College Prep 101:
A Practical Guide for Parents of High Schoolers
Welcome to College Prep 101. These notes are specifically designed for parents of high school students, providing you with expert insights and strategies to help your teen succeed in their journey toward higher education. Whether your child is a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior, this guide will help you understand how to best support them during each phase of their college preparation.
These notes summarize the live, in-person event from October 19, 2024 hosted by Pollock Properties Group at the South Orange Middle School. In them, you'll find advice from experienced college prep professionals and real-life stories from parents who have successfully guided their children through the process. The notes do NOT go into all the details of the personal stories our experts shared, and a LOT was shared indeed, so be sure to attend next year for the very meaningful discussion that happens LIVE in the room. In a nutshell though, the key to success is preparation, patience, and a supportive approach that empowers your teen to explore options and make informed decisions
First: Meet the Experts
Before diving into the practical advice, it's important to meet the experts whose tips form the foundation of this guide. These individuals come from diverse backgrounds, offering well-rounded advice for parents at every stage of the college prep journey.
VANESSA POLLOCK
Vanessa Pollock is the founder of Pollock Properties Group University and the driving force behind this event. As a mother of three children, Vanessa admits to having minimal experience with college preparation. She and her husband, both artists with degrees in theater and dance, are navigating the college admissions process for the first time with their own children. Her openness about her learning journey reflects what many parents are experiencing: entering uncharted waters with no clear guide. Vanessa created this forum to provide information, foster community learning, and support parents like herself. She has a grown child that left home at 18 to become a professional musician forgoing college altogether. As a Sophomore at Columbia High School, she knew that she needed help and hosted this event in order to bring the community along with her on the learning journey.
Christina Taber-Kewene: Expert College Admissions Coach
Christina Taber-Kewene is a Stanford and Columbia Law-educated admissions and academic coach with two decades of experience in guiding high school students and their families through the complexities of college preparation. As a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), Christina brings a deep understanding of the admissions landscape, combining a data-driven approach with empathy and encouragement.
Her company, CTK College Coach, offers a comprehensive suite of services, including college admission coaching, SAT/ACT test preparation, tutoring, and executive functioning coaching. Christina understands that while grades and test scores are important, character and personal growth play an equally vital role in shaping a successful college application.
As a devoted mother of four, Christina approaches her work with a deep sense of passion and dedication, helping teens navigate both academics and life transitions. Through her coaching, she aims to empower students not only to achieve their college goals but also to grow as individuals.
An avid writer, Christina also shares her personal reflections on parenthood, ethics, and life, often drawing inspiration from her morning runs. She has dedicated her career to helping students thrive both in and out of the classroom, providing expert guidance every step of the way.
Stephanie Pilato: Expert in College Admissions and Essay Writing
Stephanie Pilato is an experienced college admissions counselor with a talent for helping students find their best-fit schools and authentically express themselves in their college essays. Known for her ability to guide students in communicating their unique experiences, Stephanie ensures that every student feels confident in sharing their story with admissions committees.
Stephanie holds an undergraduate degree in English from Shepherd University and has enjoyed a diverse career as a professional actor in commercial voiceover. Her own personal essays have been performed live in Listen to Your Mother in Northern NJ, showcasing her knack for storytelling. In addition to her work in college admissions, she has consulted for comedy writers, playwrights, and screenwriters, and served as a beta reader for novelists, bringing a keen editorial eye to all her projects.
At CTK College Coach, Stephanie offers a range of services, including College Application and Submission packages, College Essay Writing support, and tutoring in English Language Arts (ELA). With a unique ability to unlock a writer’s authentic voice and refine their work for maximum impact, Stephanie helps students craft essays that stand out.
Stephanie’s background in English and commercial voiceover, combined with her experience helping writers hone their craft, makes her an invaluable resource for students navigating the college admissions process. Whether guiding students through applications or helping them perfect their essays, Stephanie’s expertise helps students shine.
Kevin Kern: Real Estate Expert and Seasoned College Prep Parent
Kevin Kern is a seasoned real estate agent with Pollock Properties Group and a proud father of four, three of whom are currently navigating or have successfully completed the college admissions process. With firsthand experience guiding his children—Gus, Sunny Jo, and Magnolia—through the complexities of college admissions, and with his youngest, Clover, soon to begin her own journey, Kevin brings invaluable real-life expertise to the College Prep 101 panel.
Having lived in the suburbs of NJ for two decades, Kevin and his family are deeply rooted in the local community. In addition to helping numerous families achieve their real estate goals, Kevin’s personal experience as a parent navigating college admissions provides him with unique insights. His practical advice focuses on school visits, managing expectations, and utilizing available resources to find the right college fit for each child.
Kevin’s diverse background includes over 20 years as an accomplished Broadway performer, which enriches his approach to real estate and life. Alongside his wife Megan and their four children, Kevin is dedicated to balancing family life, education, and career. His insights offer a parent’s perspective on handling the emotional and logistical challenges of college admissions.
Whether advising on the college process or helping families find their dream homes, Kevin brings passion and commitment to everything he does. His deep connection to Maplewood and his drive for excellence make him a trusted advisor in both real estate and the college admissions journey.
Christina's Tips – Academics Matter, but more so is Strong Character Development
Christina’s tips are grounded in the understanding that strong academics and personal character development are the twin pillars of a successful college application. While grades and test scores are crucial, colleges are also looking for well-rounded individuals who demonstrate strong character, leadership, community involvement, and resilience.
Tip 1: For Freshmen and Sophomores: Focus on a Strong Transcript
Start Early: From the first day of high school, students should aim to build a solid academic record. Christina advises freshmen and sophomores to focus on maintaining a high GPA, particularly in core subjects like English, math, and science.
Balanced Course Load: A rigorous course load is important, but it must be manageable. It’s better to excel in a regular or honors class than to struggle in an AP class and receive a lower grade. Colleges value a high GPA over taking the most challenging courses.
Long-Term Perspective: Remind your child that grades are important, but they do not define their worth. Encourage them to work hard and do their best without feeling like their GPA is the only thing that matters in life.
Tip 2: Juniors: Focus on Extracurriculars and Leadership
Character matters: Colleges are looking for students who show consistent and long-term commitment and growth outside the classroom in their activities. Encourage your child to find activities they are passionate about, whether that’s sports, the arts, or volunteering. Long-term involvement and leadership roles in these activities reflect positively on strong character and weigh heavily on a college application.
Service to Others: Consistent community service is a great way to demonstrate character. It shows colleges that your child is not only engaged but also contributes positively to society. Whether it’s mentoring younger students, volunteering at a local nonprofit, or helping out in their school, these activities are highly regarded.
Tip 3: Seniors: Be Patience
Handling Deferrals and Waitlists: The college admissions process has become increasingly competitive, and many students find themselves deferred or waitlisted at their top choices. This is a normal part of the process. Christina advises parents and students to remain patient and not lose hope. She also encourages students to negotiate for better financial aid packages once they are accepted.
Emotional Support: College admissions can be stressful and waiting to hear back from all the schools can feel brutal. It’s essential for parents to offer support and model patience, faith in the process and resilience for their children. Being patient and helping them manage their expectations can make the waiting process more manageable. Remember as a partner that your child’s emotions come first, not yours. Keep your excitement, disappointment, and impatience in check, and follow your child’s lead, supporting their emotional journey!
Stephanie's Tips – Staying Focused on Who Matters and Ahead of Schedule
Stephanie’s advice focuses on helping parents and students stay focused on their own process, while being organized to reduce stress during the college application process. She offers practical steps that keep students on track while maintaining their well-being.
Tip 1: Keep Your “Eyes on Your Own Paper”
Avoid Comparison: It’s easy to compare your child’s progress with that of their peers, but this can create unnecessary anxiety. Stephanie emphasizes that every student’s journey is unique, and parents should avoid comparing their child’s achievements to those of others. Focusing on your child’s strengths and personal goals will yield better results than trying to measure up to others.
Tip 2: Build a Balanced College List
Right Fit Over Prestige: Many parents feel pressure to aim for prestigious, highly selective schools. However, Stephanie advises focusing on finding a school that will nourish your child academically, socially, and emotionally. A state school or lesser-known university might offer the best opportunities for your child to thrive.
Realistic Expectations: College admissions have become more competitive in recent years. Help your child develop a college list that includes a mix of reach schools, target schools, and safety schools. This will provide options while reducing the disappointment of being waitlisted or rejected from overly selective schools.
Tip 3: Start Essays Early
Get a Head Start: Juniors should aim to finish their personal statement by July 1st before their senior year. This allows students to focus on supplemental essays and other application tasks without feeling overwhelmed, and enjoy part of their last Summer in High School! The July before senior year is the perfect time to complete the personal statement, leaving the fall for revisions and polishing.
Multiple Essays: Many colleges require supplemental essays, in addition to the main Common App essay. Starting early gives students the advantage of time, which reduces stress as deadlines approach. Aim to complete the personal essay early so that the focus can shift to supplemental essays, which often require additional thought and personalization for each school.
Kevin's Tips – School Visits and Leveraging Resources
Kevin offers practical advice on how to use school visits and available resources to make informed decisions. He emphasizes the importance of starting early and keeping the college selection process manageable.
Tip 1: Visit Schools Early
Start Visiting by Sophomore Year: School visits help students visualize what college life will be like. Kevin recommends starting these visits as early as Sophomore year. Visiting a variety of schools (large, small, public, private) will give your child a better idea of what they’re looking for in a college. These are often just fun roadtrips as a family, driving through various campuses to get a feel for the landscape and then create a vocabulary for future discussions about what campuses are like.
Consider November Visits: While summer visits can be convenient, keep in mind that campuses may be quieter when students are on break. If possible, visit when students are on campus to get a better sense of the college’s environment and culture, perhaps like the long week off each year in November right after elections.
Tip 2: Lean on Guidance Counselors
Use School Resources: Your child’s guidance counselor is a key player in the college application process. While they won’t write essays or build a college list, they are an excellent resource for navigating deadlines, understanding requirements, and providing necessary documentation.
Partner with Them: Attend meetings with the guidance counselor and ensure your child is on track with their academic progress. Being proactive in these relationships will help ensure everything is in order when it’s time to submit applications. They are helpful with the administrative tasks that your child will need completed, so partner with them to get everything completed efficiently.
Tip 3: Don’t Focus on Name Brand Colleges!
Look Beyond Prestige: Kevin urges parents and students to move past the obsession with name-brand colleges. There are many excellent schools that may not have the same prestige as Ivy League institutions but offer top-tier education, programs and opportunities. Focus on what each school can offer in terms of academics, campus culture, and extracurricular activities. It is actually harder for high-achieving NJ students to get into top-tier schools than for children from other states, so be sure you have a very well rounded college list that focuses on the education, financial impact, and overall student needs, not just the brand name.
Audience Pre-Submitted Questions
During the live event, several parents submitted questions about common concerns in the college admissions process. Here are some of the top questions and expert answers.
Q: When should we start test prep?
Christina recommends starting test prep once a student has completed Algebra 2, typically at the end of sophomore year. Testing 2-3 times is average, with most students taking the SAT or ACT during their junior year. This gives them time to retake the test if necessary without cutting too close to application deadlines.
Q: What should we highlight in the college essay?
Stephanie encourages students to use their essays to showcase personal growth and experiences that reflect their values. Rather than writing about what they think admissions officers want to hear, students should be authentic and write about experiences that have shaped who they are.
Q: Does having a job count as community service?
While paid work doesn’t count as community service, it is highly valued by colleges. Holding a job shows responsibility, time management, and work ethic—all qualities colleges appreciate.
Live Q&A Summary
The live Q&A session allowed parents to ask follow-up questions based on their unique concerns. Some highlights from the discussion include:
Handling Deferrals: Christina explained that deferrals are common, especially for highly competitive schools. If your child is deferred, it’s important to remain patient. Encourage them to keep their grades up and continue showing interest in the school. Students can also use this time to secure better financial aid offers.
Testing Options: Some parents asked about the current state of test-optional policies. Christina advised that while many schools are test-optional, a strong test score can still enhance an application. Parents should help their child decide whether or not to submit test scores based on their academic strengths and target schools.
Conclusion
Navigating the college admissions process can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The key to success lies in understanding your child’s strengths, values, and goals and supporting them in finding the best-fit college. Be patient, trust the process, and keep an open mind. There is no “best college”, other than the one that will nourish the potential of your unique child. Our favorite thread through College Prep 101 was the message that our children are wonderful human beings regardless of what college they go to and the more we can remove a sense of “worth” from grades and which school they go to, the healthier they will be and a better sense of well-being overall. With careful planning and the right guidance, you can help your child confidently embark on their next chapter, releasing expectations of “brand name” schools, and setting themselves up for success as they grow into their full potential. We hope that you will reach out to our experts for your college application process and/or real estate needs. It is an honor to be in community with you!
Additional Resources
These notes are just the beginning. To access additional resources, such as an application suggested timeline, the common data set link, and more test prep advice, please stay connected with Pollock Properties Group University. We look forward to continuing our education together as a community and providing more learning opportunities soon!
SUGGESTED PREP TIMELINE
COMMON DATA SET
PPGU clasS: College prep 101
Pollock Properties Group University is back for the Fall session with a very special event to help you and your High Schooler succeed in the college admissions process!
MEET OUR PANEL OF EXPERTS:
Christine Taber-Kewene is a Stanford and Columbia Law-educated admissions and academic coach and NACAC member with two decades of experience in guiding high school students and their families through test preparation, college admissions planning and application preparation, coursework support, and everything else that comes with the high school academics and college admissions territory. Her company CTK College Coach offers college admission coaching, SAT/ACT test prep, tutoring, and executive functioning coaching.
Stephanie Nasteff-Pilato Stephanie has an undergraduate degree in English from Shepherd University and has enjoyed a robust career as a professional actor in commercial voiceover. Her own personal essays have been performed live in Listen to Your Mother in Northern NJ. She has worked as a consultant for comedy writers, playwrights and screenwriters, and served as a beta reader for novels. Stephanie has a knack for helping to unlock a writer’s authentic voice and keen insight on how to refine a piece for maximum impact. At CTK, Stephanie offers College Application and Application Submission package services, College Essay Writing, as well as tutoring in ELA.
Kevin Kern is a seasoned real estate Agent with Pollock Properties Group and a proud father of four, three of whom are currently navigating, or have successfully navigated the college experience. With firsthand knowledge gained from guiding his children—Gus, Sunny Jo, and Magnolia (and coming all too soon to the college process, Clover Kern)—through the complexities of the admissions process, Kevin brings a wealth of real-life expertise to the College Prep 101 panel. Having lived in Maplewood for over a decade, Kevin and his family are deeply embedded in the local community, and he has helped numerous families in the area achieve their real estate goals. Drawing from both his professional and personal experiences, Kevin offers unique insights into balancing family life, education, and decision-making in the college admissions journey.
Register here and join us Saturday, October 19th at 10am!
