College is a serious step in your child's life, and whether you believe it or not, it's pretty complicated -- much more so than it was just 20 years ago. I wish I had been more familiar with the ins and outs of the college process when my children went to college. Things were different then, and certainly not as complex as they are today.

The average SAT score has dropped to its lowest level since the test was revamped in 2005. But scores have stubbornly followed economic, racial, and gender lines, bringing the overall value of the test into question. Is it the best way to judge student performance?

Do you consider your bank account to be an accurate indicator of your success in comparison to your fellow humans on planet earth? Well, then BRAVO! Well done! Because there are at least 3,500,000,000 people who survive (barely) on less that what you paid for your cup of coffee or tea this morning.

Students can do a great deal, both before and after applying, to ensure that they maintain their sanity, embrace colleges' decisions, and actually increase their chances of getting into their favored schools.

These 5 steps will lead your child directly into a path of unstoppable success -- and significantly boost the chance of acceptance into a top choice school.