Everything Parents Need to Know About College Applications
The college application process can be both exciting and overwhelming for families. For parents, it’s essential to understand the various steps, deadlines, and factors that will impact their child’s chances of getting into their dream school.
Understanding the Timeline
The college application timeline begins well before senior year. Parents should encourage students to start preparing early, ideally by junior year or even earlier. Key tasks include researching colleges, visiting campuses, preparing for standardized tests (like the SAT or ACT), and engaging in extracurricular activities. Many students submit applications during the fall of their senior year, with deadlines generally falling between November and January. Early decision and early action deadlines typically occur in November, while regular decision deadlines range from December to January.
Building a Balanced College List
One of the most important steps in the application process is creating a balanced list of colleges. This list should include a mix of “safety,” “match,” and “reach” schools:
- Safety Schools: Colleges where your child’s academic credentials (GPA, test scores) exceed the average admitted student. To learn more about entry requirements for certain schools, including Harvard, take a look at this Harvard GPA calculator.
- Match Schools: Colleges where your child’s credentials align closely with the average admitted student.
- Reach Schools: Colleges where your child’s credentials fall slightly below the average but where they still have a chance.
This balance ensures that students have options no matter how the admissions process turns out.
Standardized Tests: To Take or Not to Take
With many colleges becoming “test-optional,” the decision to take standardized tests like the SAT or ACT is increasingly flexible. However, strong scores can still enhance an application, especially for competitive programs. If your child is aiming for top-tier schools or applying for merit-based scholarships, consider encouraging them to take the tests. Additionally, advanced placement (AP) exams or SAT subject tests can be valuable assets in certain scenarios.
The Importance of the Personal Essay
The personal essay is a key component of the college application. This is where students can differentiate themselves beyond their grades and test scores. Encourage your child to share a personal story that highlights their character, interests, and values. Essays should be authentic, reflective, and free from unnecessary embellishments. It’s helpful to start drafting essays over the summer, leaving plenty of time for revisions before deadlines.
Letters of Recommendation
Most colleges require letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or other adults who know the student well. It’s crucial that students ask for recommendations well in advance, ideally by the end of junior year. The letter should come from individuals who can speak to the student’s academic abilities, character, and potential for success in college.
Extracurricular Activities
Colleges are looking for well-rounded students who contribute to their communities and demonstrate leadership, passion, and initiative. Extracurricular activities—whether they’re related to sports, the arts, clubs, or volunteering—are vital in showing colleges that the student is engaged and committed. However, depth is more important than breadth. Colleges would rather see sustained involvement in a few meaningful activities than superficial participation in many.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financial aid is a significant consideration for many families. Parents should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible. Many schools also require the CSS Profile for non-federal aid. Encourage your child to apply for scholarships, both national and local, to help offset tuition costs. Keep track of deadlines and requirements, as missing financial aid deadlines can reduce your chances of receiving aid.
Application Types: Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision
There are various types of college application processes, each with different rules:
- Early Decision (ED): A binding agreement where students commit to attend the college if accepted.
- Early Action (EA): Non-binding, allowing students to apply early but without the commitment.
- Regular Decision (RD): Standard deadlines with decisions typically released in the spring.
Early applications can give students a competitive edge, but they need to be sure they are ready and well-prepared.
