Yes parents, things have changed since you applied to college. You may have applied to two or three schools and you did not really get too stressed about the process. Now our students are pushed to the limit. AP,IB classes, GPA ,SATs, ACTs , SAT sub tests, rigorous curriculum, etc. Students take SATs and ACTs multiple times , starting earlier in their high school career. There are programs available on line or though businesses to help boost your students scores. Ask your school counselor if there are any programs or tutoring sponsored by the school system for little or no cost to your. Many school systems what to boost their students scores, so be sure to ask.

Just a few tips from us

1. Help your student with realistic expectations

It is important as a parent to help your child manage their own expectations. This can be a sticky subject because as the nurturing parent, you don't want your child to think that you are not supportive, know your child! What are true expectations for her. An ivy league education may be realistic but there are other great schools out there too. If you know that your child may get lost in on a large campus, talk about it. Most importantly, take advantage of campus visits. Also, make sure that the school offers a program of interest to your student.

Who applies to 10 schools? Believe it or not I know a student who applied to 10 schools. Unless you are able to qualify for a waiver, This can be a massive expense, with application fees of at least 35 to 75 dollars depending on the school you could easily spend lots of money so be realistic about this, how many is too many. Most guidance counselors will tell students to apply to two "reach "schools and then schools that are "safe". Reach schools are ones that they would love to attend, but they may not have the grades, scores, or other factors to get in. Safe schools are ones that match your students ability. They have a good chance of getting in.

Discuss school admissions with friends and other parents but be guarded with what you share

My daughters and I agreed that they should avoid some of the stress by not telling everyone all of their business! My girls would come home telling me about what school a friend got into, how high their SATs were etc. You can't believe everything that you hear and what does that have to do with you. This can only add to their stress especially if they are not that far along in the process. Stay focused on you and share your news when you are ready.

Stay in contact with your students guidance counselor and most importantly have a meeting with your student and the counselor during the junior year

If this is not part of your school's routine, make it one for your student. This meeting can be eye opening. First, you child's curriulum is very important. You may not be aware that they need to continue in math, languages and other areas, eventhough they may have enough credits to graduate. Make sure that they are following the right path. You need a curriucum that shows that you have attempted what counselors call rigor but also, the more information you are exposed to the better when taking reasoning and achievement tests.

Micro manage, but from a far!

Start handing over some of the responsibilities of applying to school to your student. I purchased a large calendar, sat down with my students and said, you have to keep track of all of this. We discussed a plan of action, and I allowed them to schedule tests, when applications are due, etc. You can still be a part of this, but face it, in less than a year, they are going be in college, and are you planning on moving in with them?

Other tidbits

A friend also told me to start making a file of all of my girl's activities from freshman to senior year.At the end of every school year, jot down activites, save programs, letters, etc. This was very helpful for when we started aplications, we could pull out the file and list all of the activities. You would be surprised at how much your student did, you won't remember it all.

Have your student develop a resume. This was very helpful to teachers who write recommendations for them. They can write with more knowledge about your students interests in and out of school. Also, some information about what they would like to major.

Thank every teacher who helps with this process. It takes time for teachers to write letters of reference and you want them to know that you value their time. A note or a small token is a nice touch!

Just a few thoughts from a parent of two. One in college, one who is a senior. Hope that this is helpful, and your comments are welcomed.