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| Parent Involvement in College Admissions |
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University Parent
Connection is a site that helps parents of their
students navigate the new and often confusing world of "university
parenthood". With over 94 campus guides available providing
info on universities and their surrounding communities, this
site is perfect for student and parent campus visits and
tours! |
Parent
Involvement
As a parent, plan on attending college visits, college information
nights, and financial aid seminars with your student. Get informed
and help with important decisions.
Types
of Admission
Students have 6 options for college admission. MyCollegeCalendar
highly recommends students use the Early Application process and schedule;
corresponding tasks, details and deadlines are provided throughout the
MyCollegeCalendar online admissions system.
Volunteer
and Summer Activities
Admission offices want college communities composed of diverse and interesting
students - nothing would be more boring than having a campus filled only
with academic geniuses who spend 100% of their time studying.
Campus
Visits and Interviews
Plan to visit your 7 selected colleges and universities. Seniors – plan
to visit college campuses in June, July or August 2010 or in fall 2010,
and possibly in spring 2011. Juniors – plan to visit campuses
in spring 2011 and/or summer 2011.
Calculating
the Cost of College
A good starting point for discussion is the evaluation of your Expected
Family Contribution (EFC). Your EFC the amount of money your family
is expected to contribute toward the cost of college as calculated by
the U.S. Department of Education.
College
Search
Searching for colleges and universities that are a good fit for you may
sound difficult, but it’s relatively easy. Begin by knowing that
you should apply to 6 or 7 colleges and universities and MUST apply to
no less than 3.
E-mail
Etiquette
Proper etiquette must be exercised with E-mail correspondence. In E-mails,
students typically use language that has no place in professional correspondence.
College
Application Essays
Start early on your college applications and application essays. This
is a lengthy, involved process in which many colleges require multiple
essays and supplemental forms.
Letters
of Recommendation
Your teachers, counselors, coaches, employers, and community leaders
receive numerous requests for recommendations and with their busy schedules,
they have limited time. So don’t wait until the last minute
to ask.
Financial
Aid
Students, and especially parents, should understand all aspects of financial
aid process. Detailed discussion of scholarship, grant, and loan
application processes, common pitfalls to avoid, and all-around practical
advice are provided.
FAFSA
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is required by virtually
all colleges for students to receive need-based financial aid.
Scholarships
If you haven’t registered for free national scholarship search
services, do it now. Learn what scholarships and grants are offered
by foundations, clubs, businesses, and organizations and receive e-mail
reminders of when to apply.
Social
Network Sites
Clean-up any personal information you and your friends have posted on
all your internet social network websites. Many colleges and universities
will review these social networking sites (such as MySpace.com and Facebook.com)
where students who are applying to their college have posted information.
Student
Athletes
One of the biggest mistakes high school athletes make is waiting
for college coaches to notice them. If you’re serious
about playing college sports, there are steps you can take to get
college coaches to notice you.
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