The College Application Process 

• Allow your student to take ownership of the college selection/application process.

• Encourage your student to use the resources that are available at RHS: counselors, College & Career Center, and teachers.

• Help your student stay organized and meet deadlines.

• Make copies of all submitted materials and proofread!  Proofread!  Proofread!

• Encourage student to follow-up with the colleges to ensure all materials have been received.

• Help your child weigh his/her options.

• Learn about the colleges that your child is interested in attending.

• Help your child articulate why s/he is interested in a certain school. 

• Brainstorm with your child to come up with essay topics.

• If possible, take advantage of the days when students are not in school to visit college campuses. 

• Help your senior maintain a positive attitude during this process; and help him/her deal with disappointing results.

• Have a candid conversation about financing your child's education.

• Attend RHS Financial Aid Events.  

• Complete your income tax information as early as possible and provide financial information for the financial aid application.

• Get help completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with our ISAC representative.

• Carefully review and compare financial aid award letters received from different colleges. 

• Many corporations offer college scholarships; check with your employer.

• Encourage your student to participate in career exploration experiences.

• Offers of admission are conditional. Senior grades do count!  Help your student guard against "senioritis." Colleges expect students to continue to perform at a high level.

• As the admissions results start to come in, help your child prioritize his/her choices.  If the student is unsure, plan to revisit the campuses, if possible.

• Return housing applications as soon as possible to reserve a spot in campus housing.

• May 1st is the National Candidates Reply Date.  By that date, most colleges require a confirmation to attend, accompanied by a tuition deposit.  You may deposit at one college only.