Last week, the Woodlands Christian Academy’s (TWCA) College Admissions Workshop offered an insider’s pass to understanding the complex world of college applications. More than 100 parents of college-bound students from the community attended this free event last week with 17 college admissions representatives from around the country and abroad. This parents-only workshop was followed by in-depth sessions with TWCA’s sophomores and juniors.
As the largest workshop of its kind on the TWCA campus, parents and students were transformed into admissions professionals for a day. During break-out sessions, college representatives walked participants through a mock review of three college essays, evaluating recommendations, and making real admission decisions. This allowed parents and students to step into an admissions counselor’s shoes and understand the holistic review process.
Following the break-out sessions, parents reconvened in the Ruth Auditorium with all 17 college reps for the opportunity to ask burning questions and hear first-hand about college expectations, testing requirements (or not), and how to make a standout application with authenticity.
As the morning wrapped up, Moderator Kylie Crowley, TWCA Academic and College Advisor, asked the representatives to share their “one sentence of advice” for parents wanting to help and share with their students through the rigorous college admissions process. Here were some of comments of sage advice offered:
- Where you have a choice, have your student pick the essay prompt or topic that best reflects him/her and stick to that prompt.
- Visit campuses when school is in session.
- Breathe!
- View this process as a learning experience—reframe it that way.
- Students should be taking courses that inspire and excite them.
- A college fit that is best for the student to succeed is more important than anything else in the process.
- Be proud of what the student “gets into in college” and not “what college they get into.” It’s about the experience the student wants, not just about the bragging rights.
- Take control of the things you can control now (i.e., focus on essays, etc.).
- Ask questions!
- Do not be afraid to explore and widen scope in your search of various colleges, large and small.
- It’s a match to be made, not a prize to be won.
- Approach the application process in a way that the student is empowered. Let the students interview the college and let this be a time of enrichment.
- Practically, take pictures during your campus visits so that you remember each place specifically, get contact information during the visits, and meet all deadlines for admission and financial aid.
- Keep an open mind for colleges outside the US that might be a better fit for your student.
- Be curious. Don’t stick with names or locations! Do your research for the best learning opportunity for your student.
- Teamwork makes the dream work. Be on the same page as your student and be open with one another and enjoy the process!
- Take advantage of asking questions of the admissions counselors at the colleges they apply to.
Whether a parent or a student who was a sophomore or junior, this workshop demystified the college admissions process and empowered parents to better support their student’s journey. Several parents commented following the workshop, “This made the whole process seem so much less stressful!” And, that was exactly the goal!
College Representatives in Attendance from:
Abilene Christian University
Baylor University
Butler University
Drake University
Grand Canyon University
Griffith University
Marist University
Pepperdine University
Samford University
Southern Methodist University
Texas State University
Texas Tech
Trinity University
Vanderbilt University
University of Austin
University of Chicago
University of Denver
