There’s Nothing Wrong with Helping Your Kids with Their College Applications
For the Student
A flawless college application and well-written essay may seem like the winning ticket to any college, but the truth is, even the tiniest of mistakes can put your application into the rejection pile. And while having your parents help during the application process can be of significant value, it is important that you take the lead and do most of the work yourself. You don’t want to be an “emotional softie who still needs your parents to make decisions for you in college.” Instead, you need to put forth the legwork yourself and find a college that truly fits who you are as a person.
For the Parents
There’s nothing wrong with helping your kids with college...
Why Teacher Recommendations Matter
The college application process can be a stressful time for parents, students, and teachers alike. With how competitive the process has been getting, the importance of a holistic application is more important now than ever before. One of the most important parts of the college application is the recommendations that teachers write for their applicants. There are several different reasons why these recommendations are vital and can set an applicant apart from the pack.
Teacher Recommendations Speak to Unique Parts of the Applicant
Many applicants and students have parts of their application that they would like to bring out that simply don’t show up in writing on the document. Examples could be...
The Do’s and Don’ts for Parents and the College Admissions Process
I love my children dearly. As a father of four, there are only a few things I would not do for them to ensure their happiness. Would I choose their friends? No. Would I choose their political affiliations? No. Would I choose their college? Absolutely not. Now remember, “choose” and “influence” are very different and I hope my model of how I live my life helps them to make wise decisions, but I would never outright choose any of the above for them.
I would, however, help them with their college application process. As a company, we are knee deep with seniors and their applications and having parent involvement is critical and welcomed. Within reason. While all of us, as...
How to motivate unwilling young people who are NOT considering college
When it comes to making students aware that they are seventeen and need to start thinking seriously about their lives, I give them the “core-four” post-high school options:
1) College
2) A job (not a career, but more like “welcome to McDonalds, can I help you?)
3) The military (a noble pursuit)
4) Or jail. (eighteen = adult)
The stark realization that “life is real” jostles them; they are forced to consider the future and make some choices. Some kids jump at the opportunity to avoid moping floors and jail (duh) but others can still be rebellious and hard-headed. They are so caught...
