Who's on Your College Admissions Team?

By Phillip Walters

Getting into college is a team effort. You are the captain of your college search team, but you will need motivated teammates who can help make your college application shine. Like any ace squadron, your team needs members with different skills. Your team should include:

Counselors
They should bring: College information. Counselors understand the college admissions process. They have insider information and are great at opening your eyes to college possibilities. Pick their brains about potential schools and if you might be a good fit. Nobody knows more than your counselor.

Family members
They should bring: Support and guidance. Your parents will be great at helping you complete your applications, making sure you hit deadlines and offering the encouragement you need during this stressful time. They should also support you in your college decision.
They should avoid: Running your college search. The right school for mom and dad may not be the right place for you. Also, your parents should not be attending your college interview, calling professors or writing your essays. These actions could hurt your chances of being admitted.

Friends
They should bring: Support. The college admissions process is stressful. Lean on your friends for support, understanding and stress relief because they're probably going through the same process. They can help you check applications and essays for errors, or just be there for a coffee run when you get bleary-eyed from writing your essays. They should avoid: Running your college search. Be cautious of turning too much of your search over to friends. The best college for your best friend may not be a good fit for you. Your college search is all about you.

References
They should bring: The ability to speak positively about you, your accomplishments, your passions and potential. People who know you well are your best sources for references. Teachers are a great source for references and in fact most colleges require at least one teacher reference. Do you have a class you like or a teacher that is particularly engaging? A good relationship with a teacher can lead to a good recommendation. Other adults to consider would include employers, church leaders, or someone you worked with on a volunteer project. They should be willing to contact a potential college on your behalf. Choosing the proper people for your references can help open college doors for you.

I want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to go to college. This means getting in, finding the right college fit and paying for school. I love to share what I've learned and I hope you can find some useful information useful in your college search.