1. Begin Slowly

a. Check if your teen is emotionally available to talk about college or will adding one more thing to their plate be too much right now?

2. Your perspective will be very different from your child’s. Seek to understand each other.

a. Your priorities: Expensive but want prestige to validate work/parenting. Major needs to lead to a job in a close to home school that is not too much fun!

b. Your child’s priorities: Fun! Freedom! Cool roommate! Far from home (maybe)!

3. Do NOT panic about PSAT scores

a. Consider the “P” in PSAT as “practice”. Colleges do not see these scores. A low score does not mean your student will not get in anywhere!

4. Make sure your child is ready for the dreaded question: “Where are you applying?”

a. Student should have a go-to line when a well-meaning, annoying family member or friend asks this! Response should be concise and politely delivered. Ex. “I have a great list of colleges-I will keep you posted!”

5. Don’t ruin every car ride, every dinner, every dog walk with college talk.

a. Limit college talk to once a week, e.g. Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Keep a list of your questions all week. This weekly check-in also keeps your student accountable.

6. What is the Magic Answer for Stress?

a. The best antidote for stress is action! For example, if you are stressed you have not visited any campuses, sit down now and do a virtual tour.

7. Make a Schedule and Stick to it!

a. Make a schedule that allows you to submit before October 31 so you can have a Happy Halloween! Example: Summer- complete Common App and essay. Reserve one hour a weekend in September and October for writing supplemental essays.

Learn more about The College Coaches at https://TheCollegeCoaches.com