The Common Application is live as of August 1st. If you are a high school senior – NOW is the time to apply. Don’t wait until you are neck deep in physics equations and football practice and play rehearsal. Get your applications finished by September 1st.
How do you inspire yourself (or your
son/daughter)?? A BRIBE!
What will you get when you complete those college applications?
>Maybe that laptop you were going to get for college anyway comes a little early.
>Maybe it’s treating yourself to that article of clothing or video game you’ve had your eye on.
>Maybe it’s a “play day” in the City or to Great America or Hiking at a National Park.
>or maybe it’s time – once you get your applications done, give yourself 2 (or 3 or 5) hours to do something you want to do (not homework, not housework, not what your girlfriend wants to do, or your part time job that’s scheduled you). Seriously, when was the last time you just relaxed and did your own thing?
Applying to college is like having an additional class – the sooner you get the applications done – the happier you’ll be. I guarantee!! But, honestly, it’s not fun typing your name and address 4 times or trying to remember the year your dad graduated from college, or figuring out what your high school’s secret code is…so find a way to motivate yourself.
Besides, applying to college – getting those applications submitted – it’s a HUGE accomplishment (one you’ve
been through 12 years of school to get to…) so you deserve a reward. You’ll be more motivated if you bribe yourself to do it!
How much do you think parents need to be involved with filling out the application? It’s tempting to just do most of it for the student!
Parents – keep in mind a couple things when you are deciding for yourself (and your relationship with your student) the answer to this question.
1. What is best for your student? For her/him to fill them out or you?
2. What precedent are you setting for the future? Will you be filling out grad school applications, too? Mortgage papers?
3. Do you care if the admissions office knows (because most likely we can tell it’s a parent)? Will it matter?
4. How will your student feel about you being involved.
There is not a right or wrong answer to these. Honestly. Just keep in mind the messages (to both colleges and your student) your actions send.
Overall – remember the goal – finding a new home for your student, where they will thrive and succeed and, most importantly, be launched to the NEXT phase of his/her life (not your basement).