1 and Done...and the College Application Process, Part 4

Oh my Goodness, it's September 2, 2020, how has so much time gone by since my last Blog? We haven’t all been swamped, right?   

I have been a licensed Real Estate Broker since 1989.  Covid 19 has thankfully not stopped people from Buying and Selling Real Estate & has kept me busy.  I am grateful for that!!  In addition, I am a Mom to 17 year old Twin Daughters who have been preparing to go off to college for their Freshman Year's.  It's been a roller coaster!  We are newbies; hence, my reason for starting this Blog!

Since my last post our one daughter started her Freshman Year of College at Johns Hopkins University on August 31st.  Sadly, FROM HER BEDROOM.…..enough said, don't get me started!   Oh, BTW- there are a TON of Dorm Room Supplies stacked up on our Dining room floor! 

Our other daughter selected UCSD (it was down to NYU or UCSD) and we couldn't be more pleased with her decision.  We don’t know just yet if she'll actually be on campus  - as nothing is certain.  The UC’s are on a Quarter system & they don’t start until October 1st.  TBD……….I will keep you posted on my next blog.

No matter how this year plays out, I must say I am impressed with UCSD's Commitment to get the students, safely, to campus.  Here's the details on what they call "Return To Learn".  https://returntolearn.ucsd.edu/#Has-something-like-this-been-do  Fingers crossed for the safe return to UCSD for all Students, faculty & Family's.  They even test the sink water in the dorm buildings for skin sluff to help indentify postive students before they even have symtpons.  Amazing!  However, there has been a recent jump in positive cases so things are even more uncertain.

Although we know that's not in the cards for Hopkins this year we are hopeful this will be possible -  come January.  I am even willing to brave the Maryland Winter to move her in!  Even though I realize we are from CA & aren't rated!

It's September 1st already!  Some colleges may begin to open their application portal’s (and some already have).  With that being said, NOW is the time to think of asking for those Teacher Recommendations. 

Back in the day, you’d ask a teacher for a letter and stop by their classroom to pick it up!  Times have changed (even before Covid)!  Now, when your Son/Daughter completes their application there will be space for them to “Invite” their teacher’s to write a letter on their behalf.  The students have to sign a form stating that they have not seen the letters.  An email goes to the teacher with a link to submit the letter directly to the college(s).     The Student will be able to see the progress and will know when their Teacher has written and submitted the letter.  I say "Teacher" but some students will ask for letters from people other than teachers, perhaps.

Teachers get many requests for these letters and can only write so many; therefore, you can never start requesting too soon.  However, since the school year has just started & Teachers are navigating the new school year & distance learning  -  not to mention the letters won’t be turned in until application time  - don’t worry if they won’t get to it for a while.  You’re just asking for now.

It’s also a good idea to reach out to their High School Guidance Counselor.  Some Colleges require the Counselor submit a letter, as well.  When my girls asked their counselor, she had a questionnaire aka "Brag Sheet" for them to complete to assist her in writing the letter.  Time fly's by, just don’t wait until the last minute (especially if you are considering Early Action or Early Decision.  Those dates creep up quickly.  I will talk about those another time).  If your Son/Daughter plays Sports asking a Coach is always a great resource for a letter as well.  FYI: Some Colleges do NOT accept letters from Coach’s.  It just depends on the school.

I have many friends who have kids who are Seniors this year.  I cannot tell you how sorry I am for all that they’re going for the start of their Senior year!  Not to mention, with respect to SAT and ACT testing.   I just read that : Judge bars University of California from all use of SAT, ACT scores in admissions.  Here’s the article:  https://www.sfchronicle.com/education/article/Judge-bars-University-of-California-from-all-use-15531662.php?fbclid=IwAR0Qr5C0w0-RbRWeMFufHLYaajvSOXI3NmznRSEAzUC1Ey20hmNJm12p4ZI  It is all so uncertain.

Super Important:  PLEASE HAVE YOUR SON/DAUGHTER KEEP ALL OF THEIR MATH ASSIGNMENTS FROM THIS YEAR!  With Classes being online it may be easier to keep track of over a bunch of loose papers!  Unfortunately, my girls threw all of theirs away.  :(   

Many Colleges have Math Placement Tests & these assignments and notes are an EXCELLENT refresh so they don’t have to recreate the wheel and think back to the past year(s) of Math!  Who wants to do that!   I also recommend if they have previous year's Math assigments KEEP THEM!  In my girls cases, the Placement tests went back to a Math that they'd done Sophomore & Junior year, as well as Senior year.
FAFSA:  The 2021–22 FAFSA form will become available on Oct. 1, 2020, for the 2021–22 award year, which runs from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022. A student can submit the application any time until the end of the award year to apply for federal aid.  Check for this year’s info and dates. https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/sign-in/landing  I have to remember that we will have to file it again this year-for next year!

Even if you think your Son/Daughter will not receive any financial aid they still MUST complete a FAFSA…..and SO DO YOU!  I had no idea we as parents had to, as well.  You have to register as a Parent & your Social Security Number has to be verified, in advance.  It took a few days for processing for us so don’t wait until the last minute.  I am by no means an expert so here’s the info.  I “created” an account as Step 1.  Make sure to have all of your Tax Return info handy.  https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/sign-in/landing

If your Son/Daughter is considering out of state colleges check for arrangements with other states for reduced Tuition.  https://www.wiche.edu/tuition-savings/wue/

For my next BLOG my goal is:  FAFSA, Early Action/Decision, etc, College Deadline list, & more....

Again, thank you for reading.  I am just a Mom who wishes I knew more than I actually know.  Please don't take my info as anything other than our personal experience's and willingness to pass on what I've learned through this wild ride.

Susie Lacy
Broker/Owner
Realty World Lacy & Spadoni Inc
(916) 837-0703
Lic # 01057370 Since 1989