Everyone knows I love all things organization related. Of course it doesn’t stop with my home decor. It flows into the way I raise my children. When my oldest son was a junior in high school, I knew exactly what I needed to implement for his senior year. My ultimate goal was to successfully get him into the college we (I) wanted him to attend. I decided to purchase a notebook to use to take notes at senior meetings, plan activities, and organize everything to prepare him for acceptance into college. I knew I wanted the notebook to be used as a reference item and a keepsake after college. I opted to purchase a personalized Erin Condren Notebook. It costs a little more than a standard Mead notebook, but I wanted something that was durable, had great quality paper, and could be personalized. I personalized the cover with my son’s name and “Class of 2015.” I divided the notebook into 11 sections using Girl of All Work Peel and Stick Tabs (Lifestyle, Numbers, and Letters).
The sections were:
- High School Information: In this section I kept his high school address, class schedule, school email and telephone number. I also kept a list of his teachers and counselors’ names and email addresses.
- Report Card & Transcripts: Maintaining his GPA and being aware of his class standing at all times were very important to me.
- College Choices: I used this section to list his top three college choices, their admission requirements, and any other important college information. Once we decided on the college we wanted him to attend, we used the remaining pages in this section for that college’s information.
- Upcoming Events: I listed any and every event that he could possibly attend.
- Logins and Passwords: Its already hard enough for me to remember my own various logins and passwords, now I had to add another person’s information. Yikes!!! I also created and managed a separate email in his name that we used to apply for college and used for other email correspondence. Sorry, I’m a momanger… I had to be in control of the process to make sure everything was done on time and accurately.
- ACT/SAT Info: I made sure my son was involved in all activities to help increase his test scores.
- College Trips: College trips were so much fun and very informative. I took tons of notes and recorded a lot of information.
- Scholarship & Financial Aid Info: College is expensive and I wanted to learn all the ways we could pay for his college education.
- Senior Meeting Notes: All information provided at each senior meeting was recording in this section.
- To Do Checklist: This section included an ongoing check list of to do items from taking graduation pictures to paying his college dorm deposit. There is something about checking an item off on a list that gives you an overwhelming awesome feeling of completion.
- Other: I used this section for anything else which was not identified above.
Check out my YouTube video to view my Erin Condren Collection and to see how I use various Erin Condren products. To receive $10 off your first Erin Condren purchase, register at Erin Condren’s site using this link. After you register for an account, Erin Condren will email you a $10 off coupon code.
Currently, my son is enjoying his freshman year of college. I’m not sure if he truly appreciates all of my planning and organizing, but I know it made the transaction from high school to college very seamlessly.
I hope you found these tips useful. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions. As always, I would love for you to follow my blog to stay updated on home decor ideas, organizational tips, and planning & productivity strategies. You may also visit our main interior decorating website at www.divineelementsofdesign.net for information about our interior decorating services and products.
Wonderful tips and what a great mom you are. I have not had the chance to use those notebooks but I would like to. Especially for the Blogging Conference I am attending tomorrow.
Yes ma’am, I will have mine at the Blog Elevated Conference tomorrow. I love having everything in one place. Thanks for stopping by.
Great job on being so organized! In the future he will realize how much work you have put in to assist him in accomplishing where he is today. I watch all of these organizational content and wished I was this organized upon going to college lol. This is a great system to implement for all transitioning students! Like Glenda said as well, it would be great to use at blogger conference. How do you plan on organizing your notebook for your conference?? I am going to a blogger conference Saturday!
Hello Iyanna, I hope he does realize my efforts. The blogger conference was great.
I’m a bit obsessed with calendars, lists and all things organization. I should look at these (and what a great idea to have a master list of my family’s passwords).
It’s so great to meet someone else with the same obsessions. You should definitely check out the Erin Condren brand. Thanks for stopping by and have an awesome week.
Oh how I love organization – this was very inspiring. I make my students stay organized with a binder system.
Thanks for stopping by. I think it’s awesome you are encouraging your students to stay organized with binders. Great way to help children learn the importance of organization.
great suggestions! Bookmarked this for the future
Thanks so much. Glad you found this tip helpful.
Great idea. Your son is very lucky to have such an organized mom! I took a college prep class in high school which was designed to help you research and learn about colleges, etc., and we put together a binder that was invaluable during my senior year.
Thanks. It’s great your school took steps to help the students be prepared. I had to learn everything on my own. Thanks for stopping by.
I totally have to write down all of my passwords like that because my memory is terrible. I can’t remember passwords for NOTHING!
Exactly!! We are two peas in a pod. Thanks for stopping by.
I seriously LOVE Erin Condren. I had to choose between the life planner and a deluxe notebook. I went with the planner but I’m still eyeing that notebook! What a great way to use it too!
Erin Condren is king (queen) of planners. I absolutely love my collection. Go ahead and get the deluxe notebook. I’m sure you will find a good use for it.
Planners are life changers no matter what it’s for, isn’t it!
You’re absolutely correct!! Thanks for stopping by!!
I absolutely love how organized and on top of everything you were with the whole college application process! My oldest is only 4 years old right now but this is something I aspire to do for my kids one day. Great job!
Thank you for you kind words. Your oldest is 4 today, but next year she will be 14. That’s how time flies!!! :-). Thanks for stopping and have a great week.
Hi Nakeya,
You did a wonderful job with keeping your son on track for college, and these are definitely tips I can tailor towards my blogging goals. Thanks for sharing this.
you’re very welcome. Thanks for stopping by. I’m going to head over to your blog!