| Flutemom.
It's a great feeling that your D is psyched. Let her consider whether she should take some SAT subject tests, as some of the more selective colleges require them on top of the ACT. Ask her to make a list of her activities; this will be useful when she writes her resume. Brainstorm various anecdotes about her school experience and ECs that can be shared with recommendation writers and/or form the basis of her application essays. Ask her also to identify some favorite teachers. Toward the end of the year, she should ask them if they're willing to write a recommendation. Junior year teachers have longer to get to know their students and to write fuller recommendations, especially if they do not feel burdened by too many requests.
And finally, ask her to begin to consider what type of schools she is most interested in attending (location, climate, size, social scene, etc...). All this can be done in a low-key manner; but it's good to be able to take advantage of her enthusiasm. |