At a certain point you have done everything you can for your child. Hopefully he or she has reached a great potential and all that will be left is the application. Many people think they can fill out a college application very quickly and that their accomplishments will speak for themselves. Well this idea will not fly for an Ivy League application. Much like taking the toughest courses at school shows dedication, an application can show exactly how much you want to make it to a school. Take great care as your child completes the application; guide them to use great care in its completion.
Tips for a well presented application
use a typewriter if possible to avoid sloppy handwriting
take great care to make sure your child's personal facts are correct
carefully read the application to make sure your child fills out all needed information
start well in advance to give your child time to fix any mistakes
spelling and grammar matter!
The Application Essays
Many colleges require essays in their applications. These essays are often crucial. Just like the need for activities outside of school to distinguish one student from another, essays can offer a personal look into a student. They offer information on writing skills, which often translates into educational success. Make sure your child uses the essays to his or her advantage! They are a tool that can transform your child from a Grade Point Average on a piece of paper into a living enigma in the imaginations of the admissions officers. The people working in admissions read thousands of essays. They relish an essay that jumps out at them, not only because it is a tedious job, but because it makes an applicant more attractive. Encourage your child to be creative! The tendency for most students is to write a serious essay that answers the question succinctly. A lighthearted or humorous essay that still manages to express serious points will be much more advantageous than a bland, to-the-point article. As with the rest of the application, spelling and grammar are extremely important.