|
When should we begin the college search?
The discussion should begin as early as your son/daughter begins to think and talk about college. As your student enters high school, the course selections he or she makes will determine later options. Discussing college possibilities with your school counselor is extremely important, as well is purchasing a guidebook. These are fun to pore through, and students love the “shopping” nature of the search.
What if my son or daughter is college – capable, but not yet looking?
Ownership of this process must come from your student. If you begin “handling” the entire process, whether calling a school or writing the application, he or she has no reason to perform. Your student will have to get up for eight o’clock classes, actually attend that eight o’clock class, take notes, study, and do their own laundry. If you begin handing over the process, ultimately they will lose out and so will you.
How has the college search process changed since I went to school?
Everything from testing to early admission and early action have all become more complex in the last 20 years. Financial aid, scholarships,, FAFSA forms, SAR’s, SAT’s, or SAT II’s are all important aspects of the process. We can help you sort through these options, and customize a plan of action.
Is our student enrolled in the right courses?
The most frustrating moment in the college admission process is when he or she hasn’t taken an extra Math class or enough language courses to qualify for consideration at the college(s) of choice. Some colleges also look for a specific number of volunteer hours, particularly if the student’s focus is in health care. College Connections can help you and your student plan appropriate curriculum and associated volunteer activities.
How should I advise my child regarding athletics, jobs and extracurricular activities?
Some second graders have busier schedules than their parents. Balance is the key. Colleges generally prefer students to be involved in fewer activities in which they demonstrate passion and commitment. Filling their schedule with ten activities obviously is going to leave less room for academics, and adds unnecessary stress.
What tests should we recommend to our son/daughter?
It depends on the college. ACT’s, SAT’s, SAT II’s, PSAT’s, PLAN, ASVAB are many of the current test acronyms. If you are unfamiliar with these, College Connections can help you.
|
