Top 10 Tips For a Successful College Search


01

Visit Stanford last, not first! Going to the most famous (and ultra-selective) colleges at the outset can warp expectations and make other choices (the likelier ones) seem like lesser choices.

02
Think of standardized testing as a necessary evil, and don’t overdo it! A program of long-term skill development can help, but avoid testing too often or thinking of small improvements as  overly meaningful.

03
Be sure to visit a range of college styles at the beginning: small vs. large, public vs. private, conservative vs. liberal, intense vs. laid back. Allow your child to ask him or herself, Where do I feel most at home?”

04
Allow your child to control the process. Think of him/her as the driver and yourself as the passenger of a car. You can offer advice and suggestions, but the wheel is in his/her hands.

05
Don’t meddle with your child’s essay—it must sound like her voice. Parents often assume that the essay must showcase a child’s achievements, but the best ones showcase his/her voice and personality.

06

Remember that there’s no formula to elite college admission—e.g. having the “right” grades, cores, and extracurricular activities will get you in. It doesn’t work that way.

07
Don’t fall in love with any one school—especially if it’s in the “Most Selective” category. Luck plays a huge role in acceptance to these places, so it’s better to play it safe and feel good about a range of places.

08
Help your child to find a volunteer activity for the long term rather than to “check a box” on the application. The colleges care far more about the student’s devotion to the activity than the activity itself. 

09
Consider skipping the ACT and SAT all together. If your child has good grades but doesn't test well, the large and growing list of test-optional colleges might be a perfect fit.

10
Try not to succumb to brand-name thinking. A college education is far more valuable than a jacket or a phone. Ask tough questions about the quality of the product and move past the allure of the brand.