Teenagers get overwhelmed with anxiety quite easily when it comes to the college application process. They get disorganized and let the paperwork for applications pile up until it becomes unmanageable and causes them to stop working on the applications.
Students benefit greatly from a bit of gentle questioning from parents and teachers. Be proactive about helping grade 12 students stay on track with their college applications. There are ways to help motivate them to get applications in at least on time, if not early.
Post Application Due Dates for In-State Colleges
Go online and get information about the due dates for college applications at all colleges in the state. The guidance department will probably also be able to provide you with this information. Make a large poster listing the name of the college and the application due date. Refer to the dates as they start to get closer in time. Give students gentle reminders of the upcoming due dates for applications on a regular basis.
Make a Board for College Acceptance Letters
Create a bulletin board where you will post any copies of college acceptance letters that students would like to have posted. Create this board in the early fall and tell students what it is for. Let them know that once they have received a college acceptance letter you will be delighted to post it on the bulletin board in the classroom. This will motivate students to get their applications in and start the process of waiting for an acceptance letter.
Be Available to Help Students
Be in the Library to help students on certain days. Let them know ahead of time that you will be in the Library during lunch time or after school. Tell the class that if they feel overwhelmed to drop by and let you talk to them and help sort through the paperwork. For students who are the first in their family to go to college sometimes the application process is very stressful; they don’t have anyone at home who feels comfortable helping them with the applications.
Maintain Contact with the Guidance Department
Talk to the guidance department about students who seem particularly overwhelmed or who are stalled in the application process. Ask guidance to set up meetings with students who need their assistance deciding where to apply to college or with the financial aid forms.
Provide Books and Articles about the College Application Process
Have a bookcase in the classroom devoted to materials about the college application process. Keep this share library stocked with books you find at book sales or the flea market. It is very helpful to students to read about tips to apply to colleges. You may also put piles of articles you found on this topic in the book case too. Students will browse the library frequently looking for helpful information about the college application process.
Talk to Parents
Check in with parents of the students who are overwhelmed and procrastinating about college applications. Discuss the student’s progress with them and let them know they may contact you at any time to let you know if the student needs some help.
