Counselor’s Corner
by CHARLOTTE WINKELMANN

College admissions officers across most of the nation report the same news: The number of applicants is rising, making admissions more competitive. Talking to your child about his interests early is an important topic.

Students and parents should consider a range of schools, rather than focusing on a single institution. Two-year colleges allow a student to spend two years improving grades or selecting a career focus before transferring to a four-year university. There are also certifications and licensure programs for students who want to start a career soon after high school.

Larger universities allow more research and students will stay 4-5 years at the same university to build relationships and increase career opportunities. It’s important to help your child determine his needs and interests and select 8 to 10 schools that fit his profile and academic needs.

Selectivity: At one extreme are open admissions colleges. These schools require only a high school diploma and accept students on a first-come, first-served basis. Many community colleges have this policy. At the other extreme are very selective colleges. They admit only a small percentage of applicants each year. Most colleges fall somewhere in between. Selective colleges focus on whether applicants meet minimum requirements and whether there’s room for more students. Acceptable grades are often the only requirement beyond an interest in college study.

Entrance exams may be required, but test scores are usually used for course placement, not admissions compared to a very selective college, which uses entrance exam scores, essays and even interviews for admissions. There’s no general agreement about which admission factors are ranked more important. However, most admissions officers place the most weight on your child’s high school record.

As part of the college search, your child should compare his academic and personal qualifications to those of students typically admitted to the colleges to which he wants to apply.

Applying to college is one of the first steps to adulthood. It involves the same uncertainties, and sometimes disappointments, that adult life offers. Helping your child navigate these circumstances with pride and a sense of independence will be powerful preparation for life on his own.