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The easiest and least stressful way to manage the college application journey - for parents and students.
Okay. So your kids can be a senior in high school pretty soon.
Speaker 2:Oh, yeah.
Speaker 1:And if you're anything like me, you've got a stack of college application guides Uh-huh. Staring you down from the bookshelf. Right. It could be a lot. Right?
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:It feels like every time you turn around, there's another deadline or another decision you gotta make. Yeah. But A lot of pressure. Yeah. And that's exactly why we're doing this deep dive today.
Speaker 2:That's right.
Speaker 1:We're gonna try to give you the tools you need to be the best support system you can be for your senior
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Without turning into,
Speaker 2:you know Without becoming that parent.
Speaker 1:Exactly. That parent that everyone's kinda like, oh, no. Here they come.
Speaker 2:It's a tough balance, though.
Speaker 1:It is a tough balance.
Speaker 2:You wanna be supportive, but you don't wanna take over.
Speaker 1:Exactly.
Speaker 2:And that's what this expert guide we're diving into today is all about.
Speaker 1:Yeah. So let's dive right in.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:One of the things that really stood out to me in this guide was the emphasis on the timeline. You really can't mess around with those deadlines.
Speaker 2:No. You can't. And we're not talking about New Year's resolutions here
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Where you can kinda ease into things after the holidays.
Speaker 1:Right. You start in January or February?
Speaker 2:Exactly. Yeah. This is something you gotta be on top of right away. Like now? Like this summer, early.
Speaker 1:This summer, even before school starts for seniors.
Speaker 2:Especially before senior year starts because some of those early decision deadlines Yeah.
Speaker 1:Right. Early decision.
Speaker 2:We'll talk about that more later.
Speaker 1:Go ahead.
Speaker 2:But those deadlines can be as early as November? November. November of their senior year.
Speaker 1:So they could be committing to a college before they even finish the 1st semester.
Speaker 2:That's exactly right.
Speaker 1:Wow. I already feel the pressure. And it's not even application season yet.
Speaker 2:Yeah. And it's not just the deadlines either. It's the sheer volume of stuff you have to keep track of.
Speaker 1:Right. There's the applications themselves Mhmm. And then all the supporting documents.
Speaker 2:Transcripts, recommendations, essays.
Speaker 1:It's a lot to juggle.
Speaker 2:It's enough to make anyone's head spin, and we haven't even touched on the financial aid forms. Right. And those are a whole other beast.
Speaker 1:So how do we even begin to help our seniors wrangle all of that?
Speaker 2:Well, the good news is you don't have to do it for
Speaker 1:them. Oh, thank goodness.
Speaker 2:This guide actually suggests encouraging your senior to create their own organizational system.
Speaker 1:Okay. So instead of me swooping in with my color coded folders Yeah. And my label maker
Speaker 2:Exactly. Put those away.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:The key is for them to take ownership.
Speaker 1:So whether it's a digital system or good old fashioned file folders.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Whatever works for them.
Speaker 1:I love that. It's not just about getting into college. It's about building those essential life skills.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. And let's be honest. We could probably learn a thing or 2 from them about organization. Oh, for sure. But once you've got the deadlines and the documents under control, you inevitably bump into the heart of the application.
Speaker 1:The dreaded essay.
Speaker 2:Yes, sir.
Speaker 1:Like everyone's least favorite part.
Speaker 2:It can be daunting for sure.
Speaker 1:Daunting is an understatement.
Speaker 2:But it's also an incredible opportunity.
Speaker 1:That's true. It's their chance to really tell their story.
Speaker 2:Exactly. To show colleges who they are beyond the grades and the test scores.
Speaker 1:And that's where we, as parents, need to tread carefully. We wanna be supportive.
Speaker 2:Of course.
Speaker 1:But we also don't wanna write the essay for them.
Speaker 2:Right. It's a fine line.
Speaker 1:So how do we find that balance? Mhmm.
Speaker 2:How
Speaker 1:do we be supportive without taking over?
Speaker 2:Well, this guide uses a phrase that I really like.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:It says, you are not the ghostwriter. You are the sounding board.
Speaker 1:I like that. The sounding board.
Speaker 2:So instead of dictating topics or worse, actually drafting paragraphs
Speaker 1:Oh, no.
Speaker 2:Try asking thought provoking questions.
Speaker 1:Okay. So what kind of questions are we talking about here?
Speaker 2:Instead of saying, what do you wanna write about?
Speaker 1:Right. Which what I was gonna say.
Speaker 2:Try something like, what story are you trying to tell?
Speaker 1:Oh, that's good.
Speaker 2:Or what makes you?
Speaker 1:I like that. It's about getting them to think about the message they wanna convey.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It's about guiding them to find their own voice.
Speaker 1:Not imposing ours.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Wow. And that's what makes a truly compelling essay.
Speaker 1:That's great advice. So we've talked about the deadlines, the organization, and the essay. Mhmm. But there's another piece of the puzzle that we can't forget about.
Speaker 2:What's that?
Speaker 1:Recommendations.
Speaker 2:Ah, yes. The recommendations.
Speaker 1:Those letters can really make or break an application.
Speaker 2:They can. And this guide really emphasizes how important it is to choose recommenders carefully.
Speaker 1:So it's not just about asking the teacher whose class they got an a
Speaker 2:in. Right. It's about finding someone who can speak to their character, their strengths, their potential.
Speaker 1:So someone who really knows them well?
Speaker 2:Exactly. Someone who's seen them shine.
Speaker 1:Okay. So let's say they've got their list of potential recommenders. Okay. Is there anything they can do to make sure those recommendations are truly effective?
Speaker 2:There is.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:And this guide has a fantastic tip.
Speaker 1:Okay. I'm all ears.
Speaker 2:It suggests encouraging your senior to create what they call a brag sheet for each recommender.
Speaker 1:A brag sheet. Tell me more.
Speaker 2:It's essentially a concise document that highlights their activities, accomplishments, and skills.
Speaker 1:So it's like a resume?
Speaker 2:Kind of, but it's tailored to each specific recommender.
Speaker 1:Okay. Mhmm. So if they're asking their English teacher for a recommendation
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:They might highlight their writing awards or their involvement in the literary magazine.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It gives the recommender concrete examples to draw.
Speaker 1:That makes their job so much easier.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And it also gives your senior a chance to reflect on all the amazing things they've accomplished.
Speaker 1:Which is a nice confidence booster during what can be a pretty stressful time.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It's a win win.
Speaker 1:It really is. Speaking of things that can be trustful.
Speaker 2:Oh, boy. Where do we even begin?
Speaker 1:Right. But there's one thing in particular that tends to sneak up on families.
Speaker 2:Deadlines.
Speaker 1:Well, deadlines are always lurking.
Speaker 2:That's true.
Speaker 1:But I'm talking about financial aid.
Speaker 2:Yes. Financial.
Speaker 1:The dreaded FS Co and all its friends.
Speaker 2:This guy does a great job of breaking down the financial aid process.
Speaker 1:Good. Because I need all the help I can get.
Speaker 2:The first thing to know is that it's never too early to start.
Speaker 1:Really? Even if my kid hasn't even applied to colleges yet?
Speaker 2:Especially then the FAIFE ESSA, the free application for a federal student aid. It opens on October 1st.
Speaker 1:October 1st.
Speaker 2:So mark your calendars.
Speaker 1:Got it. October 1st. It is is that the only form we need to worry about?
Speaker 2:It's the big one. But some colleges, particularly private institutions, might also require the CSS profile.
Speaker 1:The CSS profile. What is that?
Speaker 2:It's another financial aid application.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:It's a little more detailed than the FAFSA.
Speaker 1:So it's like a 2 for 1 deal FAFSA for everyone and then the CSS profile for some.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:And the earlier we start on all of that, the better.
Speaker 2:Right. Absolutely. Starting early gives you time to gather all the necessary documents, understand the different forms, and explore your options.
Speaker 1:And hopefully avoid those last minute financial aid freak out.
Speaker 2:Precisely. Nobody wants those.
Speaker 1:Okay. So we've covered the deadlines, the organization, the essay recommendations, and financial aid.
Speaker 2:It's a lot, but we're just getting started.
Speaker 1:There's more.
Speaker 2:Oh, yeah. We haven't even touched on early decision yet.
Speaker 1:Oh, right. Early decision. It seems like that's the buzzword around every corner these days.
Speaker 2:It is a big deal, and this guy does a great job of explaining why. It's not just about hitting submit a few months earlier. It's a whole different ballgame. It really is. It's a whole different set of considerations.
Speaker 1:Okay. So break it down for us.
Speaker 2:Okay. So the big thing about early decision or ED as it's often called. Right.
Speaker 1:ED. Was that it's binding.
Speaker 2:Binding. What does that mean exactly?
Speaker 1:It means that if your student applies ED to a college Mhmm. And that college accepts them
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:They're in no take backs.
Speaker 2:So there's no looking at other offers?
Speaker 1:Nope. They have to applications they've sent out. Wow. That's a big decision.
Speaker 2:It is. It's not just about whether the college likes them. You're right.
Speaker 1:It's about whether they are absolutely sure. Like head over heels in love
Speaker 2:with this
Speaker 1:one school. Exactly. And ready to commit before they've even finished their senior year.
Speaker 2:Right. Because they might not even have all their acceptances yet.
Speaker 1:Exactly. Yeah. So it's a big conversation to have as a family.
Speaker 2:It sounds like it. And this guide really emphasizes the importance of having those conversations early. Yes. Don't wait until the last minute.
Speaker 1:Before those deadlines start looming.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Because once those applications are in Yeah. Then comes the really hard part.
Speaker 1:The waiting.
Speaker 2:The waiting.
Speaker 1:Oh, the waiting. How do we survive the waiting?
Speaker 2:Well, the first thing to remember is that senior year is not over yet.
Speaker 1:Right. They still have to go to school.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And those grades still matter.
Speaker 1:Oh, that's right. Colleges wanna see that final transcript.
Speaker 2:They do. They wanna see that your student is staying engaged.
Speaker 1:That they're not just slacking off.
Speaker 2:Right. Because even though they've applied
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:It's not a guarantee.
Speaker 1:So don't tell my kid to coast just yet.
Speaker 2:No coasting. Keep up that momentum.
Speaker 1:Keep those grades up.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And you know what else?
Speaker 1:What's that?
Speaker 2:Staying busy can actually be a good distraction from all the stress of waiting.
Speaker 1:That's a good point. If they're focused on their classes and their activities
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:They're less likely to be obsessively checking your email every 5 seconds.
Speaker 2:Exactly. So encourage your senior to stay involved, stay engaged.
Speaker 1:Okay. Good advice. But, eventually, those decision letters are gonna start rolling in.
Speaker 2:They will, and it's gonna be a roller coaster of emotions.
Speaker 1:That's for sure. Hopefully, a lot of excitement. What's you know, there might be some disappointment too.
Speaker 2:It's true. Rejections happen.
Speaker 1:They do, and they can be really tough.
Speaker 2:They can. But one of the most valuable things I learned from this guide is to help your senior reframe those rejections.
Speaker 1:Reframe them. What do you mean?
Speaker 2:Instead of seeing them as failures
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Help them see them as redirects. Redirects. Yes. Like a detour on a road trip.
Speaker 1:Okay. I like that analogy.
Speaker 2:It's not the end of the world. Right.
Speaker 1:It just means you're taking a different path.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And sometimes that different path leads you to an even better destination.
Speaker 1:That's a great way to look at it. So instead of dwelling on the what ifs.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:We need to help our seniors focus on the what's next.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Because there's always a what's next.
Speaker 1:And, hopefully, that what's next includes some acceptances.
Speaker 2:Fingers crossed.
Speaker 1:Yes. So let's talk about those acceptances When those letters start coming in
Speaker 2:Yes. Celebrate.
Speaker 1:Yes. Celebrate those victories.
Speaker 2:Big or small.
Speaker 1:Break out the confetti.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Take a moment to acknowledge all the hard work and dedication
Speaker 1:And resilience.
Speaker 2:Yes. Because this process is no joke.
Speaker 1:It's a marathon, not a sprint.
Speaker 2:Exactly. But once the initial excitement dies down
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Then it's time to get down to business.
Speaker 1:Oh, right. Because those acceptance letters help me the work is over.
Speaker 2:Not at all. In fact, this is where things can get a little tricky.
Speaker 1:Oh, no. What do we need to watch out for?
Speaker 2:Well, this guide really stresses the importance of comparing financial aid packages.
Speaker 1:Ah, yes. Financial aid. We talked about that early.
Speaker 2:They did. And this is where all that early preparation pays off.
Speaker 1:Because what seems like a dream offer on paper Right. Could be a different story once you factor in tuition and room and board.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And those hidden costs of college life.
Speaker 1:Right. Like textbooks and pizza.
Speaker 2:Exactly. So you really need to read the fine print.
Speaker 1:Okay. So we're comparing financial aid packages.
Speaker 2:Yes. And don't underestimate the power of a campus visit.
Speaker 1:Oh, yes. Admitted student days.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Go walk around campus.
Speaker 1:Talk to current students.
Speaker 2:Sit in on a class.
Speaker 1:Right in the dining hall.
Speaker 2:Yes. Get a feel for the vibe.
Speaker 1:Because it's one thing to read about a school online Right. But it's a whole different experience to actually be there. Exactly.
Speaker 2:And those visits can be incredibly revealing.
Speaker 1:It really is all about finding that right fit, isn't it?
Speaker 2:It
Speaker 1:is. That place where they can really see themselves spending the next 4 years.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Yeah. A place that feels like home.
Speaker 1:Exactly. So let's say they've done all their research.
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:They've visited the campuses. They've compared the financial aid packages.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:And they finally made that decision.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:What happens then?
Speaker 2:Well, first things first, celebrate.
Speaker 1:Yes. Another excuse to break out the confetti.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. This is a huge accomplishment.
Speaker 1:It really is.
Speaker 2:But once the celebrations die down
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:There are still a few logistical things to take care of.
Speaker 1:Oh, right. Because that acceptance letter isn't quite the finish line, is it?
Speaker 2:Not quite. It's more like the beginning of the next phase.
Speaker 1:So what do we need to do to make sure we actually cross that finish line?
Speaker 2:Well, the first thing is to make sure your senior formally accepts their offer.
Speaker 1:Okay. So tell the college they're coming. Exactly.
Speaker 2:And send in that deposit payment.
Speaker 1:Right. Because those deadlines are important.
Speaker 2:They are. And missing them can create all sorts of headaches.
Speaker 1:We don't want any of that.
Speaker 2:No. We don't. And speaking of headaches
Speaker 1:Oh, no. There's more.
Speaker 2:Well, there's always a little more paperwork.
Speaker 1:Of course, there is.
Speaker 2:Housing applications, orientation, registration, maybe even placement tests.
Speaker 1:Ugh. I thought we were done with all that.
Speaker 2:Almost. But this guide makes a really good point about this phase.
Speaker 1:Okay. What's that?
Speaker 2:It emphasizes the importance of finding that balance between support and autonomy.
Speaker 1:Right. We wanna be there for our seniors.
Speaker 2:Of course.
Speaker 1:But we also don't want to do everything for them.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It's about empowering them to navigate these last few steps on their own.
Speaker 1:So what's the best way to do that?
Speaker 2:Well, you can offer to be a second set of eyes on important forms or deadlines.
Speaker 1:Okay. Maybe set up a shared calendar to keep everyone on track.
Speaker 2:That's a good idea.
Speaker 1:But, ultimately, the goal is to let your senior take the reins.
Speaker 2:Right. They're gonna be on their own in college.
Speaker 1:Exactly. So this is great practice for that.
Speaker 2:I like it. It's like a final dress rehearsal before the big show.
Speaker 1:Exactly.
Speaker 2:Uh-huh.
Speaker 1:And speaking of the big show
Speaker 2:College.
Speaker 1:Yes. I think it's time to wrap up this deep dive with a little reminder.
Speaker 2:Okay. What's that?
Speaker 1:This process is a marathon, not a sprint.
Speaker 2:That's for sure.
Speaker 1:And it's not just about getting into college.
Speaker 2:What else is it about?
Speaker 1:It's about supporting your senior every step of the way.
Speaker 2:Through all the ups and downs.
Speaker 1:Exactly. The deadlines, the decisions, the acceptances, the rejections.
Speaker 2:Roller coaster ride?
Speaker 1:The whole thing. And hopefully Yes. Hopefully through it all Yeah. You both come out the other side Stronger. Stronger.
Speaker 1:Stronger. Closer. Right. Ready for whatever comes next.
Speaker 2:I love that. And you know what?
Speaker 1:What's that?
Speaker 2:I think our listeners are too.
Speaker 1:I think you're right.
Speaker 2:They've got this.
Speaker 1:They and we're here to cheer them on every step of the way.
Speaker 2:That's right. We're all in this together.
Speaker 1:We are. Thanks for joining us for this deep dive into the world of college applications.
Speaker 2:Of course. Always happy to be here.
Speaker 1:And to all you parents and seniors out there, good luck. You got this.
Speaker 2:You got this.