What Families Should Do During the College Planning Process #collegeapps #collegenavigator #college

How does the college process actually work, and what should families be doing from start to finish?

We start with a personality assessment so we can understand the student before we start building a college list. We want to know how they learn, what they enjoy, what kind of environment they do well in, and how they operate academically and socially.

That matters because college planning should be based on the student, not random school names. Some students need a smaller campus. Some want a big university. Some want school spirit and sports. Some need quieter academic settings. Some want a city, and some want a traditional campus.

From there, we identify three possible majors. This is important because many students change their major once they get to college. If we plan around three possible majors from the beginning, we can build a college list that keeps the student on a stronger academic and financial path.

It also helps with impacted majors. Some schools make it difficult to switch into certain programs later, so families need to know that before the student applies.

Then we build the college list. That list can start with up to 40 schools, and every school needs to offer the student’s three possible majors. We also look at location, size, campus culture, academic fit, cost, and what the student wants their life to look like outside the classroom.

After that, we narrow the list down to 15 to 20 strong-fit schools. The goal is to give the student real options, with a list that includes reach, target, and safety schools.

Then we work through the applications. That can include Common App, the UC application, Cal State Apply, ApplyTexas, and any other platform the student needs based on where they are applying.

We also work on essays. Our program includes five essays, and the goal is to help students tell their story clearly in their own voice.

Then we help families with FAFSA and the CSS Profile. We also review award letters and help with financial aid appeal letters when they are needed.

Another part families sometimes forget about is the college portal. Students have to check their portals because that is where schools send updates, request documents, post decisions, and ask for next steps.

And we stay with families through the final decision. That means reviewing offers, talking through the options, and helping families understand what they are saying yes to before they submit the acceptance letter.

The college process has a lot of steps, but families do not have to figure all of them out alone.

Let College Help Squad be a part of your process.