial aid, the FAFSA opens the door to the Federal Student Loan Program
regardless of income.
4. Consider the admission offers from Early Action and Rolling Admission colleges
Maybe you already have a few offers of admission? Congratulations! Can you narrow down this group? To help you do that, go on virtual tours beyond the general admissions presentation. Many colleges offer virtual tours of housing options, academic departments or colleges, study abroad, student life, and more. Make notes of your impressions and compare the choices you have. And for the colleges that have already offered you admission? Watch for invitations to virtual Open Houses specially designed for admitted students and join admitted student social media groups.
5. Compare Costs
Start comparing actual costs using a comparison tool like the one College Board
offers. You’ll be able to see the difference in the total cost for each college, which will be handy as financial aid and scholarship awards arrive. Doing this will help you determine Direct Costs (fixed costs like tuition, room, board, student fees) and Indirect Costs (extra costs that may vary by college, such as transportation and personal expenses).
6. Do a Deep Dive into Curriculum
Many students never take the time to move from “what do I need to get into college?” to “what do I need to get through college?” Go to the course catalogs. Read about the core academic requirements. What classes are required for your potential major(s)? How do the curriculums compare across your colleges? Also, look for the fun classes. Can you find classes that look especially interesting? Is there anything unique about the way academics are structured or delivered? When might you study abroad and where might you go? Take notes so that you can compare your findings.
7. Housing. A big decision
Keep your eye on housing policies. While your enrollment deposit is refundable until May 1, housing deposits usually are not. Yet, at many universities housing is allotted on a first come, first served basis. Some students choose to deposit now at one of their early response colleges in order to get the housing secured, knowing full well that they may end up attending a different college once all admissions decisions have arrived. (You will need to ask for the enrollment deposit refund at the same time that you deposit elsewhere).
8. Remember high school? :)
It’s important to keep your eye on your academics--even if “senioritis” is sneaking up on you. Remember that colleges that offer you admission will expect you to maintain a similar academic performance throughout your last year of high school. They will receive your final transcript, so there’s no hiding from a sharp decline in grades. Don’t jeopardize the offer of admission that you have worked so hard for!
9. Students - talk with your parents!
College choice is a family matter. Talk about why you are leaning toward a particular college. Or discuss why the decision is so hard. Have open conversations about college costs. Are you considering colleges far away from home? What will that look like in terms of how often you return home? If your parents attended college, ask them questions like what was the best part about college? What would you change if you could do college again?
10. Be patient
Know that colleges are doing their best to read through applications from thousands of amazing young people and make the best decisions they can for their institutions. This takes time. By April 1, you will have responses from all of your colleges.
And one more important point that I cannot stress enough:
11. You are unique and worthy
It can be hard not to internalize college decisions. You have poured your heart into your application and made yourself vulnerable. Whatever happens with college decisions, remember that they cannot define who you are, determine your worth, or decide your future happiness and success. That is up to you.