Valentine’s Day always reminds us about love. But I doubt many parents, or students would associate love with the college prep process. Frustration, stress, angst would most likely come to mind.

I’m an eternal optimist and I can find at least 7 things to love about the college prep process. Hopefully reading these will ease your stress and help you see that there is much to love, even though you feel you are in the midst of a nightmare.

1. Time with your student-The college process requires you to spend quality time with your teenager.
2. Reaching another milestone-Applying to college signifies another milestone in your child’s life moving toward adulthood.
3. College visits-Being trapped in a car for hours and days with your teenager is a godsend for most parents.
4. Finding scholarship money-It goes without saying that scholarship monies help you feel the love.
5. Celebrating life’s accomplishments-With every application students are required to list their accomplishments. This is a time for you to celebrate and be proud.
6. Reading the recommendation letters-Feeling the love from the adults who have been involved with your student academically and personally should make every parent proud.
7. Receiving acceptance letters-Feeling the love that colleges have for your student can be a proud moment in a parent’s life.

You would probably have a similar list of what NOT to love, but for today let’s “feel the love” and concentrate on the positive aspects of the college admissions process.