One of the most nerve racking ordeals kids go through is applying for admission at the college of their choice. First is the search for a college of one's choice and then, there's the application process and, after all that, the nervous anticipation up until that letter of admission or, sadly, rejection comes.

Parents, imho, should play a significant role in the process. Our never-ending support, encouragement and even assistance, if needed, can make it easier for our child. Kids have pressure enough, as it is so, there is no need (again, in my humble opinion) to put extra pressure on them by saying "you should get into this and that school or else..."

Kids need all the help they can get to get that admission officer to look favorably at their application. Factors that are being considered by schools vary. Some put more weight on one factor whereas other schools use a different formula. High School grades, SAT scores, AP courses, College Essays, Recommendation Letters and Interviews, among others are used to weigh each applicant's chances.

The USA Today has reported that there is an increase in the number of applications received this year, as students have sent applications to more and more schools. However, the increase in applications has made it doubly hard for admission officials to choose.

Some have even said that the sheer number of applicants has resulted in the random selection of students admitted.

Read more of the article here.

Whatever the result of our child's application is, it is always best to let him/her know that we are there for help and support. Especially, in these times, when college admissions seems to be a more harrowing experience for some.