What are your goals for the new year? Whether you're a senior in the midst of college and scholarship applications, a sophomore or junior just starting your college search process, or a parent wondering how to motivate your child to do one of the above, some time spent this month setting and clarifying goals can help set you on the path to a bright future.
First, for those of you still in the college search process - with glossy ads, unsolicited advice from just about everyone, and a dizzying array of schools to choose from, where do you start? Before you even start looking at schools, take a minute to decide what you want from your college experience. Do you have a specific career or major in mind? Several search sites, including College Board and CollegeXpress have search features that can help you find great schools. Are you not quite sure what you want to study? Be sure to choose a school with a variety of options that sound appealing. Do you have specific ideas about the intellectual community, the location, or the type of town you want to live in? These are all important factors to consider, and your school's college counselor should be able to help you identify options. Spend some time reflecting on what you want, write it down, and then begin your search. In 9th -11th grade, you should be creating a "long list" of schools that appeal to you - try to capture all schools that seem interesting. In the spring of your junior year, you will narrow this list down to the 4-8 schools you will actually apply to.
Next, for those of you in the throws of college applications - remember to breathe. In the midst of what is likely a very busy senior year, you also need to take time to reflect on what's important to you. With each application you complete, take a moment to think about why you are applying to this school. I have worked with students who had schools on their list because their parents, teachers, or counselor insisted they apply, but they really had no interest in going there. Obviously, if you are getting financial support from your parents (and I hope you are!) they need to be a partner in your decision. But if you really are not interested in a particular school, it is in neither your interest nor theirs for you to put in the time and fork over the application fee. Other students apply to prestigious institutions just to see if they can get in, although they don't really want to go there. Why would you do that? The time and effort you spend could be put into searching for and applying for scholarships for schools you DO want to attend. Remember, this is your experience, and you should think carefully about what you want before hitting the "submit" button.
Parents and guardians - you should read the two paragraphs above one more time. Obviously, if you are funding this endeavor, you need to discuss with your student what is feasible and what you are and are not willing to finance, but beyond that, remember this is your child's life, and the decision is ultimately up to them. If your college list and theirs are mutually exclusive, listen with an open mind to what your child is saying, why they are interested in those particular schools, and do some research together to see if there are some options that are acceptable to you, AND that your child can be excited about. Enlist the services of a private college admissions advisor if you need to - the investment could pay off greatly in your child's future.
So in the excitement of the new year, take some time time to clarify your college goals, and then create a plan to achieve them, but above all, make sure the goals are your own.
