Back to school necessities for college-bound seniors

By Julie Murphy, M.A., Founder, Waverly Educational Consulting

September 1, 2021

It’s back-to-school time, and for many of us that means making sure our student’s school supply list is fulfilled with pencils, notebooks, and textbooks. But for incoming seniors, that list goes beyond the tangible essentials. In order to prepare for life after senior year and the steps it takes to get there, here are a few essential tips and strategies to set your family up for a successful year. 

Remember, it’s not too late. 

• Before the business of the fall sets in, have a discussion with your student about where they’re at in their college search. Some students know with certainty where they want to attend college, and some head into senior year unsure or with several options. Remind your student that it’s not too late and you’re here to help them make an informed decision. If your student doesn’t yet have a list of schools, set a goal to have that list mostly finalized by the end of September. Take advantage of university websites, tours, information sessions, and virtual chats to check out schools that are of interest but might be difficult to travel to before application deadlines. 

• Even before finalizing that list, spend time together discerning what your student really wants from a school. Think beyond majors and name recognition. Other elements to consider are size, campus setting, clubs, religious or political culture, campus facilities, affordability, and job preparedness for students. Spending some time on self-assessment will set your student up for finding a school that fits them, not the other way around.

Get organized 

• The college search can sometimes feel like a full-time job for you and your student. Add in the events and to-do lists of your normal lives, and due dates can quickly come and go. Set aside a few hours each week to dedicate to the search and application processes, and chat with your student about the best way to stay organized and in charge. For most students, their college search is the largest project they have managed to date. Help your student break it down into smaller steps and acknowledge progress along the way.

  • Create a calendar dedicated to college search activities like visits, application and financial aid deadlines, decision day, course registration, and more. Set achievable goals to accomplish deadline-driven tasks well before the actual date, so your student isn’t feeling stressed last minute. Make note of deadlines set by your student’s high school counseling office, to ensure that materials sent directly from the high school arrive to colleges on time.

  • Create a system for tracking mail and application materials. Before beginning writing any application component, look for similarities in essay prompts and required materials across colleges. Find ways to work smarter, not harder.

  • Create a task-list for each college, and remember to check off what you’ve completed along the way. 

Prepare for the application 

• Start writing the essays early. This is a place for your student to shine and differentiate him/herself from other candidates. Even the most accomplished students often struggle to write in the personal reflective format required of a good college essay. Encourage them to ask trusted teachers and adults to help them review essays, help brainstorm topics, and serve as a sounding board for ideas. 

• Ask teachers for recommendations early in the school year. This allows ample time for them to produce a quality letter and will remind them of your student’s preparedness and readiness that will serve them well in college. Help your letter writers by providing your resume or activity list when you request their help.

• Remember quality over quantity. Senior year isn’t the time to load up on extra activities to round out an application. Help your student identify which activities show leadership, participation in a special project, or commitment to an organization or team. And, don’t forget about those senior year courses. It’s important to continue to do well and showcase academic achievements. 

Begin exploring careers

• Continue to help your student think about and explore different career routes. Rarely does an undergraduate major lead to one and only one type of career. Encourage them to connect with alumni from their high school, family, and friends, for a shadow visit or conversation about their chosen career. 

• Remember, the college experience will continue to help your student shape what they want from a career. But, it’s never too early to start thinking about options.

Senior year is a time to celebrate all that your student has accomplished, as well as the journey ahead. Going into the school year prepared and ready to tackle the final leg of the college search will allow you both to enjoy the fun and milestones that lie ahead!