Strategies for peace in the college planning process
Have a clear vision for when to start the process.
The question of when to start the college planning journey often arises, and the answer is simple: start whenever you and your child are ready. I recently had a prospective client reach out about hiring me to help his child in the college admissions process. His kid was in 5th grade. While I love helping families with this process, I had to ask him to call me in three years. Despite what’s happening with your neighbors and friends, It's crucial to resist the temptation to start too early. Allow children to enjoy their formative years without the weight of college looming overhead. Foster open communication with your child, creating a supportive environment where their concerns and aspirations can be freely shared. Let them know that if and when they’re ready to begin discussing college preparation, you’re ready too. But keep the pressure off them until at least 8th grade.
Learn what you can do to keep emotions in check.
Maintaining emotional balance amidst the chaos of college planning requires an objective approach grounded in data and realism. It's essential to approach the process unemotionally, utilizing up-to-date data to inform decisions and set realistic goals. By aligning expectations with achievable outcomes, parents and students can navigate the college planning journey with clarity and purpose. Working with a college consultant can help families to find emotional stability during the process, too. They will serve as your sounding board, your data source, and the person to help remind you of what’s true within the current landscape.
It’s also critical for parents to set an example for their college-bound kids. Getting fresh air every day, getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night, moving your body every day (even for 20 minutes), and consuming healthy foods all contribute to emotional-well-being. Practicing these habits in front of or with your child will help them develop their own habits to carry on to college and beyond.
Remembering the Big Picture: Life Beyond College
Amidst the frenzy of college applications and admissions, it's easy to lose sight of the bigger picture: life beyond college. Encourage your child to explore their passions, interests, and personal values, recognizing that college is just one chapter in their lifelong journey of growth and self-discovery. By maintaining perspective and focusing on the broader trajectory of their future, parents and students can find peace amidst the chaos of college planning.
