The Work of College Bound Students

Did you ever consider that applying for college, financial aid and scholarships was really like a "job"?

The summertime is the best time to sit down and really take a moment to work with your junior or senior. They (hopefully) have a bit of extra time and are more likely to lend an ear to what you're really saying to them (I'm ever optimistic).

As I work with students, I feel that its very important to stress to them how very like a job the whole college/financial aid search and application process is. It requires the student to devote time, attention and care to small details. Hours are spent doing research and writing, sending out letters/e-mails, sifting through websites. Students will have to use those writing and communication skills they've (hopefully) developed over the years to make phone or other contact with individuals that can help them through this process. And, most importantly, students are evaluated on the work they do--the staff at the institutions and organizations to which they're applying will really look carefully at the information the student submits and decide on their fate based on their performance.

It's truly a job. There's just no pay involved. Except the chance at earning admissions or a scholarship. Which makes the "job" well worth it in the long run.

Until next time!

Lynn Byrne