October is “Apply to College” Month

If your senior is headed to college, now is the time to complete applications and finalize college decisions.

Why It Matters

The application process may differ among schools.
The narrowed list of colleges that your student has been refining and reviewing the past few months will be very useful as your student researches the colleges’ websites for admission and application requirements. By now, the list should be narrowed to the top two to five schools.
Being informed and organized will reduce time and anxiety.
Tracking the dates when applications, essays and other documents are submitted is a game-changer for any senior on the path to college. Creating an electronic checklist or physical folder for each college under consideration will help during this process, as well as when comparing future financial aid and scholarship offers.

What Your Student Can Do Now

Pay attention to deadlines.
Be sure to note if online or paper applications are available, as well as any deadlines for applying. Many colleges accept applications on a rolling basis, which means students may apply at any time during the year. However, sending an application after March to attend the following fall could possibly jeopardize acceptance to the school, as well as financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
Take note of supplemental materials.
Some schools accept the Common Application, which is a standard form accepted by more than 1,200 colleges in place of a customized form. Supplemental materials or forms might be required, so it’s important to document when and how those were sent and follow up appropriately.
Gather the necessary information.
Diligent record-keeping and an updated resume will streamline the application process. Your student will also need to have ACT/SAT test scores, class rank information and a recent academic record handy. Some schools now waive the test score requirement and instead use a holistic review of the applicant. With these schools, a student’s academic record, as well as extracurricular activities, honors and awards, and work and volunteer experience, may receive more attention. However, be sure to take note of any merit-based scholarships that use test scores in their awarding criteria.
Check if an essay is required.
Some schools require an essay, which is an opportunity to highlight a singular topic or simply explain why your student wants to attend a particular school. A polished essay using proper grammar and punctuation can speak volumes in support of an application.
Use Artificial Intelligence (AI) responsibly.
The college planning journey now includes AI and also the question of whether or not it is appropriate to use for college admissions and career placement. Instead of asking if it should be used, it’s now a matter of using it responsibly. No doubt students are using AI in the college search and application process, and AI literacy has become part of college readiness and future employment. In a recent survey by Gallup and the Lumina Foundation, nearly half of employers believe college will become more important over the next five years due to the growing use of AI. College students should understand their school’s expectations regarding AI usage. It can be used to support learning but not replace human reasoning and assessment skills; the student should be able to defend their work without using AI. In the workplace, AI should not replace human judgment or skills that an employee should develop

What Your Student Can Do Later

Schedule plenty of time.
Completing college applications is comparable to homework assignments. Your student should schedule, in a planner or activity schedule, suitable time to complete each application. Procrastinating and rushing through the process at the last minute won’t likely result in quality work.
Look into scholarship opportunities.
If your student will be applying to a particular program, it isn’t too early to investigate the availability of and qualifications for scholarships. Knowing the eligibility requirements early will give your student the opportunity to increase required grades or to take particular classes while still in high school. The ISL Education Lending Scholarship is a good place to start. Registration is open now for Iowa high school students and their parents, not just seniors, at www.IowaStudentLoan.org/ScholarshipSignUp. The scholarship awards $2,500 ISave 529 deposits to 18 registrants, which can be used when your student is ready to pay educational expenses.
Find a support system.
Many colleges require letters of recommendation in support of a student’s application. Your student should have a short list of coaches, employers, teachers and counselors who will write letters when respectfully asked. These are people who have invested their time and talent toward your student’s success and will most likely welcome the opportunity to assist with your student’s future steps.

What You Can Do

Be an editor.
If you feel comfortable doing so, offer your help to proofread applications and essays or suggest essay topics if the college doesn’t provide one. Recommend a friend or co-worker who might be willing to offer advice and editing skills.
Encourage follow-up.
If your student is receptive, offer to pay attention to application deadlines and monitor the receipt notifications from each college. Allow three to four weeks for schools to receive a mailed application. A confirmation for online and emailed applications might arrive within 24 hours. Your student may feel less overwhelmed or anxious with these duties delegated to someone else.
Keep talking about finances.
Continue having honest discussions about college affordability and how your contribution to college costs may have changed in recent years. Encourage exploration of similar, but less-expensive, programs and campuses and discuss possible ways to make up the cost difference without going too deeply into debt. College conversations in recent years have shifted more toward the topic of affordability and the return on the investment, rather than if test scores meet admission requirements.

Next Steps

Be sure to complete the survey questions at the end of this article to be entered into the 529 deposit giveaway!