November marks a significant milestone for both parents and college-bound seniors. For many colleges, November 1 or 15 serves as the first application deadline, so if your teen is a senior, they should be hitting that critical “submit” button in their Common App now. While this is a moment to catch your breath, your journey is far from over.
It’s tempting to think that the hard part is done, but there are crucial steps to consider after applying and before gaining admission. In this blog, I’ll outline five key strategies to ensure your college-bound senior’s success.
Verify the Completion of Your Application:
Most colleges will provide you with a URL, Username, and Password to check the status of your application and supporting documents, such as transcripts and recommendations. Double check to confirm everything has been received and processed correctly.
Stay Attentive to College Correspondence:
Keep a close eye on your emails and text messages from the colleges where you’ve applied. Some may encourage you to participate in interviews, auditions, or submit additional essays. These extra steps can significantly improve your teen’s chances of admission or even lead to additional scholarship opportunities.
Demonstrate Continued Interest:
Continue to learn about the colleges to which you’ve applied. Many institutions host events for applicants and share valuable information that will help your family make an informed college choice down the road. Demonstrating your enthusiasm for a particular college can work in your favor during the admissions process.
Consider Applying to More Colleges:
In today’s ever-changing college admissions landscape, it’s smart to consider applying to more colleges with later deadlines. Casting a wider net can help mitigate the risks associated with the unpredictability of the admissions process. Ensuring you have options come high school graduation is essential.
Maintain Good Grades:
Your senior’s grades still matter. Some colleges may wait for the mid-year grades before making their admissions decisions. In some cases, colleges may even retract offers of admission if a student’s grades tank during senior year. Encourage your teen to stay focused and do well academically.
By being mindful of these five tips, you can significantly increase the likelihood of your college-bound senior finding the right college fit. The journey to college admission is not just about hitting “submit.” Being well-prepared, proactive and thoughtful through the winter can increase your chances for success in the college admissions process.
Fitz has dedicated the entirety of his 28 year career to encouraging higher education opportunities. He worked in the Vanderbilt, Duke Law and St. Lawrence admissions offices prior to serving as an enrollment management consultant for 200+ selective colleges around the country. He created Find The Right College to make trustworthy college counseling more accessible. Fitz is also the father of two teens so he also understands first-hand the challenges associated with a college search.
