Even for my oldest child, the college application process is still a year off. However, I have never tolerated procrastination in my household—and I will not begin with college prep! I took advantage of the back-to-school sales and purchased three 2-inch folders (one for each child) for the purpose of aggregating information about their accomplishments. This is more than a scrapbook, of course, because I’m concentrating on things that will help them fill out college applications. In addition, collecting the children’s accomplishments in one place will help them determine the subjects of their college essays. Here’s what I’m putting in the folders.
Tab 1: Test scores. Eventually the SAT I and SAT II subject test scores will end up in the folders, but for now this section contains PSAT results.
Tab 2: Report cards. Colleges will require a single-page transcript, but cataloging report cards now will keep them organized—and remind my children that I am conscious of their academic performance.
Tab 3: Letters of recommendation. This section of the portfolio will be light because kids don’t get (or request) many letters of recommendation, but Josh may be inspired by his time as Taco Bell’s employee of the month (thanks for the nod, Shift Manager Gomez!) when he sits down to write an essay.
Tab 4: Volunteering records. Lunch shifts at the soup kitchen, hours spent reading to preschoolers, and that day of graffiti removal will certainly come in handy when rounding out the kids’ applications. Without this portfolio, I might just forget about all the good my little angels have done. (Just kidding. I would never forget this!)
Tab 5: Awards. Randy’s perfect attendance—grades 5-8! Josh’s Boy Scout badges. Madison’s dance competition trophies. Simple notes about their accomplishments will remind them when they sit down to apply. Even the simplest accolades (honorable mention for a water color at the county fair) will be noted. Just in case.
Tab 6: Anything else that illustrates how exceptional my children are. I know they are special, but colleges will require documentation to prove it. Acceptance to the colleges of their dreams will depend on them standing out from the crowd. Sometimes, even when college applications are not involved, children need reminders about how spectacular they are. It can’t hurt to enshrine their achievements.