Are you a parent of a high school kid? Are you also stressed about the whole college application process? My younger daughter just joined a college and the process of going through the college applications is surely overwhelming. Making the college application process easier involves organization, planning, and utilizing resources effectively. Here are some tips to help streamline the process:

College application

How to make the college application process easier and manageable –

  1. Start Early: Begin your research and preparation as early as possible. This gives you ample time to explore colleges, understand their requirements, and gather the necessary materials. Based on my daughter’s interest, I made an Excel sheet at the start of 12th grade.
  2. Create a Timeline: Develop a calendar with key application deadlines, tests (like the SAT or ACT), and scholarship opportunities. Break the process into manageable tasks. These days, many Indian universities also take SAT scores. So, I would advise giving it a try if your child can manage it.
  3. Research Colleges: Make a list of colleges that interest you. Consider factors like programs offered, campus culture, location, and financial aid options. Most of the applications in Indian colleges open by October/November. If you are interested in colleges abroad, the applications start somewhere between August-October depending on the country and university.
  4. Organize Documents: Keep all important documents (transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statements) in one place. Consider using digital tools or folders to stay organized. It’s best to contact teachers and keep LORs ready beforehand.
  5. Prepare for Standardized Tests: If required, plan your study schedule and take practice tests. Consider prep courses if you feel you need extra help. Standardized tests like SAT, IELTS, ACT, TOEFL, etc. happen a couple of times a year. The test results are valid for 2-5 years and your child can even give it several times to improve the test scores. There are different tests and timelines for Indian universities and exams like JEE and NEET etc. You can check it online and apply timely.
  6. Draft Personal Statements Early: Start writing your essays well in advance. Seek feedback from teachers, counselors, or peers to refine your work. My daughter wrote her essay and sent her draft to us to check before finalising. An essay or personal statement is mainly needed for college applications abroad but a few Indian colleges like Ashoka, Flames, Symbiosis, etc. also ask for it.
  7. Request Recommendations Early: Approach teachers or mentors for letters of recommendation well before deadlines. Provide them with your resume or a list of achievements to help them write personalized letters.
  8. Utilize School Resources: Take advantage of your school’s counselling office. They can offer guidance, workshops, and sometimes even mock interviews. As a mom, you can join a parent group where everyone can share information related to college applications. It can help you to avoid missing out on any important updates. Other than this, my daughter’s school counsellor was also very helpful. She helped us with the application process, getting predictive scores and letters of recommendation from teachers.
  9. Explore Financial Aid: Research scholarships and financial aid options early. Fill out the FAFSA as soon as possible to maximize your aid opportunities if you are applying in the US. There are different scholarships available in different universities. You can check it on their website and apply before the deadlines.
  10. Stay Positive and Flexible: The process can be stressful, so maintain a positive attitude and be open to adjusting your plans as needed.
  11. Seek Support: Talk to friends, family, or mentors about your experiences and concerns. Having a support system can help alleviate stress.

By following these steps and staying organized, you can make the college application process more manageable and less overwhelming. I hope this post helps you to make your college application process easier and more manageable. If you have any questions, do send them to my email or comment below.

Read the tips about education planning for kids. 

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