Top 10 Tips
 Parents want the best for you and want to help. Let them… within limits. But most importantly, communicate with them and include them in the process.
 Know that this is an emotional time for your parents, too! Be mindful that sending a child to college is hard and that their role in your life is changing by the day. Be considerate of your parents concerns and be grateful for their support.
 Be honest with yourself — consider YOUR interests, preferences, strengths and weaknesses as you consider colleges. It really is about FIT and MATCH. Don’t choose a college based upon where your friends are going, its prestige, it’s a party-hearty reputation, or that you know you’ll be accepted there. Choose a school that matches your personality and interest. Remember, it will be your home for the next several years.
 Every school that you apply to should be your first choice school. Be happy knowing that you would be excited attending any of the schools you have selected.
 DON’T take anything personally! With the number of students applying to school today, a decision to accept or deny most likely has nothing to do with your lack of qualifications.
 Don’t procrastinate at any point during the process. Although you may be a last minute type of person, know that the college search and application process requires diligent work and planning. More importantly, the outcome of how you apply yourself will have great bearing on your life and future. Don’t let anything fall to chance.
 Get and stay organized; keep everything in one place and make copies of everything you send to a school.
 Enjoy your senior year! Don’t let the college process consume your life. With proper planning, this can be an exciting time that should not detract from your final year.
 Celebrate your final college decision! Make your choice carefully and know that because you worked hard and planned that your choice will be a good one.
 Finally, don’t forget to take the time to thank those people who have helped you along the way. A handwritten note to a teacher, counselor, or community member goes a long way while also sharing with them the exciting news of your college decision. Be sure to thank your parents, too.
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