Your College Smith

Caroline is heading to the College of Charleston!

Josh is heading to UK!

Will is heading to Butler!

Liam is heading to Miami of Ohio!

EP is heading to Tulane!

Ela is heading to University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music!

Kate is heading to Michigan State!

Sam is heading to Montreat!

Max is heading to Centre!

Zach is heading to American!

Reese is heading to Wake Forest!

Owen is heading to Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta! His twin sister, Lydia, is heading to Eckerd College!

Trey is heading to University of Cincinnati

Christian is heading to University of Kentucky!

Lindsey is heading to University of Louisville!

Micah is heading to UCLA!

The college admissions process can be confusing, overwhelming, and stressful for too many students and parents. Check out my most recent blog post for college research tips--the first part of the process that might make the most difference. https://www.yourcollegesmith.com/post/college-research

PSA (College Admissions related) for parents of any child younger than a senior in high school:

As parents, we worry about being too involved or not involved enough in the lives of our children. If we baby them, they won’t be able to make it as adults. If we don’t, they won’t be able to make it as children. Here are a few tips for parents as their students embark on the college admissions journey.

1. Talk about money early in the process.

It is important to talk to your student about what your family can afford to pay for college. (Remember: the price tag of a college is very rarely the actual cost.) Don’t wait until they have been admitted to their dream school! Denying an academic opportunity goes against every parental instinct, but it is always better to be honest about what your family can afford early in the process.

2. It is okay to say “enough” to some academic/extracurricular opportunities.

Students are not required to participate in every enrichment program or activity in order to lead successful, fulfilling lives. It is okay to spend down time with the family, go to the pool with friends, or visit grandparents for a couple of weeks over the summer. Having a weeknight off during the school year should be encouraged. They need us to say “enough” and encourage balance. It will not keep them from future success.

3. Let them take the lead.

It is remarkable what teenagers are capable of when left to their own devices. I mean capable in a good way! They can sign up for campus visits, ask their own questions, request their own transcripts, and write their own essays. It will be okay. You can trust them. They are supposed to sound, look, and act like 17-year-old-kids.

4. Utilize the resources available in your community—Independent Educational Consultants, School Counselors, and Admissions Officers.

There are professionals who are eager and willing to help your family through the college admissions process. School Counselors can be overwhelmed with other responsibilities, but that doesn’t mean they don’t know their stuff. They are great resources right in the high schools. Admissions Officers at colleges love to have the opportunity to talk about college planning—a welcome break from only talking about their particular school. Independent Educational Consultants provide personalized college planning services for families throughout the process and are not just for the wealthy. Look for those who are Certified Educational Planners with college admissions experience and membership in professional organizations.

5. Give yourself a break.

My parents didn’t know my grades until report cards came home. They never made late night trips to Michael’s to get the supplies for a school assignment, stayed up until the wee hours putting my model of the solar system together, or filled out applications for me. They were there when I failed and when I succeeded and let me take the blame or credit for both. Your parents were probably the same. You don’t have to do it all for your children. They will be alright.

College Planner | Erika Smith | Lexington, KY | Your College Smith Personalized college planning, college admissions workshops, educational consulting, and speaking engagements in Central Kentucky. Your College Smith LLC.

As of today, the Class of 2024 has earned over $8.6 million in scholarships and been admitted to 88 different schools across the country! So proud of each of my students. Their hard work and dedication is paying off! Visit www.yourcollegesmith.com to see a list of colleges where these amazing students have been admitted so far. More to come!

College Planner | Erika Smith | Lexington, KY | Your College Smith Personalized college planning, college admissions workshops, educational consulting, and speaking engagements in Central Kentucky. Your College Smith LLC.

As of today, the Class of 2024 has earned almost $4,000,000 in scholarships and been admitted to 58 different schools across the country! So proud of each of my students. Their hard work and dedication is paying off! Visit www.yourcollegesmith.com to see a list of colleges where these amazing students have been admitted so far. More to come!

College Planner | Erika Smith | Lexington, KY | Your College Smith Personalized college planning, college admissions workshops, educational consulting, and speaking engagements in Central Kentucky. Your College Smith LLC.

Jack is heading to University of Georgia!

Matty is heading to Michigan!

Julianne is heading to DePaul!

Evan is heading to UofL!

Lilly is taking a gap year and then heading to Toronto Metropolitan University!