For most high school students, the college application process can be intense, nerve-wracking and confusing - but they’re still amped to be a part of it. There are some, though, who think of this time of their high school career as a burden rather than a boon, and more annoying than awesome. Wondering how you can turn their frown upside-down? Here are five points you can mention to show these students that applying to college is about more than just tedious forms, lengthy essays and standardized tests.
They get to tout their accomplishments!
Sure, filling out applications can get dull and boring, and they might feel like they’re repeating the same thing over, and over…and over again. Rather than focusing on the constant repetition, though, focus on the fact that they finally get to talk about everything they’ve worked so hard to accomplish. All those nights spent formatting the yearbook? All those weekends spent volunteering? All those all-nighters to get those projects just right? Now’s the time to talk about it all - and more! There’s no better feeling than having your hard work acknowledged, and that’s what college admissions are all about!
They get to make their own choices!
High school students live in a tenuous sort of freedom: they can do whatever they want…as long as their parents allow it. When it comes to college, though, it’s all on their own terms. They get to pick out the institutions to which they’ll apply, their classes, their major, their extracurricular activities and a brand-new circle of friends. This is the first time that many students will experience real independence; it’s a huge milestone and one that should elicit excitement (and maybe even a little bit of trepidation)!
They get to strike out on their own!
Something that many college applicants forget about is that, for the first time, they’ll be on their own - not only free to make their own choices, but free to put those choices into action. This is huge! While their parents will still likely have a say on at least the major parts of the college experience (particularly if they’re paying for some or all of it), the day-to-day living decisions will be completely up to the student. The possibilities are wide, bright and endless.
They get to start a whole new chapter!
Many students who are unenthused about the prospect of applying to college feel that way because they see it as the end of their story, and the end of an era. However, while this is true in some respects, it is also the start of a whole new chapter - one they get to write. Choices, independence, freedom, possibilities, new beginnings, new friendships - this is the language that this new chapter is written in. And, better still, it’s not only a single chapter; it’s the beginning of a entirely new book of personal stories.
They get to live out their dreams!
College is the place where students get to choose their life path, find their focus, and make the connections that will likely last a lifetime. They get to answer the question: What’s my dream? And then they get to take the steps to put it into action. College is a springboard to the rest of their life!
Anne Chaconas is the Director of Admissions Counseling for PowerScore Test Preparation (www.powerscore.com).