The process of college admissions these days is much different than it was even just ten years ago. This is primarily because admission to colleges and universities has become increasingly competitive as more and more students compete for spots at top American universities.

In the past, students received the college application forms via mail and completed the required information manually. In addition to that, students wrote essays on why they should be admitted and attached recommendations from their previous schools, official transcripts and test scores from their SATs and ACTs. These applications were then sent to the school counseling office.

Applying for college admission is very different today. Due to the advancement in technology, students can send their applications online. The essays are typed and sent online via the colleges online application platform, the SAT and ACT test scores sent to the College Board directly and recommendations sent by Naviance.

Due to the complications that arise using this new college application process, students get overwhelmed. Many times, they do not know what to do, thus they need the guidance of their parents, an educational consultant, a high school counselor or anyone who has the expertise to answer their questions.

Thus, college bound students need assistance in the following areas:

1. The search for a suitable college. The student should be assisted when it comes to choosing a suitable college, which offers the course they are interested in studying. You could share your knowledge on the various colleges available, with which the students may not be familiar.

2. Writing essays can be quite challenging on a student who is just completing high school. Help to brainstorm a good essay topic and give them the guidelines on how to write a unique essay that the college will want to read.

3. Students need help to get organized. You should advise the students to keep the deadlines set for the application process and submission of the essays, forms and college funding options applications.

4. Submission of the applications needs to happen on time. You need to ensure that your child has proofread the essays and the application letter to ensure they are free from spelling and grammatical errors. This increases the student's chances of being admitted.

5. Students nee information about scholarships and financial aid. Advise them on how to apply for the various scholarships offered for different courses. You could also suggest the colleges that offer higher college funding to their applicants. All prospective college students should also submit the FAFSA to determine if they are eligible for financial aid.

6. Students need tips for how to prepare for the SAT and ACT. Discuss the various subject tests and advise them on how to tackle the questions. You could also offer ACT and SAT prep courses to the students.

7. Students need help to reduce stress and anxiety. The college application process is usually stressful to new applicants. Guide them through this process, as it helps to alleviate the stress, making it a little easier for the students.

This will ensure the students have an easier time applying for their college funding and getting admitted to the universities and colleges of their choice.