them separately. This strategy works for school as well. Focus on one aspect of the college process at a time. The best place is to start by creating a resume. Dig deep into the box of awards and miscellaneous stuff your mom has collected over the years and start to put it together. Don’t forget to add your major accomplishments as a rider. This is a large part of your life and should be highlighted. Often schools ask for a resume as a supplement to the Common Application. Having your resume ready to go will help save time. Working on your resume will also remind you how awesome you really are and that you can attack this college process.
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SENIORS: GET IT DONE EARLY! Yes, you will be nagged to get your essays and applications done early by almost everyone. Take it from me, it is worth it! It is your senior year and often your last junior year. Some of you will be heading to indoors and finals for the first or last time. You should enjoy those experiences, instead of being locked up in the hotel room with your college applications hanging over your head. With that said, Mom and Dad, you too!! It is important that you get your taxes done early as well. Schools will ask for a copy of your tax return to help award merit scholarships and in-state tuition. If you have your taxes done early and they are accessible you won’t delay your child’s acceptance or financial awards. Hey, every penny counts towards more hay! Most importantly, enjoy the college process. This time is an important period in your life and a beginning to many new adventures. There is a college program for everyone and the perfect place just for you! Brooke Mallin, Leesburg, Virginia, is an amateur rider, high school teacher and private tutor. She specializes in helping the “student athlete” obtain success both in the classroom and in the ring. Combining her experience as an NCAA Division One (field hockey) athlete and her passion for horses, she can easily relate to kids and she bridges the gap of the classroom to the ring.