Your Teen
Should NOT
Do This
Be Late
“Do not wait until the last minute! Requesting
transcripts and test scores early will ensure that
applications can be processed in a timely manner. Keep deadlines, application fees and deposits in mind. Be aware that different schools may
have different deadlines. Also, parents should
allow their students to fill out applications
themselves. It is great practice for the transition
to adulthood. When in doubt, call your admissions counselor. We are here to help, so don’t be
shy!” K.B.
“Do not wait until spring of your senior year
to start filling out applications. The scholarship
deadline for Auburn is December 1, and students who apply by that date are automatically
considered for merit-based or general scholarships.” K.T.
Get Their Phone Number Wrong
“A common mistake is for a student to give
incorrect or not up-to-date contact information. If we cannot reach you via mail, email
or phone, the offer of admission, scholarship
or other time-sensitive information will not
be received.” A.G.
5
Give your teen this list to get them thinking ahead.
1. Waiting until senior year to take the ACT/SAT.
Take these tests starting your junior year, and take them multiple times for optimal results.
Because students test differently, advisors suggest taking both tests to figure out which one
is best for you. Different states and colleges may require different tests. So, make sure you’ve
checked to see which test your prospective college requires.
2. Not contacting your admissions advisor.
Get to know your admissions advisor, and maintain communication with them. It’s important to meet face-to-face instead of being yet another piece of paper that comes across their
desk. Every school has a recruiter or an advisor to be your go-to person throughout the
process.
3. Not going on campus tours.
Campus tours are the most important part of the whole admissions process. Any college
can seem appealing in a pretty brochure, but until you actually experience the campus for
yourself, you won’t know if it is the right fit for you. Campus tours allow you to see the
overall campus and facilities along with a sample of the school’s culture. Depending on the
college you are applying to, you can even make appointments to meet advisors in the specific
colleges and departments you’re interested in.
4. Missing deadlines for scholarship opportunities.
Check deadlines for scholarship opportunities early in the admissions process since they
vary from school to school. Once the deadline passes, you won’t be allowed to submit your
application and will have to seek out other financial aid opportunities.
5. Letting outside pressures influence your college decision.
We all have favorite sports teams, close friends who have moved off to college and other ties
to particular schools, but it’s important to look at different areas to figure out what school
is truly the best fit for you. Are you interested in a small or large campus, a rural or urban
environment? How much money are you willing or able to spend? Learn about things the
campus offers academically such as class size, internship opportunities, co-op and study
abroad programs or specific majors.
Our
EXPERTS “
Kali Tucker / Admissions Advisor
at Auburn University
Kate Bartlett/ Admissions Counselor at
Auburn University at Montgomery
Mistakes to Avoid By Brittney dobbs
Parents should allow their students
to fill out applications themselves.
It is great practice for the transition
to adulthood. - Kate Bartlett
”
Admissions Counselor at Auburn University at Montgomery
Erin Ramsey/ Associate Director
of Recruitment at Samford University
Andy Green/ Director of Enrollment
Management at Jacksonville State University
www.potentialmagazine.com
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