Destress the College Application Process for Your Child + Turn it Into an Exciting Experience Instead

College

This is a sponsored post

College Applications Loom Ahead Everywhere, MommyBlogExpert.com

My Family's #JourneytoCollege

Where have all the years gone? Recently I learned from the first-hand experience of raising four children born within a year, including triplets, that kids really do transform from babies into high school seniors and college students over night. If you're reading this post, chances are that you may be approaching this same milestone in your own family's life or are already in the thick of it now. Either way, there's no better time than right now to talk about the Big C -- College.

Hard to believe my triplets are now high school seniors, MommyBlogExpert.com

With my oldest having successfully completed his first year at college on the East Coast I've already been through the college prepatory experience once. No sooner did we send my big boy off to school, we found ourselves again entrenched in the heat of the college planning process, which of course doesn't only include picking out the schools each will apply to but also preparing for and scoring well on the SAT and/or ACT standardized assessment tests.

Next fall all 4 of my kids will be in college at the same time, MommyBlogExpert.com 

4 Essentials for Preparing for the College Application Process

The College Discussion Should Begin Freshman Year of High School
This may come as a surprise, as it did to me. Believe it or not, it's not too early to start chatting with your child about preparing for becoming a university student at the beginning of 9th grade. That's because unlike in middle and elementary school what kids do between 9th and 12th grades both in and out of school matters. Seriously. 

Grades are Just the Beginning, Get Your Child Involved
We're not just talking about getting good grades, applying themselves or doing their best in every class that will eventually appear on their high school transcript, either. It also involves developing into well-rounded individuals with extra curriculars that students are passionate about and of course, giving back to the community.

Partner With Your Child's College Counselor as Early as Possible
Many schools don't seriously encourage freshman and sophomores to meet with a college counselor early on. But, as mentioned above, the clock starts ticking when a child enters high school as to what will matter when it comes to applying to colleges, so it is in you and your son's or daughter's best interest to get to know their college advisor as soon as you can. If none is available at this point, you can always seek out and hire a private college counselor to make sure your child is doing everything they need to right now.

Tap Into Free Resources like the KapMap 
There also are some really good free advice and guidance resources on the Internet for those of you in the same boat as I am with one or more kids in high school this fall. One of the most helpful guides I've found and downloaded for each of my triplets is called KapMap from Kaplan Test Prep. Essentially KapMap is your go-to month-to-month guide of everything you and your student need to be doing on the college preparation front throughout the high school experience starting at the beginning of freshman year. Then, when things kick into high gear when your child is a junior or senior, all the important dates are listed such as prompts for taking practice ACT & SAT tests and registering to sit for the actual exam(s) as well as information on scheduling college interviews and the various university application like Early Action, Early Decision and regular college deadlines. 

It's easy to get stressed out about the college prepatory experience -- believe me, I know because I've been there and done that. Here's a word of advice from a mom who knows: Don't. By remaining calm, collected and methodical throughout the process you can turn this potentially stressful time in your child's life into something that instead is an exciting and upbeat time of looking clearly toward the future.

Student's Tools of the College Prep Trade, MommyBlogExpert.com

Remember to download the free KapMap first thing so you can get started. Also visit KapTest.com/college-prep for more valuable information as well as follow them on Facebook and Twitter. By stopping by the KapTest website you'll also find the tools to learn how to coach your student throughout the process, help them make their college application stand out from the crowd on the admission officer's desk, and get more direction on understanding test scores and what requirements your child needs to meet to have a chance at the colleges on their wish list. Also don't miss the Kaplan 2013 College Admissions Officers Survey for college admission trends based on an annual survey that Kaplan Test Prep does of admissions officers at the top national private and public universities and colleges.

Win an iPad at the #JourneytoCollege Twitter Party, MommyBlogExpert.com

Know someone who is college bound? Then you won't want to miss the #JourneytoCollege Twitter Party August 20th from 1-2 pm ET - including chance to win $1000+ in prizes: an iPad and $75 Amazon giftcards with @MommyBlogExpert serving as one of the panelists. 

#JourneytoCollege Twitter Party

August 20th 1-2 pm ET

Details

FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/Kaplan Test Prep. I received compensation to write this post, however opinions expressed are my own and reflect my actual experience. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Kindle Fire 7" HD Giveaway Sweepstakes - 2 Winners Back to School Contest #BTS

Giveaway

PBS Parents

Back to School

Sweepstakes

Kindle Fire 7" HD
Win 1 of 2 Prizes

Ends 8/23/14

ENTER to WIN

FTC Disclosure:  PBS Parents is hosting this giveaway and is handling prizing. No payment or other compensation was exchanged in connection with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's home page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Twitter Party Calendar Aug 17 - Aug 23

Twitter Parties

Master Twitter Party Calendar - Including USA and Canada

Get all the details in this free constantly updated Master Twitter Chat Party Calendar listing tons of family friendly parties including specifics on prizes you can win and links to RSVP and participate. Includes Twitter Parties in the U.S. and Canada. A new weekly Twitter Party Schedule is published every Sunday at 9 am ET.

Constant Updates, Sneak Peek at Future Weeks

Be sure to check back often during each week as new events are added on an ongoing basis -- often with new prize-winning opportunities added several times per day. You'll also get a sneak peek at Twitter parties coming up next week and in the month ahead. Now listing Facebook, Pinterest and Google+ parties with prizes too.

Be the first to know when the latest Mommy Blog Expert Twitter Party schedule goes live by following @mommyblogexpert on Twitter, Facebook, Pinteres, and Instagram.

Most parties are for U.S. only, unless indicated otherwise. Look for highlights in pink for Twitter Parties where CANADA residents are eligible for prizes.

Schedule of Twitter Parties With Prizes

THIS WEEK

Monday, August 18

Chocolate for the Win at 11 am ET with @dodomesticdad @laughwithusblog @mommadanddaboyz. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 Sam's Club giftcards. #Chocolate4theWin

Add Cool Whip Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @kraftfoods @aleamilham @grandbabycakes and others. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 Walmart giftcards. #AddCoolWhip

Tuesday, August 19

Trendy Cards Twitter Party at 11 am ET with @ourhomemadelife @mommytalkshow @smashbravoteam and others. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 Walmart giftcards. #TrendyCards

Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Twitter Party at Noon ET with @carsonarthur @smgirlfriends @dabneyporte. Prizes: TBA. #BHGREparty

Be Open Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @juliepron @verasweeney @coloradomom and others. Prizes: FOUR (4) winners will get an Origami Owl bracelet or necklace, ONE (1) $300 Origami Owl giftcard. Participate in party with hashtags #BeOpen #OrigamiOwl

Back to School Savings Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @freebies4mom @happyhousewife @savings and others. Prizes: ONE (1) $150 Macy's giftcard, TWO (2) $100 Macy's GCs, ONE (1) $50 Macy's GC. #BTSSavings

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @officialfye. Prizes: ONE (1) Grand Prize, lots of other merchandise to win plus online and instore special coupons for Party attendees. #SpidermanFYE

Caliente VoxBox Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @influenstervox. Prizes: VoxBoxes. #CalienteVoxbox

Spark Sessions Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @sparksessions. Prizes: Lancome prize pack. Participate in party with hashtag #Spark Sessions

Dole Squish Ems Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @dolefoods @brandichastain @busymommymedia @ourknightlife. Prizes: TBA. #DoleSquishEms

Share the Magic Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @magelicasvoyage @chancesmom @gingermommy. Prize: FIVE (5) giftsets that include a signed book, magical feather necklace, bookmark and pouch - BOTH US and CANADA Residents eligible for prizes. #SharetheMagic

Starkist Tuna Back to School Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @verasweeney @starkistcharlie. Prizes: TBA. No RSVP, participate in party w/ hashtag #StarkistB2R

FPL Easy to Save Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @latinomarketing @latinamomblogs @latinblah. Prizes: FOUR (4) giftcards one in each of the following denominations $50, $75 $100 and $150 - Must be a Florida Power & Light customer to win. #EasytoSave

Mr. Clean Million Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @doubledutydivas. Prizes: Product + $50 Home Depot $50 giftcard, product + Williams-Sonoma $50 GC, product + Sephora $50 GC, and product + $100 Macys GC. #MrCleanMillion

Girls Night Out Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @getflipp @momitforward and others. Prizes: ONE (1) $50 Visa giftcard. #gno #FlippforBTS

It's Still Summer Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @molsoncdn67 @shesconnected @gingermommy and others. Prizes: TBA - Canada Residents ONLY eligible for prizes.  Watch hashtag #MolsonCDN67 for more details soon

My Back to School Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @discoverself @southernkrazed @msfrugalmommy. Prizes: ONE (1) $100 DelSol giftcard, TWO (2) $50 DelSol GCs, NINE (9) $25 DelSol GCs. #MyBacktoSchool

#JourneytoCollege Twitter Party August 20 at 1 pm ET

Wednesday, August 20

Kaplan Journey to College Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @kaplansatact @lisasamples @zipporahs @stacieinatlanta @mommyblogexpert. Prizes: $1000+ in prizes including Amazon $75 giftcards and ONE (1) iPad. #JourneytoCollege

Bonine Travel Pack Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @smiley360. Prizes: EIGHT (8) Bonine Travel Packs. #BonineTravelPack

Tilly's Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @christina_coker @savings @kellystilwell. Prizes: TWO (2) $100 Tilly's giftcards and TWO (2) $50 Tilly's GCs. #TillysBTS

Back to Health Twitter Party at 2 pm ET with @vitaminshoppe. Prizes: A variety of prize baskets every 15 minutes. #BacktoHealth

My Pick N Save Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @picknsavestores @outnumberedmama @meetkristy and others. Prizes: FOUR ($) $50 Pick N Save giftcards and ONE (1) Grand Prize $150 Pick N Save GC. #MyPickNSave

VSP Back to School Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @verasweeney @audreymcclellan @vspvisioncare. Prizes: TBA. #VSPBack2School

Pictures on Gold Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @picturesongold1 @s8r8133 @twipartyexpress. Prizes: SIX (6) prizes with a total value of $1400+ including jewelry pieces, a Grand Prize and more. #PhotosOnGold #ESPGals

Love Lentils Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @foodbloggersca @cdnlentils. Prizes: TEN (10) Canadian Lentils giftbaskets ARV $150, ONE (1) Full Pass to Food Bloggers of Canada 2014 Conference - Canada Residents ONLY eligible for prizes.  #LoveLentils

Power Your Lunchbox Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @produceforkids @sasummercitrus @laptoplunches and others. Prizes: Prizes & giftcards TBA. #PowerYourLunchbox

Dairy Fuel Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @adamideast @ohdairyfarmers. Prizes: Rubbermaid Lunch Box Kits, Smoothie Blender, Food Processor, Quesadilla Maker. #DairyFuel

Huggies Plus Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @mamiverse. Prizes: THREE (3) Huggies product gift baskets and ONE (1) Grand Prize $100 Giftcard. #HuggiesPlus

Power Your Lunchbox Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @produceforkids @sasummercitrus, @laptoplunches. Prizes: Bento box, fruit-infusing water bottles, grocery store giftcards. #PowerYourLunchbox

Thursday, August 21

Hunger Heroes Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @coopermunroe @emilymckhann @themotherhood @themotherhood25. Prizes: FIVE (5) $50 Sam's Club giftcards. #HungerHeroes

Back to You Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @sears @searsdeals. Prizes: $200 in prizes. #BacktoYou

Teavana Chai Days Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @momcentral @teavana. Prizes: EIGHT (8) $50 Teavana giftcards. #TeavanaChaiDays

Car Seat Safety Twitter Party at 2 pm ET with @homedadnet @britax. Prizes: Britax car seats. #CarSeatSafety

Toss the Tube Twitter Party at 2 pm ET with @crowdtappers @scottproducts. Prizes: $725+ in giftcards and prizes. #TosstheTube

US Farmers & Ranchers Alliance at 2 pm ET with @resourcefulmom @usfra @chrischinn @katiepratt4. Prizes: TWO (2) $25 Amazon giftcards and ONE (1) $100 Amazon GC. #FoodD

Kiwi Magazine Twitter Party at 2:30 ET with @KiwiMagazine. Prizes: TBA. #ACGB14

Baby Bee Twitter Party at 7 pm ET with @socialmoms. Prizes: TWENTY (20) $20 Amazon giftcards, ONE (1) Burt's Bees giftbasket ARV $250+. #BabyBee

Pledge for Evoo Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @pompeianoils @busymommymedia @maggieunz. Prizes: TBA. #PledgeforEvoo

TMobile Walmart Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @momspark @momsparkmedia @digitalmomblog. Prizes: FOUR (4) $50 Walmart giftcards. #TMobileWM

Used Everywhere Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @nugglemama @jen_banks @usedeverywhere and others. Prizes: $500 or a Samsung Galaxy tablet. #UsedParty

Mom Inspirations Twitter Party at 10 pm ET with @cafeyak. Prizes: TBA. #MomInspirations

Friday, August 22

Caltrate Gummy Bites Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @smiley360. Prizes: EIGHT (8) winners get 2 bottles of 100 Caltrate Gummy Bites, TWO (2) $25 giftcards. #CaltrateGummyBites

Legends of Oz Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @thriftychicmom @legendsofoz @foxhomeent @fheinsiders. Prizes: TBA. #LegendsofOz

Jensomnia Twitter Party at 11 pm ET with @jennymccarthy. Prizes: TBA. #Jensomnia

NEXT WEEK

Monday, August 25

Phones 4 School Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @familymobile @freebies4mom @mommytalkshow and others. Prizes: THREE (3) $100 Walmart giftcards, TWO (2) $50 Walmart GC + LG Optimus L90 smartphone prize packs, ONE (1) $100 Walmart GC + LG Optimus L90. #Phones4School

Hunts Manwich Back to School Twitter Party at 2 pm ET with @resourcefulmom. Prizes: FIVE (5) prize packs that include $30 Visa giftcard; sauce pan; electric canopener; branded apron potholder and spoon; and 3 cans Manwich. #Manwich

Balance Rewards Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @walgreens @dawnchats @ruralmoms and others. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 Walgreens giftcards. #BalanceRewards

Airmiles Shops Back to School Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @kidsumers @listen2lena and others. Prizes: SIX (6) winners - Canada Residents ONLY eligible for prizes. #AirmilesShops

Tuesday, August 26

Love Dove Fruits Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @laughwithusblog @ourhomemadelife @simplybeingmom and others. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 Sam's Club giftcards. #LoveDoveFruits

WeePlan Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @projectjunior @savvysassymoms @weelicious and others. Prizes: FOUR (4) fun prize packs kids and moms will love. #WeePlan

Verizon Talks Twitter Tuesday Party at 2 pm ET with @vzwaudrey. Prizes: ONE (1) SonyMobile Xperia Z2 Tablet. #VerizonTXSweeps

iAdopt for Fall Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @ontariospca. Prizes: TBA - Canada Residents ONLY eligible for prizes. #iAdopt4Fall

Tylenol Stories of Strength Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @doubledutydivas. Prizes: ONE (1) Target giftcard in each of the following denominations $25, $60, $100, $150 and $350. #StoriesofStrength

Special CDNMoney Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @getflipp @commoncentsmom @christaclips. Prizes: Prizes provided by Flipp - Canada Residents ONLY eligible for prizes. #CDNMoney

Wednesday, August 27

Price Chopper Back to School Twitter Party at Noon ET with @pricechopper @dawnchats @dentistmel and others. Prizes: ONE (1) $50 Price Chopper giftcard and FIVE (5) $100 Price Chopper GCs. #PriceChopperB2S

Family Favorites Twitter Party at 2 pm ET with @formulamom @7onashoestring @mudpiesandtiara and others. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 Walmart giftcards. #FamilyFavorites

Teaity Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @teaity @thistledowncozi. Prizes: FOUR (4) prize packs ARV $50. #TeaityChat

Chicago Cutlery Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @foodbloggersca @worldkitchenllc. Prizes: THREE (3) colorful Kinzie 9-piece sets, ONE (1) Beldec 15 piece-set - Canada Residents ONLY eligible for prizes. #ChicagoCutlery

Thursday, August 28

Team Jello Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @kraftfoods @msmissy62 @ruralmoms and others. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 Walmart giftcards. #TeamJellO

AirKingU Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @hillhouserock @akventilation . Prizes: FOUR (4) $50 Visa giftcards and ONE (1) $100 Visa GC. #AirKingU

Weekly Food Fiesta Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @splashscore. Prizes: TBA. #FoodFiesta

Eggcited for Eggs Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @listen2lena @eggsoeufs. Prizes: TBA - Canada Residents ONLY eligible to win prizes. #Eggcited4Eggs

Friday, August 29

The Sims 4 Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @thesims @thedomesticexec @outnumberedmama and others. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 Walmart giftcards. #TheSims4

How to Choose a Smartphone Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @theonlinemom @robynsworld @geekbabe @thetechdad. Prizes: TBA. #VZWBuzz

Neutrogena Beautiful Inside Out Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @lbconnect @laflowers and others. Prizes: TEN (10) Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash and Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night. THREE (3) prize packages that include products + $100 giftcard. #NeutrogenaBeautifulInsideOut

COMING SOON

Tuesday, September 2

The Sims 4 Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @thesims @blm03 @comicbookmom. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 Walmart giftcards. #TheSims4

Wednesday, September 3

Kingdom Cheese Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @bookieboo @kingdomcheese @mrbookieboo and @way2gomom. Prizes: TEN (10) $50 Whole Foods giftcards. #KingdomCheese

Thursday, September 4

Sauce On Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @elyucateco @smashbravoteam @mamaxxi and others. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 Visa giftcards. #SauceOn

TiVo Back to School Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @wellconnectdmom @morethanmommy and others. Prizes: ONE (1) Grand Prize FREE Roamio with life time service; FIVE (5) TiVo Swag Bags. #TiVoMoms #B2S

Friday, September 5

Getting More From Your Table Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @theonlinemom @robynsworld @geekbabe @thetechdad. Prizes: TBA #VZWBuzz

Friday, September 12

Emergency Preparedness Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @theonlinemom @robynsworld @geekbabe @thetechdad. Prizes: TBA. #VZWBuzz

Wednesday, September 17

Moms and Brands Twitter Party at 7 pm ET with @momsandbrands. Prizes: From Happy Family, Manitoba Harvest, Marukan Vinegar, Superior Source and Bitsy's Brainfood. #MomsandBrands #ExpoEast

Friday, September 19

Mobile Games Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @theonlinemom @robynsworld @geekbabe @thetechdad. Prizes: TBA. #VZWBuzz

About this Weekly Twitter Party List
Compiled by MommyBlogExpert.com Master Twitter Party Calendar, the most comprehensive, constantly updated Free resource of its kind online. However keep in mind that each party is run by a different brand and/or hosts and MommyBlogExpert, unless specified otherwise, is not responsible for any dealings readers have with these events including, but not limited to, prizing of any party on the calendar.

For Brands

How to Add a Twitter Party to the Calendar
Add an event to the Mommy Blog Expert Master Twitter Party Calendar free by emailing janis at janiselspas.com with Twitter Party in subject line including all details and links in the body of your message.

Hire Me to Plan, Promote and/or Host Your Twitter Party
Also available, for a nominal fee, to host, co-host or serve as a panelist for your own brand Twitter party. To inquire, please email janis at janiselspas.com for information with "Twitter Party Consulting Query" in the subject line.

FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert does attend some Twitter parties as a guest and also works as a host, co-host, and panelist on others. Except for the #JourneytoCollege Twitter Party on 8/20 at 1 pm listed above, I did not receive payment or compensation associated with any other party on this calendar. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.