Applying to colleges is a complex and competitive process. There are a host of activities and tasks needed to successfully apply – test scores, essays, minimal credits taken in high school, grade point averages, etc. Yet, there are ways to bring some level of calm to the chaos.

Fostering an Empowered Mindset in your student will help them endure the process more effectively. There are some elements that are beyond your student’s control. But where can your student stand out or improve their outcomes? How can you diversify the breadth and types of quality colleges considered to increase their chances of getting accepted? If they have an ordinary grade point average, can they show consistent improvement in the last two years? Where can you create power for your student in the process?

The entire college application ecosystem is a collaboration. It only works if all the parts contribute. Universities do not function without students. THEY NEED STUDENTS to operate. Students need universities in order to have resources, structure and material to study. Students and universities need each other. Sure, some institutions are more competitive than others. But somewhere in the United States, there is a quality university who needs your student to attend. 

Parents, universities need tuitions to be paid. Without funds coming in (via direct pay or loans), they cannot operate. Sure, there may be competitive criteria for student admissions. But, they need to admit quality, stable students who will attend 4+ years and graduate. Universities care about being able to project annual revenue and graduation rates.

Remember this is an ecosystem of collaboration. You have some element of power. You do not have all the power. Yet, you are not utterly powerless. Somewhere, there is a quality university that values your student’s presence and contribution. You are not solely at the mercy of a handful of universities. 

Don’t take on the posture of “Pick me, pick me, pick me!”. Adopt the posture of “Let’s get to know each other. Are we a good fit?”