“Help, My Parents Are Taking Over My College Application! (And It’s Not a Bad Thing)”
You’re a high school senior, you’re stressed, and you’re drowning in college applications. Between essays, standardized tests, and trying to find the perfect school, you’re probably feeling like you need a vacation… in a time machine to go back to the simpler days of middle school.
But here’s the thing: you don’t have to face this college application beast alone. You have a secret weapon: your parents. Wait, what? Hear me out. Sure, they might drive you crazy with their endless questions and unsolicited advice, but they can be a valuable resource in this whole college application process.
The College Board: A Bridge Between You and Your Parents
The College Board, that seemingly omnipresent entity that governs your standardized tests and college applications, actually offers a very useful feature: the ability to invite your parents into the fold. Think of it as a digital peace treaty between you and your parents, allowing them to access crucial information and support you through the process.
How to Invite Your Parents to the College Board Party:
- Convince your parents that you actually want their help. I know, I know, it’s almost like asking them to listen to your favorite band on repeat for a week, but hear me out. They’re probably itching to be involved, and their experience can be surprisingly helpful.
- Log into your College Board account. It’s like entering a secret society, except there are no cool handshakes or hidden rituals, just a lot of forms and deadlines.
- Navigate to the “Settings” or “Account Management” section. It’s probably hidden somewhere in the labyrinthine menus, but you’ll find it.
- Look for an option to add parent/guardian information. They usually call this something like “Invite Parent” or “Share Account Access.”
- Enter your parent’s first name, last name, and email address. This is where things get interesting. You might want to have a little chat with your parents beforehand, just to let them know you’re not trying to sell their email address to a spammer.
- Hit “Submit” and hope for the best. The College Board will send your parents an email with a link to confirm their choice. It’s like a digital handshake, except they’re not required to shake hands with you after they confirm.
Why This Is Actually a Good Thing:
- Sharing the workload: It’s not a secret, college applications are time-consuming. Having your parents involved can help you stay on track with deadlines and manage all the paperwork. Plus, they might even be able to help you with the dreaded Common App essay (although, I suggest you still do most of the writing yourself).
- Financial aid: The CSS Profile, the dreaded financial aid application, is a pain in the neck. Your parents likely have a better understanding of your family’s financial situation, so they can help you complete this form accurately.
- Communication: The College Board will send your parents important emails about deadlines, test dates, and other crucial information. They can help you stay on top of everything, even if you’re busy binge-watching your favorite show (don’t tell your parents I said that).
A Word of Warning:
Just because you’re inviting your parents into the College Board world doesn’t mean they’re suddenly going to become college application experts. They might still have some bizarre questions or offer unsolicited advice. You’ll need to be patient, but remember, they’re just trying to help. You can always politely redirect them to the College Board website or a trusted college counselor.
The Bottom Line:
Inviting your parents into the College Board world can be a great way to streamline the college application process. While they might not be able to write your essays or take your SATs for you, they can offer support, guidance, and a second set of eyes for all those important deadlines. Just remember to keep the communication open and be prepared for some… interesting… questions.
Need More Help?
If you’re still struggling to navigate the College Board website or need help with your college applications, don’t hesitate to reach out to the JobLoving community for support. We’re always happy to help aspiring college students like you!