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KNIGHTtime News
GUIDING YOUR COLLEGE PROCESS
TIPS FOR SENIORS
Just be positive. Simply be the biggest personal cheerleaders for each of your friends as they hear good news and disappointing
news. If you don’t have something positive to say, then just smile or don’t say anything. Please refrain from sharing your personal opinions about schools as it can have a lasting impact on your friends (especially if it is negative). Remember your likely option, might be your classmates top choice - and that’s awesome
that each of us has a di erent process and di erent colleges we are excited about. Stay positive and be supportive!
If you receive disappointing news, do not panic and add schools to your college list! Remember, this is only early action. It will be obvious to the new colleges that your application is a hail mary since the application won’t be put together as thoughtfully as your earlier apps. Be prepared to go through the
full process; you will get into places you love.
Regardless of the outcome, make sure to communicate with your college counselor on the results of your early applications and your regular application strategy.
TIPS FOR PARENTS
Be supportive, regardless of the outcome. Remind your children this decision isn’t a re ection of their own self-worth, but rather a crazy, unpredictable process. Ultimately, the admissions process is a match to be made and not a prize to be won. Students will have great college options in the spring. Help them stay persistent and positive.
Celebrate the wins! Don’t let admissions deferrals or denials spoil the holiday season for your child or your family. Remind your student of all the great things that happened this past semester (senior quad, homecoming, fun classes).
Don’t go rogue! Do not call the o ce of admission asking for explanations of the admission decision.
Resist the temptation to add to the rumor mill. This is a process that is already fraught with anxiety and tension and that is only fueled even further when half-truths
and speculations about student outcomes join the conversation.
Hug your child and tell them that you love them.
Don’t read the decision at school.
Most students think they are ready to handle the news (whether good or bad), but the reality is that it is better for students to receive the news at home where they can express their reactions in a private manner with the support of their family.
Support your peers. Be empathetic towards friends. While you may have been fortunate to get good news about your early school(s), others may not have had the same luck. This is a time to exercise humility and empathy towards others.
By Bea Hodavdekar
BEST PRACTICES
on How to Support Students When College Decisions
Are Released
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