Helping your child navigate the competitive landscape of college admissions
ALUMNI BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Researching and applying to colleges can both be an exciting yet anxious period for college bound students. I am willing to admit that the process can be overwhelming due to the differing admissions requirements, various deadlines, financial aid paperwork and more.
For parents, helping your student through their college search can be a frustrating time as well. It can be difficult to keep the balance between supporting your daughter or son’s decisions while not being overbearing.
As you support your student through the journey to find the “right fit”, the following tips may prove helpful in keeping them on the right track while managing your stress levels:
Let your student own the process: Your daughter or son should be in charge of their college search (after all, they will be the ones attending). Parents should offer guidance, serve as a sounding board and provide advice as needed. Trusting your child’s decisions and taking a backseat in this process will help them grow as they transition into adulthood. So cheer them on from the sidelines!
Work with the experts: College counselors are a vital resource for your family. If your student’s school does not require college counseling appointments, be sure your child schedules one with the counselor. The spring of junior year is usually a good time for students to sit down and begin drafting a college list based on characteristics that fit your child’s needs. College counselors are well versed in helping students through this exercise. Check-in meetings are also advisable throughout the year to be sure your student is on track to meet all deadlines
Go on college tours: What better way to test-drive their college options than to step foot on the campus. The college visit experience is a great opportunity to take in the sights and get in-depth information from members of the admissions staff. If you have yet to visit any school with your student, I suggest visiting college campuses around your region first. Once your student has established a type of institution (i.e. liberal arts vs. research or big vs. small) they like, help them find similar schools in locations they are interested in.
Open up about finances: I recommend that parents be open and honest about finances when discussing college options. The earlier these conversations take place, the more it will be taken into consideration throughout the search. Waiting to discuss finances until it’s time to select a final choice may only bring disappointment to your child. With that said, help your student identify private scholarships where they meet the eligibility requirements and encourage them to apply. Any amount of scholarship they may receive will offset college costs.
For final thoughts, I urge you to think of the college search and selection to be a private and individualized process. Help your student self-reflect and make informed decisions about their future. And don’t forget to enjoy the ride with your child as they make the transition to the next steps in their lives.
Damien Fatongia '05 is the associate director for West Coast admissions for Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut.