Getting Into College … Tip 1 (it isn’t too early to start this one)

I am 6 years away from my eldest going off to college, and yet, the thought of starting the process sends shivers down my spine. When did getting into college go from an individual sport to a team sport? Parents put as much pressure on themselves as they do on their children. I sometimes hear tips and suggestions I think I would love to re-hear in a few years. I’m going to share them here. If you have any of your own, please pass them along.

I had breakfast yesterday with two moms of high school seniors and left with this take away: (Pay attention parents of 8th graders and Freshmen.)

** Make sure you use the exact same name for them on every single form and sign up from here on out. Don’t use nicknames. If you are going to use a middle name or a middle initial, do so consistently. Pick an email and stick with it. Use the same email from the time you start registering for PSATs. Do Not use your email sometimes and your child’s or spouse’s other times. Lots of kids + lots of transcripts = Lots of chances for a paperwork error. Minimize the chance for confusion now.**

This week, we are featuring a great post by a guest contributor about the personal college essay. You may even want to take a shot at this. If you do, pass it along to us.