We understand that going away to college is as much an act of independence as it is a smart choice for your future, but your parents’ involvement in the application process can actually make your life a lot easier. Applying to college is stressful for everyone. You want to make sure you do everything possible to get into the best college possible. Your parents want the same thing, but they might not know how to help. Here are a few tips for your parents to get involved without becoming overbearing.
Plan College Visits
While you’re studying for the SATs, have your parents schedule some college visits. At this point, you should know which schools you plan on applying to, or you can choose to visit schools after you’ve received acceptance letters.
Research Financial Aid
Even if your parents are not going to help pay for college, they have the necessary experience to better guide you through financial options and money management. Have your parents research loan options and explain the benefits and drawbacks of each plan.
Encourage Test Prep
Parents should encourage their kids to begin thinking seriously about the SATs or ACTs. Test prep books, classes (like Princeton Review or Kaplan), and online services (like Grockit.com) can be expensive but worthy investments, so parents should be able to help their kids finance them.
Remember Deadlines
While remember application deadlines should be the responsibility of the applicants, parents can help by marking these important deadlines in their calendar. While it’s important not to nag their kids, parents can and should offer gentle reminders as the deadlines approach.
Don’t Make All the Decisions
Perhaps the most important thing a parent can do is not become too involved in the college application process, especially when it comes to choosing schools. While it is perfectly fine to offer suggestions and help research the school, your kids should ultimately make the final decisions regarding school selection.
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