More than 2.5 million students apply for college annually but only about 1.7 million actually become enrolled, according to stats. Getting accepted into college, especially the highest ranked schools, is no easy feat. It takes some planning on the part of students and parents.
“Although most successful students start laying a strong foundation in junior high school, I believe that it is never too late to begin the process of searching for colleges that will meet your student’s needs best,” explains college admission expert Lanita L. Foley, founder and CEO of Where Success Blooms LLC.
Discuss with your child their college goals, dreams and plans. It will help you both better prepare–and avoid clashes. “College is not a ‘one size fits all’ process. There are more than 1,500 colleges in the US. To reduce possible friction, I recommend that busy parents consider working with a skilled college admissions expert, someone who has presented at professional conferences and worked on both sides of the admissions desk,” says Foley.
Foley offers three overlooked tips for applying to college:
1) Get an early start: Start early to avoid cramming everything in between 11th and 12th grade.
2) Seek out an expert: Work with a skilled college admissions expert who puts all of your child’s needs (e.g. academic, personal, social, financial, etc.) in perspective.
3) Get up close and personal: Go beyond the big college guidebooks and rankings. Plan to visit colleges and ask lots of questions.
