How to Help Students With College Applications

Teachers help grade 12 students in many ways with their college applications. Teachers write reference letters to include with the application, they teach students how to write an intriguing college essay, and they share information about scholarships and educational programs with students.

Things You'll Need

• Paper for reference letters
• Information about scholarships

Instructions

1. Explain to the students what the college essay involves. The college essay shows who they are via describing an event or an achievement from their life. Too many students think the essay will involve talking about their goals for college. However, actually the college essay involves describing who the student is and what is important in his or her life.

2. Help grade 12 students by preparing reference letters for their college application. A reference letter must be individualized for each student. It is a crucial part of the college application process. Ask students to give you adequate time to prepare the letter before the deadline for the application.

3. Inform students of scholarships that may relate to the field they will study. Students should ask their teachers and guidance counselors about scholarships. Help students be proactive about finding scholarships.

4. Be available after school during the months from September to December when the college application process is underway. students are often overwhelmed by the paperwork involved in the applications. A brief chat often helps them regain focus.

5. Tell students at the start of the school year that you are available to help with any college application issues. Let them know the other people in the building who are available to help them also such as guidance counselors, career counselors and the school psychologist.

Tips & Warnings

• Encourage students to finish college applications early so they do have the resource of the guidance department before that department gets very busy in the months of November and December.

• Teach students to track each piece of the application so they are organized to mail the application by the deadline.

• Alert the Guidance Department is a student seems overwhelmed by the application process or depressed by rejection letters from colleges.