College Prep

Here are some strategies to help working moms guide their college-bound students.

Like you needed more paperwork!

But as much as you might not want to see another piece of paper or computer screen once you walk in the door tonight, you know it’s important. Good news: Helping your child navigate the college search and application process doesn’t have to take over your evenings and throw off your entire life balance.

So Katherine L. Cohen, Ph.D., founder and president of Applywise, an online college admissions counseling program, shares her top strategies for managing this long, yet ultimately rewarding process.

1. Share how your college experience affected you. You’re their role model. So talk about your college and graduate school experiences and how they shaped your career and personal life. Discuss your job at the dinner table. Integrate new vocabulary words into everyday conversation. Keeping your child informed about the demands of different professions will help shape her aspirations.

2. Build a relationship with your child’s guidance counselor. Guidance counselors should play a key role in helping students find colleges that match their needs. But many guidance counselors are overworked. So build a relationship with your student’s guidance counselor early in your child’s high school career. A little personal touch can go a long way.

3. Use technology to facilitate the college application process. In the era of text messaging, e-mail communication and Web surfing, college research can get overwhelming. Technology should aid, not intimidate, during your search for sound advice on admission and financial aid. Use technology to manage the process. For example, register for SAT/ACT tests online, file college applications electronically, and use programs that allow you to collaborate with your child remotely and stay organized.

4. Create a budget for application and test registration fees. Even before the first application is submitted, students and parents can expect to spend up to several thousand dollars on standardized tests registration fees, transcript processing fees, tutors, coaches, independent counselors and transportation costs to visit campuses. Create a budget before college application expenses get out of hand.

5. Have a family discussion about finances to pay for college by sophomore year of high school. Even if paying for it isn’t a challenge right now, have a back-up plan in case your family’s financial situation should change. This could be a less expensive second-choice school, a school close to home that would let you save on room and board, or deferring enrollment for a year so your child can work and save money.

6. Know when to turn to an expert. There are more than 3,000 four-year colleges that could meet your child’s unique needs. Remember, you do not have to handle this on your own. Preserve your role as a mom and be a supportive parent. But when you need additional advice about finding the right college, seeking financial aid or managing the college application process, know when to turn to a respected expert. Finding a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) to work with you individually will allow you to balance the many demands that you have as a mother and as a professional.

Free Downloads for Working Moms

College Visit Worksheet: applywise.com/visit
College Budget Calculator: applywise.com/budget

Dr. Katherine Cohen, Ph.D., is founder and CEO of ApplyWise, an online college admissions counseling program that includes interactive online counseling modules and organizational tools to give parents and students everything they need to master the college admissions process. She is also founder and CEO of IvyWise, an independent educational consulting company located in New York City.