<ol>
<li><p>Discuss your financial expectations honestly and early with your student, especially if they are taking the lead in the research.</p></li>
<li><p>Set a "deadline" for essays and resume writing that is significantly ahead of the real deadline. Have the complete application ready for mailing or turned into the GC's office at least 3 days prior to the deadline (Our GC, packs and mails 6 applications for the kids, so they require apps in the office by Dec 1, it was Nov 29 this year; apps finished early is of those things like applying to a rolling admission school, it is simple to do and has a big payback in relief of stress)</p></li>
</ol>
<p>8 (The GC may not want to talk about this) Give thought to which teachers you will ask for recs. You may want to approach a junior year teacher late in the junior year, she may appreciate the opportunity to do the rec over the summer, or during teacher workday at the end of school. Recommendations need to be well written as well as personal.</p>