Ever wish you could remind a parent that you, not the parent, are the one going to college? Just remember...raising parents is hard work. Is your parental type one of those swirling helicopter types, one of those hands-off types or one of the many parents that fall in between those two extremes?
You’re in luck☺! Because my counselor asks graduating seniors to provide words of wisdom on lots of topics, some of my graduating senior buds have advice for you to share with your parents when it’s your time to apply to college. Here goes, straight from my ears
to you–use as you see fit: * let your students choose, but help them stay organized
* don’t freak out–it only adds more pressure on your student–your student will find college choices that fit
* don’t do the paperwork for your student
* provide your student with a checklist to make sure everything gets done on time
* listen to your student
* go visit colleges with your student
* help make sure that the colleges on the list fit your student’s needs
* start with a big list...but narrow it down
* help your student weed out college choices by making a pros/cons list
* try not to suffocate your student
* be helpful and supportive, not controlling and demanding
* encourage your student not to procrastinate –timing matters
* you won’t accomplish anything by panicking
* keep an open mind
* encourage your rising senior to write essays the summer before senior year
* remember...your student will be at college by themselves
* talk to your student about your ability/willingness to aid with college costs
* support your student’s decision
* your senior really does care about what you have to say
FYI, my counselor says DO NOT THROW DARTS. She says the best approach is, after research, to make a reasonable vertical list, visit as many choices as you can, talk with college reps (and alums and parents of alums and students at the college from your school and college fair folks, and–you get the picture–anyone and everyone who can offer insight),do the paperwork in a timely fashion, apply for aid/scholarship/housing/orientation, make a decision, pay your deposit, and don’t second guess yourself .
L8R,
Clyde
