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RELAX -YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER WILL
THANK YOU
Much of the stress that parents feel in the admissions process is
self-induced. Choosing colleges, applying, getting admitted; and
deciding where to enroll isn't easy. There's a lot of work involved
and it's drawn out over a long period of time. The best way to avoid
stress is to plan slowly and deliberately I using a calendar that
builds in ample cushion for time-sensitive endeavors.
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MAKE A PLAN-Of-ACTION CALENDAR - AND
STICK TO IT!
Together with your son or daughter and his or her college
counselor, construct an outline for the entire college admissions
process; from initial browsing for information to deciding where to
attend. Create an itinerary for visiting colleges and gathering your
financial information for filing aid forms. Post the calendar in a
handy location, touching base periodically with your child to monitor
progress.
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PLAN OUT YOUR TESTS
In this competitive admissions environment, standardized tests are
becoming increasingly important. In addition to the SATs and ACTs, the
most important tests for college admissions, there are many exams that
are vital for getting accepted into the most selective universities.
Students should plan to take some of these tests well before their
senior. The PSAT not only helps students practice for the SAT, it
allows them to qualify for National Merit Scholarships. Advanced
Placement exams are administered in a variety of subjects. Passing the
AP test means that students are able to receive college credit or even
place out of certain college prerequisite courses. Students should
take AP tests after they have taken AP courses. The SAT IIs, formerly
known as the Achievement Tests, are necessary for admissions to many
competitive colleges; students should take each subject test
immediately after they finish the class.
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DON'T CONTACT COLLEGE ADMISSIONS
OFFICES FOR YOUR CHILD
Colleges track the contacts they have with prospective students
and applicants. It doesn't look good if the college has spoken with
you and has never had any contact with your child, the actual
applicant. (Sounds like Mrs. Smith really wants to come here!)
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KEEP COPIES OF EVERYTHING
Set up file folders for each college to which your child is
applying. Keep all correspondence within these folders. Document phone
calls as well, always getting names and titles of those your child
speaks with. Quick and comprehensive access to all pertinent materials
will payoff in the long run.
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FILE ALL FINANCIAL AID FORMS AS SOON
AS POSSIBLE AFTER JAN. 1
Do not wait for this year's income tax forms to be completed. Use
last year's data and file aid applications as soon as they become
available. Financial aid officers can compile an estimated package
that will closely reflect their final, updated package provided that
family financial circumstances have not changed dramatically for the
last tax year.
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BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR SCHOLARSHIP
OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR CHILD
Many employers, social clubs, and religious organizations offer
scholarships. Be sure to check with these organizations early, before
your child's senior year. A lot of these programs have selection
calendars that do not mesh with the college admission calendar. Don't
miss out due to lack of awareness.
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VISIT YOUR CHILD'S TOP COLLEGE
OPTIONS
If you can, visit all of the colleges where your child is
applying. There is not substitute for a campus visit and
college-produced videos are not "the next best thing." And
never stick strictly to a "packaged" admissions visit
consisting of an information session/interview and a slide show or
tour. Balance the experience by lunching on your own in the dining
hall and browsing around campus. When you do visit, make sure that you
allow enough time on campus for you son or daughter to explore on his
or her own - the perfect time to meet with a financial aid officer.
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REMEMBER THAT YOU'RE NOT GOING TO
COLLEGE; YOUR CHILD IS
There's not doubt that you should have some say in the matter,
just remember to keep it in perspective. Parental input should focus
on the mechanics of making a choice, not on the choice itself. Be
frank and direct about any absolutes, such as financial limitations,
but be low-key and reserved about the characteristics you think they
want in a college. Think about helping your child choose the best
college for him or her.
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STUDENTS CAN TAKE A FREE PRACTICE
SAT ON-LINE ANYTIME!
Taking a practice SAT before the real thing is a great idea. The
content, structure, and flow of the test will not surprise students if
they have seen it before. Now, students can visit The Princeton Review
on-line and take a practice SAT at no cost and at any time! All they
have to do is visit www.review.com,
log-in, and they're ready to go. While there they will find tons of
valuable information on colleges, the tests, admissions, financial
aid, scholarships and more.