The top stories on CBS4.com
Nov 11, 2009 6:06 pm US/Eastern
Navigating Your Way Through College Applications
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
The entire college application process has become more complicated and intense in the last decade or so. So much so that most college students admit they felt a bit overwhelmed during the application process.
Two local authors want to help families get through this maze a little easier. Becky Callow and Susan Nichols have written a new book
The College Selection Compass: Helping Families Navigate A Difficult Course.
As part of their research, they polled 1,500 college students and visited campuses all over the country.
"The college application process continues to ramp itself up, trying to showcase the student for college is much more exaggerated than it used to be," said Callow.
Even with that in mind, both Callow and Nichols say that a parent should help organize, but not overwhelm, their child.
"It's a balancing act. I think it's helpful for parents to step back and say, 'Am I doing OK, am I over-involved?'," said Nichols.
The goal is to strike the right balance, because parents do need to be part of the process. Nichols said they were surprised as they travelled the country and heard the same message over and over again from students: they wanted their parents involved in helping them apply to college.
The challenge is not to go too far.
Callow says, "Everyone needs to make sure that it is the student's application."
Nichols added that is of particular importance when it comes to the essay. They suggest that a parent's involvement stop at proof-reading, but added that it can be helpful to have a family friend do that.
With costs now topping $50,000 a year at many private schools, parents need to be prepared to talk honestly about how those tuition bills will get paid.
"I hope that before the college discussion comes up, the student has some indication of what the family can, and can't, afford", said Nichols.
Parents can also help manage expectations when it comes to getting accepted, or rejected.
Callow says to remind your student, "A college doesn't necessarily want a well rounded student. They want a well rounded student body."
Nichols says that everyone needs to remember "there are so many wonderful colleges out there."
The book can be found online at
Amazon.com and
Barnesandnoble.com.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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