One Dad Crash Course In Getting His Kid Into College

In today's highly competitive world, getting into a good college has become a major concern for parents and students alike. As a father, I recently went through the process of helping my child navigate the daunting college application process. It was a rollercoaster ride full of excitement, stress, and countless hours of research and preparation. In this article, I will share my experience and provide some valuable insights for other parents who are on a similar journey.

1. Start Early

One of the key lessons I learned during this process is the importance of starting early. College preparations should ideally begin in the early years of high school. Encouraging my child to take challenging courses, participate in extracurricular activities, and build relationships with teachers and mentors proved to be crucial. While it's never too late to start, giving your child a head start can make a significant difference.

2. Research, Research, Research

The abundance of colleges and universities can be overwhelming. However, conducting thorough research is vital in finding the right fit for your child. Take into consideration factors such as academic programs, size of the campus, location, and financial aid options. Visiting campuses and attending college fairs can provide valuable insights and help narrow down the choices.

Crazy U: One Dad's Crash Course in Getting His Kid Into College

by Andrew Ferguson (Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1764 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	242 pages

FREE

3. Standardized Testing

The dreaded standardized tests – ACT and SAT – play a significant role in the college admissions process. Familiarize yourself and your child with the format and content of these exams early on. Consider enrolling your child in test preparation courses or hiring a tutor, if needed. Practice tests are an excellent way to gauge your child's performance and identify areas that require improvement.

4. Crafting the Perfect Application

The college application is a make-or-break document that highlights your child's achievements, abilities, and personality. It is crucial to craft a well-rounded application that stands out from the thousands of others. Spend time brainstorming and drafting a compelling essay that showcases your child's unique qualities. Additionally, ensure that recommendation letters from teachers and mentors are sincere and showcase your child's strengths.

5. Financial Aid

College education can be a significant financial burden, and navigating the complex world of financial aid is crucial. Start researching scholarships, grants, and loans as early as possible to minimize the financial strain. Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) accurately and on time is a critical step in accessing various financial aid opportunities.

6. Be Supportive

Throughout this journey, it is essential to provide emotional support to your child. The college application process can be stressful and overwhelming, and your child needs reassurance and guidance. Encourage them to persevere, maintain a positive attitude, and remind them that their self-worth is not solely determined by college admissions. Celebrate small victories along the way and remind them that no matter the outcome, their future is bright.

Getting a child into college is undoubtedly a challenging task for any parent. However, by starting early, conducting thorough research, preparing for standardized tests, crafting the perfect application, exploring financial aid options, and providing emotional support, you can guide your child towards a successful college journey. Remember, the ultimate goal is to help them find a college that aligns with their interests, aspirations, and personal growth. Good luck with your adventure!

Crazy U: One Dad's Crash Course in Getting His Kid Into College

by Andrew Ferguson (Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1764 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	242 pages

FREE

The cutthroat competition to get into the perfect college can drive students to the brink of madness and push their parents over the edge—and bury them in an avalanche of books that claim to hold the secret of success. Don’t worry: Crazy U is not one of those books. It is instead a disarmingly candid and hilariously subversive chronicle of the journey that millions of parents and their children undertake each year—a journey through the surreal rituals of college admissions. It’s a rollicking ride from the man Christopher Buckley has called “my all-time favorite writer.”

Pummeled by peers, creeped out by counselors, and addled by advice books, Andrew Ferguson has come to believe that a single misstep could cost his son a shot at a happy and fulfilling future. He feels the pressure to get it right from the moment the first color brochures land in his mailbox, sent from colleges soliciting customers as though they were sailors come to port.

First is a visit with the most sought-after, most expensive—and surely most intimidating—private college consultant in the nation. Then come the steps familiar to parents and their college-bound children, seen through a gimlet eye: a session with a distracted high school counselor, preparations for the SAT and an immersion in its mysteries, unhelpful help from essay coaches and admissions directors, endless campus tours, and finally, as spring arrives, the waiting, waiting, waiting for the envelope that bears news of the future.

Meanwhile, Ferguson passes on the tips he’s picked up during their crash course. (Tip number 36: Don’t apply for financial aid after midnight.) He provides a pocket history of higher education in America, recounts the college ranking wars, and casts light on the obscure and not-terribly-seemly world of higher-education marketing. And he dares to raise the question that no one (until now) has been able to answer: Why on earth does it all cost so much? Along the way, something unexpected begins to happen: a new relationship grows between father and son, built from humor, loyalty, and (yes) more than a little shared anxiety. For all its tips and trials, Crazy U is also a story about family. It turns out that the quiet boy who pretends not to be worried about college has lots to teach his father—about what matters in life, about trusting your instincts, about finding your own way. In launching his son into the world,