Modern technology has made it possible for students to apply to more colleges than would have been possible in the past. But this ability to complete college applications more easily has also increased the competition between students. Fortunately, there are a number of things parents can do to give their children an advantage over the competition.
Choose the Right School
It is important to match the student with a school that best fits the educational environment they desire. You should consider whether your child will be more comfortable in a rural, suburban, or urban setting. You should also discuss whether your child wants to attend a small school with an intimate setting or spend four years at a large research institution.
Another important consideration is how far your child is willing to travel away from home in pursuit of an education. College fairs are a good place to search for schools that match the criteria set by you and your child.
Place Priority on College Placement Tests
A lot of schools still place a great deal of importance on SAT scores. Many students find practice SATs helpful in identifying areas they need to work on before taking the real exam.
You should note that high school transcripts will still be the most important part of the college application process. But pairing good SAT scores with good grades puts your child in pole position in regard to college acceptance. You and your child should make sure you are aware of LSAT registration dates and begin to prepare for the test as early as possible.
Show Interest
Software is available that allows students to apply to multiple colleges using a single application. This is great for students who want to apply to as many colleges as possible. However, colleges have a harder time figuring out which students really want to attend their school. Your child can distinguish themselves from other applicants by making visits to the campus of a school they want to attend and making calls to an admission officer that works for the school.
Save Early
There are many savings vehicles available for parents who wish to invest in the educational future of their children. Student loans are available to help with the cost of a college education. However, these loans can cause students to begin their work career with enormous debt responsibility. A student whose family provides funds to offset the cost of a college education will be better off financially in the long run. It is prudent to begin saving for your child’s college education long before it is necessary to know LSAT registration dates.
Demonstrate Leadership Skills
One college admissions expert says it is not enough for your child to just enroll in a variety of extracurricular activities. Colleges are more impressed with kids that become leaders in these activities. For example, a student that can list themselves as the vice president of the math club will have a more impressive application than the student who lists themselves as a member of the club.
It is possible for your child to apply to more colleges than you could when you were a student. However, it can become quite competitive for students to gain admissions into the school of their choice. The ideas above will help you provide your child with the best chance possible during the college admissions process.
