Collegewise: “He’s seventeen. He’ll screw it up.”

Collegewise: “He’s seventeen. He’ll screw it up.”

If you’re worried that your teen isn’t taking the college application process seriously enough, resist the urge to jump in and take it seriously for them.  Instead, be honest about your concerns.  Tell them how excited you are about their college future.  Let them know the efforts you’ve made to save for their college tuition, and the sacrifices you’re willing to make to send them.

I’m not suggesting you say those things to make your teen feel guilty.  I think a mature teen will appreciate how much emotional and financial investmenet you’re willing to make in them.

Then they might be a little more open to hearing your concerns about the looming deadlines and the lack of application action.

Collegewise: For high school counselors: How to teach families more by sharing less

Collegewise: For high school counselors: How to teach families more by sharing less

Share less.

Telling them everything might not be as valuable as teaching them something.

Collegewise: Insight from a different kind of dean

Collegewise: Insight from a different kind of dean

A good example on what may impress a college.

Any admissions officer would be impressed by your desire to learn more and your drive to become a master.

Find something that interests you, something you really enjoy.

Your path to mastery will teach you a lot.  And it will make you more interesting to everyone, including colleges.

Tips : Stress-free SATs

Stress-free SATs

1. “Get” the test
2. Make the Net your friend
3. Choose a target date
4. Take the PSAT
5. Get a study guide (or two or three)
6. Consider classes, in person or online
7. What about tutors?
8. Take a practice test
9. Don’t study the night before
10. When the big day arrives, take it easy