Supporting Your Senior Through the College Application Process

Speaker 1:

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.

Supporting Your Senior Through the College Application Process

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