news-record.com

For many rising high school seniors and their parents, summer is the last respite before the college application process consumes their lives.

With essays to write, resumes to detail and grades to keep up, it can seem overwhelming.

Teri LaRocque, however, thinks the key to surviving college applications without developing an ulcer might just be taking advantage of precious summer downtime.

She's created a 10-hour program called Camp College for rising seniors to complete the common application accepted by many colleges and the essay that accompanies it.

"I know, when rising seniors hit the ground running in August, they're in sort of a frenzy," LaRocque said. "And for many, it's a first-time situation for their families."

The course - held over four days, with each day having two times to accommodate teens' work schedules - will be limited in size, LaRocque said.

An English teacher, she plans to provide as much one-on-one counseling on the essay portion as possible.

LaRocque first did a Camp College last year in Connecticut, where she lived.

She explored college counseling after going through the process herself with her two children.

She said the stress of applying to college is greater than ever and starts earlier , with freshmen already worrying about it.

"The stress just seems to be spiraling out of control," she said.

In addition to the application guidance, LaRocque will help students who are unsure of where to apply explore their options. She also will direct them to resources on financial aid options.

"It's so competitive and so many people think you have to go to the 'right' school," she said. "I personally think there is no 'right' school. It's about finding the right fit for you."

Contact Kavita Pillai at 373-7157 or kavita.pillai@news-record.com