There’s no greater joy than seeing your student step onto a college campus, knowing they truly belong.
But this doesn’t happen by accident.
Gaining admission requires a deliberate, long-term college application strategy. Whether you seek help from a college advisor or prepare on your own, there’s a proven roadmap for success. This is the first in a series of articles about preparing for and applying to college. It covers the first steps, including how to:
• Understand and define your high school student’s passions, interests, and goals.
• Build a strategic college resume of achievements, activities, and work experience.
• Assess current academic performance and social participation.
• Create a strategy that prepares your student for college success.
Let’s get started!
Step 1: Discovering Your Student’s College Aspirations
Understanding your student’s interests and goals begins the college application planning process. These early talks help create an application that highlights their strengths and experiences.
Here are some tips to start good conversations about their interests and goals:
• Create a Relaxed Atmosphere. Forget formal interviews. Opt for casual conversations during car rides, meals, or relaxing together.
• Ask Open-Ended Questions. Instead of yes or no questions, try prompts like “What did you like most about that class?” or “What kinds of problems do you enjoy solving?”
• Active Listening is Key. Avoid distractions and listen closely to your student’s responses. Ask follow-up questions to show genuine interest and encourage them to elaborate.
• Celebrate Curiosity: Let your student know there are no wrong answers. Embrace their questions and encourage them to explore different interests without judgment.
Easy Conversation Starters
Here are some questions and activities to get the conversation flowing:
Strengths & Weaknesses:
• What are you good at? (e.g., problem-solving, writing, working with others)
• What subjects do you enjoy most in school and why?
• Are there any areas where you’d like to improve?
• What are some things you find challenging?
Passions & Interests
• What do you most enjoy for fun in your free time?
• Are there any hobbies or pursuits you’d like to try?
• What kind of books, movies, or podcasts do you enjoy?
• Which extracurricular activities did you enjoy and not enjoy? What did you like or dislike about them?
Career Exploration:
• Imagine you have a superpower that helps other people. What would it be and why?
• If you could solve any world problem, what would it be, and how would you tackle it?
• What are some jobs you find interesting? Why?
• Let’s take a personality or career-matching quiz together and see our results! (There are many free resources available online)
Activities to Spark Exploration
• Shadowing Professionals. Have your student shadow a professional in a field that interests them. Job shadowing provides firsthand experience and a chance to ask questions.
• Volunteer Work. Volunteering lets students explore causes, learn skills, and develop a community service ethic.
• Summer Programs. Think about summer programs or camps that match their interests. These can give students a chance to explore different fields and learn new skills.
Student self-discovery is a process, not a checkbox. Casual talks get your student thinking about their interests and future goals. The best time to start these conversations is during their sophomore year of high school. It’s an important first step in finding their true passions and the right schools to support them.
As your student thinks about the future, it’s a good time to check on their current academic and social standing.
Step 2: Building the Foundation for a Custom College Plan
Your student’s transcripts, test scores, and extracurricular activities create a vivid picture. The next step is to review and assess your student’s current standing in academic areas. These grades and test scores will be vital to building a compelling college profile that admissions officers will love.
Review High School Transcripts (GPA, Course Rigor)
Has your student planned for or already taken standardized protests? If so, use their scores to measure against future progress. Highlight strong subjects and consider tutoring or test prep for areas needing improvement.
Many schools now offer test-optional admissions. Yet, strong SAT or ACT scores can offer advantages in the application process. Also, stay informed, as tests may once again become mandatory in the future.
Standardized Test Scores (SAT, ACT)
Has your student planned for or already taken standardized pretests?
If your student takes a standardized pretest, use their scores to measure future progress.
Discuss their strengths and weaknesses in each section.
Consider exploring tutoring or test prep resources to target areas for improvement.
While many schools have shifted to test-optional admissions, strong SAT or ACT scores can still be a significant advantage in the application process. There has also been much discussion about these tests becoming more important again in the coming years.
Extracurricular Activities
What extracurricular activities does your student take part in? Do they reflect a passion for music, social justice, technology, or athletics? Their preferred activities reveal their values and how they spend their free time.
Has your student held leadership positions within their extracurricular activities? Taking initiative and demonstrating leadership qualities are valuable assets for college applications.
Athletic Activities
Participating in sports requires dedication, discipline, and teamwork. These are skills that also help with academics and college life. Discuss how your student manages their time between academics and athletics. Have they demonstrated good organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple responsibilities?
Volunteer and Community Service
What community service activities has your student participated in? These experiences show what matters to them and their desire to give back to their community.
Ask your student to reflect on the impact of their volunteer work. How has it helped the community and themselves? Did it shape their perspective or inspire future goals?
Special Skills and Talents
Does your student have strong artistic abilities, musical talent, or foreign language skills? These talents can add value to a campus community and make your student stand out as an applicant.
How have your student’s unique talents developed over time? Have they participated in competitions, workshops, or independent projects?
Conversations during the sophomore year provide insights for smarter academic and extracurricular choices. Meet with a school or college advisor to plan coursework to match your student’s interests.
Unsure when to start planning for college? BestFit College Advisors can help!
The college admissions process can be overwhelming, even for organized families. With so much to consider, having professional guidance can make a huge difference.
BestFit College Advisors offers:
• Tailored guidance through the entire admissions process
• Help identify your student’s strengths and interests
• Support in building a strategic college list
• Help in crafting a compelling resume
Our educational consultants provide:
• Personalized feedback on application materials
• Motivation to keep students on track
• Help staying organized and meeting deadlines
Whether you need:
• Full guidance or targeted support, we’re here to help
• Stress-free planning to make the admissions process as stress-free as possible.
Contact Cheryl Coughlin at (207) 229-8603 today! Find out how BestFit College Advisors can help your student achieve their college dreams!
Now, let’s explore how to best position your student for college success!
Craft a Compelling Story for the College Applications Process
Think about your student's academic records, extracurricular activities, and personal experiences. These provide valuable insights into their strengths, interests, and values. A collaborative self-assessment process builds a foundation for a successful college application. By understanding their unique story, you can craft a compelling story about who they are. A story highlighting the contributions your student will bring to their future college.
Building the Complete College Applicant
While good grades are important, colleges want more than academic success. They want well-rounded people with a passion for learning and the skills to thrive on campus. Here’s how your student can stand out and build an impressive profile:
Extracurricular Activities: Extracurricular activities include sports, clubs, student government, and theater. These are great places for students to show commitment and leadership potential. Participation demonstrates initiative, teamwork, and the ability to manage their time. Encourage your student to take part in their favorite activities and to explore new ones.
Volunteer Work: Volunteering is a great way to explore interests and build life skills. Volunteering also looks great on college applications! Look for volunteer opportunities that align with your student's interests. These may be working at an animal shelter, mentoring younger students, or helping at a local food bank.
Developing Special Talents: Does your student have a talent for music, art, or coding? Colleges value students who can bring unique skills and talents to their campus. Encourage your student to continue developing their abilities. Continue taking lessons, participating in competitions, or creating a portfolio of their work.
These activities show your student’s academic strengths and well-rounded personality. They provide a fuller picture of who they are and how they might contribute to college life.
Personality Assessments and Surveys for Self-Discovery
Students often need help figuring out their interests. Here are resources helpful for exploring their passions and potential career paths:
Personality Assessments: Consider tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or YouScience.com. These resources can help students identify their strengths, preferences, and working styles. They are also a great starting point for exploring potential careers.
Interest Surveys: Many college websites offer free surveys that match interests with careers. These surveys can spark new ideas and help students narrow down their options.
The Myers & Briggs Foundation: https://www.myersbriggs.org/
National Career Development Association: https://www.ncda.org. This website offers various career exploration resources, including interest surveys.
The goal is to encourage your student to try different things and discover what they enjoy. This process takes time and may need a little guidance. Keep self-discovery a regular focus and conversation throughout their sophomore and junior years.
Mapping the College Admissions Process
Let's examine the college admissions process. While complicated, knowing the basics will help you both prepare confidently.
Standardized Testing (SAT/ACT):
Most colleges require either the SAT or ACT. While sophomore year is a bit early for test prep, it’s a great time to get familiar with these exams. The College Board (SAT) and ACT, Inc. websites offer practice tests and resources to help students understand the format.
Application Timelines:
Applying to college occurs during the junior and senior years. But, preparation should begin in the sophomore year. Here’s a simple breakdown:
Sophomore Year (All Year): Start exploring colleges, planning coursework, and researching testing options. Starting the college search early allows your student to explore more options.
Junior Year (Fall): Students begin researching colleges and universities and attending college fairs. They should also start building their college lists and researching application requirements.
Junior Year (Spring/Summer): Some students choose to take standardized tests (SAT/ACT). They should continue researching colleges and start brainstorming essay topics.
Senior Year (Fall): This is crunch time! Students finish college lists, request transcripts and letters of recommendation, and begin applications. Many schools accept the Common App, which can streamline applications for multiple schools. Early decision and early action deadlines usually occur in November.
Note: Application fees will be due and will vary by institution.
Senior Year (Winter/Spring): Students continue submitting applications and meeting regular decision deadlines. These usually fall between January and March. They'll also receive admissions decisions and start comparing financial aid offers.
Note: Make sure your contact information is up-to-date when submitting applications. to ensure admissions officers can reach you.
These are general timelines with specific deadlines varying for each college and student.
Your Path to College Admissions Success
Start early with self-discovery and familiarize yourself with the application process. The best way to help your student prepare for college is by creating a clear strategy and roadmap to follow.
In a future article, we’ll cover how to help your student build a strong college application profile. We'll provide a complete college admissions guide to support your student's journey.
Don't Panic - We Can Help! It's Not Too Late to Plan For College!
Schedule your FREE 30-minute consultation today! Call Cheryl at (207) 229-8603 or visit BestFit College Advisors online to learn more about preparing your student for college.
We serve students in person across the seacoast of Maine and New Hampshire, including Kittery, York, Eliot, Kennebunk, Maine, and Portsmouth, NH. We also serve students nationwide online.
Cheryl Coughlin is a member of:
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