If you read the International College Fair article last week, then you already know that the first stage of applying to college is research... and lots of it. So this week, we need to talk about the ever-important second step ? one that requires you to limber up your wrists because now, you are filling out forms.

Parents, please sit back and let your child fill out his/her own forms. Can you assist? Oh most definitely ? but you will have to resist the urge to say: ?Give it to me! You aren?t doing it right!?

When it comes to college, far too often parents are filling out the applications, and even asking for recommendations on the child?s behalf.

Once your ?little baby? gets to college, they will be on their own, and unless you want to buy them a fax machine so they can send you all their documents, it?s best you let them learn now.

So, when it comes to the application process, it?s important to get your facts straight. Before you even put pen to paper, find out if applications can be made online?

Or are international students required to fill out paper applications? Do you have to submit a recommendation, and how many? What are the essay topics? What are the application deadlines? Are SAT scores required?

It?s very helpful to create a chart that lists what each university requires, in addition to the completed application.

Recommendations, r?sum?s, essays, transcripts, award certificates, application fees ? the list goes on and on, and each school has its own individual requirements with its own individual deadlines! Exhausted yet? No rest for the weary, I?m afraid.

As international students, Bermudians must also obtain financial affidavits confirming they have sufficient funds to pay for tuition and living expenses, before being allowed to attend universities in overseas countries.

This could be in the form of a letter from the bank, copies of bank statements with an official seal, or if the stars align to provide your child with a scholarship, a letter from the company/organisation would also suffice.

Some countries also require immunisation records, so make sure all of this information is up to date. It could be a bit overwhelming ? that?s why it?s important to start early. Work with your child to determine whom they can ask for recommendations.

Consider coaches, guidance counselors, employers, ministers/clergy and of course, teachers. Your child should then write letters to these individuals asking for recommendations.

Remember, several students are completing college applications right now, so there?s no telling how many people have asked these same teachers and coaches for recommendations. A verbal request may be soon forgotten!

Contact your family doctor for medical records, and visit the bank to request financial statements. Take your checklist as a reminder of what needs to be done, and also because it will feel great when you get to tasks ticked off.

Meanwhile, your child should be working on crafting an excellent essay. The essay is a very important part of the application, so encourage your child to spend a significant amount of time completing it.

The essay tells the admissions officer what Johnny stands for, why Suzy would be an asset to their college, and numerous other things about your son or daughter. Let them write it, but definitely read it over, and make suggestions. This does not mean completely redoing the essay, as they look over your shoulder.

At the end of the day, the essay should be a true representation of who they are, but without the spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. As you can see this is a long and lengthy process and don?t hesitate to ask for assistance if you need it.

The school guidance counselor has done this several times, and can provide you and your child with great advice and tips.

So, yes, it will take a good bit of time, but so does anything worthwhile.

When you complete those applications, be sure to make photocopies of everything, put that stamp on it (or run to the FedEx office if you?re a tad behind schedule) and send it off, you will be one step closer to being in charge of the remote full time.

And of course, one step closer to achieving your goal of having a college-bound child.

Yep, one step closer, but not the final step.

Next Week: Making Decisions

@EDITRULE:

No worries ? the event is actually on the 1st and 2nd. Sorry for the confusion. The International College Fair will be held on December 1 and 2 at Bermuda College. All are invited to find out more about the over 40 colleges and universities that will be in attendance. For more information contact Kristin White at 294.7230 or e-mail at kristin.whitexlgroup.com.