It’s been about a year since my son started seriously considering which colleges to apply to, with help from my wife and I. (He is our only child, so this application process was new to us all.) He researched and visited colleges, drafted sample essays, and completed applications to two dozen colleges. In February, we went on additional visits to colleges that had already admitted him under early action. Then we watched the mailbox and email inbox at the end of March. More acceptances came in, along with some rejection letters. Just last week he finally chose his college.
Meanwhile my wife and I had been learning about financial aid, to put our best foot forward on the FAFSA and CSS PROFILE. Our tax returns got done uncharacteristically early in February, so we could update the FAFSA with the final figures.
Overall it’s been a grueling effort for the whole family — a marathon of investigation and paperwork. We are relieved that the process is over, and definitely happy with the outcome. Along the way, we have learned an amazing amount about sources of information and help, tactics and approaches to consider, and what we wish we had started sooner.
This website is my way of sharing our knowledge and perspectives with parents who are starting this marathon, or who will be starting soon. My topics will include:
- College research tools
- High School academics and extracurricular activities
- Standardized testing
- Essays on applications
- Choosing a major on your college application
- Financial aid
- And whatever additional topics are raised by your comments!