Current/Future Applicants and Parents: Making a College Application List

alamemom
Sat, 11 May 2013 12:52:48 +0000

Now that the dust is settling on the 2013 application cycle (Spring admits are still waiting for Fall bumps and many transfers are still waiting for news - best of luck to all!) I wanted to bump this up to get discussion going for the 2014 cycle.

Class of 2014, PLEASE put together a list of colleges that include:


ONLY schools you are willing to attend - do not apply to schools you would not attend (this sounds like a simple concept, but you would be surprised how many applicants come on college confidential saying they hate their safeties and they don’t want to attend them).
Schools that are **BOTH FINANCIAL plus ADMISSION safeties/b. Again, you would be surprised how many applicants list an Ivy, with their excellent need-based aid, as their “financial” safety. If you are not assured of admission, it is NOT a financial safety. A financial safety is a school you are certain you can afford (either through paying full cost or through guaranteed merit aid) AND are certain you can get in.
One or two reaches. There is no reason to put two dozen reaches on your list unless you crave the feeling of rejection. Those who have been through it know that each and every one of the rejection letters is terribly painful - even when you fully expect them. Go ahead and dream, dream BIG, but have a clear reason for any reach you add to your list - not just that it is an “Ivy,” or “It is ranked #XX…” or “to see if I can get in…” If there isn’t a particular program or opportunity that draws you to a school, it does not belong on the list.


THEN:


Ask your parents, bluntly, how much they can/will contribute to your college education. If you get the answer, “You worry about getting in, we will worry about paying for it…” show them this thread and let them know that private colleges are costing more than $60,000/year. Buy them the book, Paying for College Without Going Broke NOW with your own money (it is about $15 or $20 in-store or at Amazon) and ask them to read it. You read it, too.


Applicants, it is all about options. On May 1st, the goal is to have multiple wonderful options from which to choose. Do not allow yourself to become attached to any one school (even one as wonderful as USC). As you visit and investigate schools, imagine yourself at each one and allow yourself to see what is wonderful about each one. My hope for you is that when you make your decision on May 1st, 2014, it will be hard to let go of your other opportunities because you did such a great job making your list of schools.

Others who have just been through it, PLEASE add your thoughts! Those who are just beginning the application cycle, ASK the veterans! Good luck to all :)