A College Admissions Guide for Parents

Matt Crow/Undergraduate Admissions

From financial aid to important deadlines, navigating the college search process with your student can be both exciting and overwhelming. Luckily, that's what the Office of Admissions is here for! These milestones serve as a valuable guide for parents/guardians embarking on this important journey together with their student.

Discuss how college will be funded

Openly discuss with your student how much you can contribute to their education and how much they will need to fund on their own. Value is an important factor to consider, and it's worth mentioning that Wichita State boasts tuition cost savings compared to other public research universities across the state, region and nation. Additionally, WSU offers numerous internship and on-campus employment opportunities, with students earning more than $28 million through 600-plus employers to help fund their college expenses while gaining valuable professional experiences.

Make a calendar and begin researching schools

Compile a list of admission, financial aid, and scholarship deadlines from various colleges. Consider your student's preferences, such as majors, class sizes, internship opportunities, location, costs, and extracurricular activities. Remind them that choosing a college is an important decision, as it will be their home for the next several years.

Keep up-to-date with your student's college of interest

Every school is different, but Wichita State offers plenty of ways to stay connected with the latest. Be sure to follow @WichitaState and @wheatweet on Twitter. These channels will provide you with the latest news, updates, and information about campus happenings. Don't forget to like Wichita State Admissions on Facebook to stay informed about scholarship opportunities and on-campus events. Also, look up your student's academic college on social media to stay up-to-date with their area of study.

Take the ACT or SAT exam

Wichita State University (WSU) is a test-optional institution, meaning an ACT/SAT score is not required in order to be admitted. However, these standardized tests are essential for scholarship consideration. Encourage your student to take the ACT or SAT exam during their junior year and again early in their senior year.

Visit campus

There's no better way to know whether a school will be the right fit or not. Schedule an official visit to get a sense of the campus atmosphere, facilities and the program(s) of interest. To ensure a personalized experience tailored to your student's needs, kindly provide us with at least two weeks' notice.

Speak with an admissions representative

Admissions staff at Wichita State are here to assist you and your student. Our knowledgeable representatives can provide valuable insights and answer questions that come up throughout the process.

Get admitted and be considered for scholarships

The application opens annually on July 1 for rising high school seniors. Advise your student to apply for college admissions either that summer or in early fall of their senior year. By doing so, they do not risk missing important scholarship deadlines. At Wichita State, we start awarding scholarships as early as September of their senior year. To be considered for major scholarship competitions at WSU, it is recommended to be admitted before Oct. 15.

Apply for federal financial aid

To ensure full consideration for all available awards, encourage your student to apply for federal financial aid. Visit fafsa.gov to learn more about the application process and available financial aid resources.

It is important to remember this journey is a collaborative effort between you and your student. By offering guidance, discussing funding options, and conducting thorough research, you can ensure that your student finds the college that aligns with their personal and academic goals. As always, don't hesitate to reach out to our Admissions staff for assistance!