Applying to college doesn’t start or stop with the college application; there are a number of different aspects to consider before, in the midst of, and after applying to school. Before you become overwhelmed with your child’s college applications, just remember that a little organization can go a long way and will help to mitigate the application process.
Tips for Staying on Track with College Admission Deadlines, Requirements and Expectations
Help Keep Your Child Organized and On Track
High school can be a challenging time for students, especially when they are deciding where to go to college and balancing academics with extracurriculars, a part-time job and their social circle. Follow up with your child’s school counselor on a regular basis to ensure that your child is meeting and completing all the the requirements for graduation. Most of today’s colleges and universities select students who demonstrate great potential for success at the college they are applying to, which typically includes: the rigor of academics, SAT or ACT results, trends in academic performance, and extracurricular activities, just to name a few.
When you keep in touch with your child’s school counselor you will have the opportunity to identify any possible challenges and lend a helping hand. It’s also an opportunity to see where your child is performing at their greatest potential and congratulate them on their accomplishments.
Application Requirements, Dates & Deadlines
Review Entrance Requirements – The college or university that your child is interested in will most likely have a list of requirements that your child must fulfill prior to enrolling in the program. It’s advised to review all of the minimum requirements, as well as any additional requirements before your child applies – which can be found by visiting the school’s website to see what they are looking for in a first year-applicant. If your child is considering the University of Vermont, here is a sample of the minim entrance requirements gathered from admissions:
- Four years of English
- Three years of mathematics (Algebra I, Algebra II and geometry (or equivalents)
- Two years of the same foreign language (American sign language meets this requirement)
- Two years of a natural or physical science, including a laboratory science
- Three years of social sciences
Standardized Test Requirements
Leading up to applications, make sure that your child is registered for the SAT or ACTs (especially if it’s required by the college or university they are applying to.) If your child is concerned about their score or performance, encourage them to register for a second time. A majority of colleges and universities, including UVM, consider the highest section score on all standardized test scores submitted; which will only benefit your child in the final admission decision.
Dates and Deadlines
For most colleges and universities, students can apply for early action or regular decision; be sure that your child has determined if they are going to apply for early action or not and prepare their application accordingly. If your child is accepted, there is also a deadline for when they need to submit an acceptance letter, ensure that you have all important dates marked on the family calendar so everyone is aware of any upcoming deadlines.
Your Child Has Applied, Now What?
Once your child has submitted his or her application, check the application status online or with admissions to ensure that all of the application materials have been received. If your child is accepted they will be notified via email and/or a letter of admission in the mail. Check with the college your child has applied to in order to see if the scholarship notification will accompany the letter of admission – at UVM it does not. However, a scholarship award letter will follow shortly after and can also be found on the application status website. If you have any additional questions or concerns regarding dates, deadlines and staying on track – visit the college admissions webpage.
