Amy Haskell, M.A., M.Ed., Founder, Total Writing Enrichment Services
It’s the middle of winter and as you continue to navigate life in a global pandemic, you may feel an extra level of pressure as you try to steer your teen in the right direction regarding college admissions.
What does the college application process look like for 2021?
From changes with the SAT/ACT for certain colleges (many colleges now “test-blind”), to varying opinions on grades this year for admission criteria, the novel coronavirus upended many facets of high school life. Your teens most likely found at least some challenges with e-learning, as well as a loss of sports and extra-curricular activities.
Many parents admit feeling like they are spinning out of control in trying to grasp what this all means for their future college applicant.
What tips can high school students start now, even if so many factors with college admission remain unclear?
The good news you can immediately use to encourage your teenager to produce high quality results with college acceptance really comes down to many of the same criteria as ever, even before the corona virus shook our world.
Caution: This daily regime causes NOTICEABLE success for your teen’s school performance.
Maximize excellent study habits. As Aristotle once said: “Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” Good grades do not just appear. You need to set goals and go after them.
Ask your teacher for help or find a kind, smart, reliable tutor – learn the material.
Read everything you are assigned in science, social studies, and English. This is the #1 way to boost standardized test scores.
Begin college planning early. Seek out your counselor at school and if this person neglects to meet your needs, get outside help asap.
Make your list of easy, moderate, difficult to get accepted to colleges, learn the admission criteria, and evaluate where you will need help (for example, does the college value college essays heavier than other schools? If yes, then you will need to brush up your personal narrative writing asap!).
If you can encourage your teen to follow these five strategies consistently, you’ll see strong, results orientated growth and college acceptance.
The last thing you want to do during this tough time is become more frustrated. By focusing on your dreams for your teen and encouraging positive action, you are going to be more than ok, and you even might see a smile or two spread across your teen’s face as these good habits apply to other areas of life.
Amy Haskell is the CEO and founder of her educational consulting company, Total Writing Enrichment, where she helps parents of motivated teens write killer essays that earn “A” grades and wins college acceptance and scholarships – without the parents having to lift a pen!
