What helped us, was taking the kids to college planning seminars. This allowed them to hear the same message we were sending from others.
Our last of 4 is a junior. She's got the grades, has done well on the ACT and SAT, but darned if we could get her to do her school resume or start telling us colleges she'd like to visit.
We took her to a college information night last week and they reiterated the same things we've been saying. It was helpful for her to talk to the reps herself in person.
We now at least have one day this spring to visit that college.
Hopefully, we'll be able to get more dates soon.
Also, showing the kids how much college costs, how much we would contribute and how much they could get in merit aid helped them see that it's their 'job' to get good grades to earn thousands in merit $. We also said see that amount right there, it takes mom/dad xxx to earn that. Just by being a good student and earning your grades the school will give you that much $$.