The College Conversation:

One of the most important issues to readers with families is the college admissions process. That is why I am pleased to announce that Lisa McLaughlin’s new Daily Pilot column will begin advising parents and college-bound students on how to make good decisions in preparing for and gaining entry into college. From high school course selection and standardized testing to deadlines and writing top-notch essays, McLaughlin will relay her 14 years of experience in the public education sector coordinating college-readiness programs and providing national staff development to school districts on the topic of college admissions. She will also answer reader questions in a Q&A format. Her column, The College Conversation, will appear Saturdays in the Daily Pilot.

— John Canalis, Editor

As high school seniors get ready to make final college selections, their parents breathe a collective sigh of relief that the college admissions process is finally over. Some students will have more options than others, depending on how hard they worked in high school. But, regardless, students share their excitement about being one step closer to freedom.

It’s bittersweet for parents. On the one hand, you’re filled with such pride and excitement for your child’s future. Yet, on the other, you hope that indeed you’ve prepared your child to step out into the world with confidence. The excitement is contagious but unfortunately so is the anxiety. Younger students and parents look to those who’ve traveled before them and the anxiety-ridden journey begins anew.

Talking about college admissions is tough. In my 14 years of working with college-bound students and their parents, one of the main sources of angst is the seemingly innocuous delivery of college admissions information via the parking lot, the media and plenty of other unsolicited advisors. Myth blurs with fact and it’s hard to know what or whom to believe.

So, let’s start the college conversation. No more elephant in the room. Let’s dispel the myths and get the facts on the table. Let’s talk college and help our youth feel more optimistic and less stressed about the prospect of college. I can’t promise that some of the information I share won’t provoke a bit of unease, but keep in mind the purpose is to inform and arm you with the college knowledge you need in order to ask the right questions and have the right conversations.

I look forward to engaging this community with insight into the college admissions process.

It’s easy to fan the flames. But, it’s my college counseling responsibility to put them out.

Welcome to The College Conversation.

LISA MCLAUGHLIN is the founder and executive director of EDvantage Consulting Inc., an independent college admission counseling firm in South Orange County. Send questions to lisa@EDvantage Consulting.com.