How to Build a Great College Application For a Traditional College Degree

How you approach these matters helps set the course for your child’s future.

Note: Parents and students are increasingly choosing the option of non-traditional college in order to avoid student loan debt and save time. So, while these students do not have to worry about impressing a college in order to gain admission, the following ideas are still important during their high school years. You’ll recognize the value of these ideas whether your student is planning to apply for admission to a college or earn a degree using credit-by-exam (or some combination of both).

To help all of our readers, I’ve decided to share some thoughts on the topic of college application “packages.” Please understand my thoughts are far from comprehensive – simply add them to what you’re already reading and learning about this topic. Our own kids have taken several different paths – from completing a degree entirely by exam (and, yes, that was possible in 2004), to completing their degree mostly by exam, to using some exam credits as part of their traditional nursing degree. Most importantly, it’s not the “package” that we’re aiming to “build,” it’s what's best for our kids!

So no matter what path your teen takes educationally, as we’re “building” a young person there are some particular areas that we should help them develop – and it just so happens that it’s often these same areas that appeal to college admission officials.

Academics

Perhaps the primary area is academics. Challenge your teen to study hard by providing opportunities for them to go beyond the "typical" high school curriculum. Our kids are more than capable, and the results will be reflected on their transcript. Remember that the lack of a challenge also shows up on their transcript, and it is NOT impressive. So for the sake of your teen, don’t let them settle for less than they’re capable of achieving.

Service

Another characteristic that we should help our teens develop is a life of ongoing service. It’s an important part of who they are (and who they’re growing up to be), and it’s an important component of an impressive college application. Lead them in finding opportunities to serve and drive them there cheerfully, perhaps taking part yourself!

Travel

Travel is an area that’s often overlooked but has outstanding benefits in both their personal lives and in a college application. Countless teens have developed gratitude and a profound appreciation for their situations in life because they observed life in a third world country. Foreign travel opens their eyes to worldwide problems – and possible solutions - like nothing else. Consider allowing them to serve/work alongside a missionary family or some other opportunity to see the world first hand.

Extra-Curricular

While extra-curricular activities can easily overcrowd a family’s schedule without providing much benefit, when those activities are carefully chosen and kept in balance they provide HUGE benefits to your teen. Whether it’s advancing through the belt ranks of a martial art, taking music lessons from an outstanding teacher, or finding a foreign language opportunity in a nearby city – the effort you put into extra-curricular activities has GREAT potential when it comes to both your teen’s maturity and their college applications. Make the best use of extra-curricular time by choosing those activities carefully and finding ways for them to meet more than one goal.

Here's an example . . .Your teen wholeheartedly participates in a martial arts class, they also volunteer cheerfully during the children’s class that takes place just prior to theirs, and they compete in tournaments – three excellent activities, all related. These are invaluable character and life-experience opportunities.

Writing

Writing is one of the most important academic skills to teach your child. Strong written communication skills are invaluable in both their personal lives and in their college application process. If they choose to attend a university where they must write essays as part of their application, those essays must be so exceptionally well written as to rise above every other essay submitted. They must be absolutely stellar.

Most applications will actually require a student to write anywhere from one to four essays on different topics. The best approach is to address unique aspects of their lives in the different essays. One requirement may lend itself better to discussing their dreams and goals. Another essay could address a more tangible experience – discussing a particular event in their life. Just make sure the essays balance different aspects of their life as opposed to all addressing a single topic. (Avoid this scenario: essay #1 – my goals as a musician, essay #2 – a lesson I’ve learned from years of practice, and essay #3 – a funny thing happened on the way to the piano recital. Instead, consider how these two essay topics have a more balanced approach: essay #1 - How the music in my life has challenged me and essay #2 - What I learned from my time in Zambia.)

We as parents have the challenging task of helping guide our teens toward future educational success. But with God’s guidance and careful planning, we can enjoy our teens becoming mature and successful adults.

I love to discuss high school and college with all of you, and the best way to do that is by email. If you'd like to make a public comment or share an idea about this post, do it here where this article is posted on Facebook or here on Pinterest. You are such an encouraging and inspiring community, and I love hearing from all of you!