- \ Gerard Gruber
- April 22, 2019
- No Comments
Parents with ethical standards, though, may be wondering about the right steps to take to help their son or daughter gain admission to their dream schools. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the top 6 things you can do to help give your child the best chance of opening that college admissions letter that reads, “Congratulations!”
Focus on What You Can Control
When it comes to college admissions, the ultimate decision about a student’s acceptance or denial isn’t up to anyone except the decision-making board at the college. This lack of control can drive parents crazy. But, focusing on the elements you can control can make all the difference in boosting your child’s chances for a positive result.
According to the U.S. News, the top six reasons that college applicants get rejected from their choice schools are:
- The applicant didn’t meet the academic threshold.
- The application is incomplete.
- The school isn’t a good fit.
- The application has too many errors.
- The student has a record of behavior problems.
- The demand is much greater than the supply.
Looking at the above list, we can identify that there is only one option on this list that a parent has zero control over: the demand for that school year is too high. Of course, meeting the academic threshold isn’t completely cut and dry since some year’s applicant pools may display a higher level of academic achievement that phases out lower level applicants who may have been able to “make the cut” in a different year. However, based on an evaluation of the list above, there are still five main areas where parents can offer their assistance without giving their child an unfair advantage.
- Do Your Research: If your child wishes to pursue a veterinary career, but applies to an aeronautical school, his chances of admission are slim. Or, if an applicant submits an admissions essay that expresses his or her interest in going to a large university, that student clearly has either not done his due diligence on the institution or is seeking admission for all the wrong reasons. Your child has the best chance of admission when he or she clearly aligns his or her goals with the offerings of the particular school in which he or she is applying.
- Urge Your Child to Participate in Extracurricular Activities and Community Service: With the fierce admissions competition that exists today, academics are only one aspect of an applicant’s picture. Colleges favor applicants who show community involvement as well as prolonged participation in an extra-curricular activity. However, a deeper level of commitment to a few sports or activities is valued over shallow involvement in a wider range of activities. Leadership roles in extracurricular activities are especially desirable to admission boards, so running for the president a club or student body program may help your applicant stand out.
- Educate Your Child on the Repercussions of Bad Behavior: When it comes to college admissions, just as in life, a poor record of behavior can make gaining entrance into highly coveted schools, programs, or jobs increasingly difficult, if not impossible. Colleges are not going to willingly accept an applicant who displays a history of disruption with other members of the student body or staff.
Once your child has received all of his or her acceptance letters, you might want to compare how each college compares in cost. In this case, you’ll want to estimate the net cost. In order to find the estimated net cost, you subtract any scholarships or grants awarded the applicant from the published price of tuition, fees, and room and board. This will allow you to do a financial side-by-side comparison and make the best decision for both your own finances and your child’s future.
Since there are some elements of the admissions process that we cannot control, it’s important to be emotionally supportive of your applicant during the entire process—especially if he or she receives a rejection letter or two. As parents, we would give anything to see our children be fulfilled and successful in their college years, but the reality of the admissions process is that not every application is going to be a win. It’s important to remind our applicants that the first choice is not the only choice. Collegiate success is determined by an individual’s actions, no matter what type, level, or caliber of school he or she attends.
If you need assistance in choosing how to best fund your child’s post-secondary education, please contact us to schedule a complimentary consultation where we would be more than happy to assist you in analyzing your options.
Disclaimer:
This information is provided for general purposes and is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to compile this material from reliable sources; however, no warranty can be made as to its accuracy or completeness. Before acting on any of the information, please consult your Financial Advisor for individual financial advice based on your personal circumstances. Neither Harbor West nor Geneos Wealth Management, Inc. provide tax or legal advice.
Harbor West is a division of NorthEast Community Bank. Securities and Advisory Services offered through Geneos Wealth Management, Inc. FINRA/SIPC Investment Advisory and Financial Planning Services offered through Geneos Wealth Management, Inc. Investments are not FDIC Insured. Investments are not deposits of the financial institution and are not guaranteed by the financial institution. Investments are subject to risks including loss of principal.