Could College Prep Be A New Olympic Sport?

I love the Olympics!  I’ve spent as much time as possible watching everything from gymnastics and swimming to wrestling, fencing, and table tennis. And as I sit here watching these amazing athletes supported by friends, fans, fellow athletes, and family, I can’t help but draw parallels between these awe-inspiring games and the journey my family is embarking on – preparing our high school junior for college. The dedication, the emotional rollercoaster, the triumphs, and yes, even the occasional stumbles – it’s all there, both on the world stage and right here in our living room.

Let me tell you, folks, as a long-time Olympics enthusiast and a second-time college-prep parent, the similarities are striking. So, grab your favorite snack (mine’s popcorn – perfect for both Olympic viewing and SAT prep sessions), and let’s dive into this “Olympic” college preparation adventure together!

Before we can even think about stepping onto the college “arena,” there’s one crucial qualifying round we have to nail: the college money talk.

The Qualifying Rounds: The College Money Talk

Just like those nail-biting Olympic trials, having an honest conversation about college costs with our kids is the first step in this “college prep Olympics.” I’ll admit, it’s not the easiest discussion, but it’s one that needs to happen. After all, how can our daughter choose her events (i.e., colleges) if she doesn’t know the financial playing field?

So, we sat her down, budget spreadsheets in hand, and laid it all out – tuition, room and board, textbooks, the whole nine yards. And let me tell you, her eyes grew wider with each line item. Suddenly, those “dream” schools didn’t seem quite so dreamy when she saw the potential loan burdens. But you know what? That reality check was exactly what she needed. It made narrowing down her college list so much easier, just like an athlete focusing on the events they’re most likely to excel in.

Test Prep: Clearing the Academic Hurdles

Just as Olympians meticulously train and prepare for their events, our kids need to tackle the academic hurdles of the college prep process. Standardized tests, like the SAT and ACT, can feel daunting, but it’s important to remember that they are not the sole determinant of a student’s capabilities. High school class rigor, extracurricular activities, and grades are all part of the equation.

Many colleges now recognize this and have adopted test-optional policies, focusing more holistically on an applicant’s achievements, passions, and potential. That said, standardized tests can still open doors to valuable scholarship opportunities. So, we’ve approached this part of the journey with balance – guiding our daughter through effective test prep strategies, but also reassuring her that her worth is not defined by a single exam score.

One helpful tip we’ve discovered is that students can choose which school receives their test scores. This allows them to tailor their applications and showcase their strengths in the best light. It’s all about playing to your events, just like an Olympic athlete.

With the right mindset and preparation, our kids can clear these academic hurdles and move on to the next stage of the college prep “games.”

Scouting the Perfect Arena: Finding the Right College Fit

Watching athletes perform in various venues reminds me of our campus tours. Each college has its own “arena,” complete with unique culture, programs, and opportunities. I’ve seen our daughter’s eyes light up on some campuses, but I’ve also seen her realize what she doesn’t want. Those campus visits have been invaluable in helping her understand where she’ll truly thrive.

And remember, discovering and understanding what you DON’T like is just as important and know what you do like.

Building Your Dream Team: Creating a College List

When it comes to building a college list, we’ve taken a collaborative approach. This isn’t just our daughter’s solo event; it’s a team effort. We’ve considered factors like size, location, academic and social interests, but we’ve also dug deeper. The admission requirements, the campus layout, the teaching styles – these all play a role in finding the right fit. And of course, we’ve kept our college money talk top of mind, ensuring her list aligns with our financial capabilities.

The Main Event: Applying to Colleges

We know the college application process can feel overwhelming, with different deadlines and varied submission requirements. Our approach to this is to build out a calendar that includes all college application deadline. My daughter also added her own personal due dates and accountability check-ins with us. Applications are her responsibility to complete and stay on top of, but I want her to know that we’re here to keep her on track, offer advice and guidance, and make sure she’s doing her best – a hybrid coach/teammate role. 

For our daughter, the essay has been one of the biggest sources of frustration and procrastination. She feels like so many people have told her that her personal essay could make or break her chances at a college. It’s an enormous amount of pressure to feel like you have to write the most amazing story ever, but we’ve reminded her that it’s more about a chance to share her unique voice and story. Schools want to “get to know” their newest class of students. This essay is an opportunity to give the admissions committee a glimpse into who she is – and to look at it as sharing more about what makes her unique, passionate, and ready for the college experience. 

Going for the Gold: Understanding Financial Aid and Scholarships

When it comes to financial aid and scholarships, we’ve approached it with a sense of confidence, thanks to our earlier college money talk. We have an idea of what to expect in terms of merit-based and need-based aid from the universities themselves. And we’ve also discussed what could (or could not happen) if financial aid letters don’t align with our budget. 

We’re also continuously looking for and pursuing outside scholarship opportunities to lower our out-of-pocket costs, but we’re not going in blind. We’re ready to navigate financial aid forms and scholarship applications with precision, like an archer aiming for a bullseye.

As I watch the parents of Olympians on TV – their nervous energy, their uncontainable pride, their tears of joy – I see myself. We may not be sending our kids off to compete on the world’s biggest sporting stage, but we are preparing them for their own kind of world stage. And just like those Olympic parents, our role is to be their biggest supporters, their most loyal fans, and yes, sometimes their tissue-holders when things get tough.

This journey isn’t always easy. There are moments when we as parents may feel like we’re  attempting to score that final goal in the women’s rugby match when we’re helping our kids through this. But then I look at my daughter – her growth, her resilience, her dreams – and I’m reminded that this is all part of her becoming who she’s meant to be.

So as we navigate this college prep “Olympics,” remember parents: we’ve got this. Our kids have got this. There may not be any medals at the end of this journey, but the reward – watching our children step confidently into their futures – that’s better than any gold.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, there’s a breaking battle on TV, and I’ve got some college applications to pay for. Let the games begin!