What's the rush?

Recently I tweeted an article about the disadvantages of being the first one to submit a college application.  Since then it has occurred to me that some further explanation might be needed.

First, if one of my students is applying to a state university like Auburn, the U. of Tennessee, Ole Miss, or any college with a rolling admissions deadline, there's nothing wrong with getting the application completed as soon as possible.  As I often tell students, there's nothing quite like that first acceptance letter to help you breathe again.  But even with those schools, students are sometimes in such a rush to "just get it done," that they make careless mistakes or perhaps even more important, don't take advantage of every opportunity to illustrate who they are.

Sure, some applications only want biographical information and the name of your high school, but many of them offer some opportunities to say something about yourself. It may be in the form of an optional personal statement, or it may be the chance to upload a resume.  Why wouldn't you take advantage of these opportunities?

We've barely finished two weeks of school, so rather than racing through your college applications, take a deep breath (and that includes mom and dad) and slow down.  Submit a thoughtful application, one that showcases your best self.  Regardless of the outcome, you will know that you did everything you can to gain admission.

Talking about the risks of campus life

If I had a nickel for every time I heard a parent say "That's not going to happen to my student," I could probably retire.  I've been a college counselor for too long however, and I know that things can in fact happen to "your student."

Perhaps that's why I appreciate the article "For Freshmen, Campus Life Poses New Risks."  Even the best of teenagers make mistakes sometimes, especially during the first weeks at college, and that's one of many reasons why it is so important to have an honest conversation with them before they go. Even more important, that conversation needs to continue, because as the article states, the research shows parents still have at least some influence over their children's decisions.

Use your influence while you can and start the conversation (long) before they go.