02/17/2024
A client, Ava, just got into her Early Decision college. Everything went silky smooth, and there wasn't a hint of a scintilla of any drama whatsoever during the 10 months we worked together.
Not.
Here's what really went down. Literally the day before she got the GREAT news, Ava's mom and I spoke on the phone for about 25 minutes. Most of the conversation was along the lines of:
*She's so bummed out, she doesn't think she's going to get into a "good school"
*None of her friends are getting into their top choice colleges, she's really, really nervous"
*What can we do, while we wait to hear from [College]? Anything?"
*When I ask her anything, she yells "I don't want to talk about it, mom!" and leaves the room.
That was Tuesday. On Wednesday, I logged into my email, to see "I GOT IN!" yelling at me at the top of my inbox.
It's quite a roller coaster, this college admissions game. You're down in the dumps one day, then all's forgotten in the morning. Sometimes it works the other way, not quite "riding high in April, shot down in May," but you get the point.
If you've been through the process, it may feel arbitrary. But it's not.
There's a "recipe" for what college admissions officers want, and it ain't all grades and SATs. Knowing the rules of the game is essential if you want the best results...
..which is why I'm re-running my new presentation, "Late Stage College Planning for 11th Graders" tomorrow night. All 2025 (and, what the heck, younger) families are welcome to join. No cost, nothing to buy.
If you're getting sick to your stomach about where to even get started in the process of making a list of colleges that your kiddo can even get into -- i.e. are there any "Safety Schools" any more? --- or do I have a snowball's chance in hell at scholarships or financial aid or scholarships, or what the bejeezus will she write her essay about, or related topics, here's where to go:
https://event.webinarjam.com/register/131/0zlnlbyr
Hope to see you on the morrow!
- Andy "That's College Life" Lockwood
P.S. This free class is especially for those parents of 11th graders who are getting closer and closer to "Go Time" for applications, essays, financial aid and scholarships, but don't feel "ready."
Here's the thing...
..this college process is like a commuter train. It pulls into the station, and leaves the station, on its own timetable.
It doesn't "care" if you're ready or not. It just happens, whether or not you're on board.
Just ask anyone who went through it already if things "snuck up" on them.
So if you're overwhelmed and maybe even a smidge guilty that you're not even close to having a coherent, strategic College Game Plan for their kids, I can't urge you enough to drop whatever you were planning on doing Sunday night and log in. (If you have a 10th grader or younger child, not a terrible idea to attend either.)
Topics on tap:
The inconvenient truth about what admissions officers at competitive and elite colleges REALLY want to see beyond GPA and SAT/ACT scores (hint: it’s not on Naviance, nor is it membership in National Honor Society, 25 clubs or a five day service trip/teen tour to a Third World country)
The closely-guarded truth about test-optional policies and how to decide To Submit or Not to Submit?
How six figure-earning families can qualify for tuition discounts of 56.2% even If their child did not crush the SAT, photoshop themselves into a water polo match or cure a pandemic over the summer
How to Write a College Essay that "Sells," Not Bores
How ChatGPT and Artificial Intelligence will affect college admissions and financial aid for our college-bound teens
Negotiation Secrets: How a mild-mannered college advisor helped his client into a “windfall” of an additional $30,022 from an elite college AFTER its “final,” stingy award
Financial Aid Rules' "Tectonic" Changes for families with siblings in college, business owners, divorced families
More, especially your questions. Pearl and I will be live in chat.
** Sign Up Here **
https://event.webinarjam.com/register/131/0zlnlbyr
Please forward this invitation to anyone you know who needs it! 'Cause they're not getting it anywhere else, not from their guidance counselors or other parents. Here's the page w/ all the info.
Essays, applications, financial aid, scholarships, the college list, test-optional and more!
