Advice For Parents
The college application process can be daunting and stressful — for students AND for parents. While there’s no magic formula to guarantee admission, following sound strategies can reduce anxiety and position your student for success. Here are practical advice and insights to help your family navigate this journey with confidence.
Let Your Child Lead in the Application Process
The application is your student’s story, not yours. While it’s tempting to help, admissions officers can tell when parents take over. Encourage independence by asking guiding questions instead of providing answers. Your role is to support, listen, and offer perspective—not write essays or fill out forms. Students who own their applications develop confidence and present their authentic voice, which colleges value most.
Stay Organized Together
Create a shared calendar with testing dates, application deadlines, financial aid forms, and recommendation requests. Schedule brief weekly check-ins to review progress without micromanaging. Break big tasks into smaller milestones with specific dates. An organized system reduces stress and prevents missed deadlines. Think of this as a team project where everyone knows their role and responsibilities.
Build Resilience Early
College is a major adjustment that requires independence and problem-solving skills. Encourage your child to handle their own challenges—from difficult classes to lower-than-expected test scores. When setbacks happen, ask “What’s your plan?” instead of immediately fixing things. Help them see rejection not as failure but as redirection. Students who develop resilience now transition to college with confidence and adaptability.
Make Campus Visits Count
Go beyond the official tour. Eat in the dining hall, observe students between classes, and visit the library. Ask meaningful questions about professor accessibility, career services, and weekend activities. Let your child lead conversations with tour guides and admissions staff. Pay attention to their comfort level—do they seem excited or uncertain? The right fit feels different for every student.
Discuss Finances Early and Honestly
Have honest conversations about college costs before applications go out. Use net price calculators to estimate actual expenses after financial aid. Be transparent about budget limitations and loan comfort levels. If your child needs merit aid or scholarships, say so upfront. This helps build a realistic college list with affordable options they’d genuinely be happy attending.
Focus on Fit Over Prestige
The “best” college is the one where your child will thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally. Rankings don’t measure personal fit. Consider class sizes, teaching style, campus culture, internship opportunities, and support services. Many successful people attended less prestigious schools and flourished. What matters most is finding an environment that matches your child’s learning style and goals.
Guide, Don't Control
Offer advice when asked, but respect your child’s decisions about where to apply and what to study. Your job is to be their advisor, not their manager. Share concerns constructively: “Have you considered…” instead of “You should…” This balance helps them make informed choices while developing decision-making skills. Remember, they’re the ones attending college—it must be their choice.
Ready to Strengthen Your Application?
I’ve seen firsthand how stressful this process can feel — for students and for parents. My job is to make it manageable, structured, and effective. Whether it’s through essays, recommendations, or interviews, I’ll help you present the very best version of yourself.