3 Essential Steps for Parents of High School Freshmen and Sophomores to Prepare for the College Admissions Process
1. Help Your Teen Plan for the Long Term
Work with your teen to create a course plan for the remaining years of high school. Focus on selecting classes that are both challenging and aligned with their interests or potential career goals. The rigor of their coursework and the grades they earn in those classes will be some of the most important factors in their college applications. Support them in staying on track to excel academically while also encouraging them to explore subjects that ignite their curiosity.
2. Encourage Thoughtful Extracurricular Involvement
Help your teen reflect on how they’re spending their time outside of school. Colleges value depth over breadth, so it’s not about how many activities they can join, but how deeply they engage in a few. Encourage your teen to take on leadership roles, seek out opportunities that allow them to make an impact, and focus on activities that genuinely align with their interests and values. The goal is to show sustained commitment and growth over time.
3. Plan College Visits Early
Visiting campuses can provide invaluable context for your teen as they think about what they want in a college experience. Even if you’re not planning special trips just for college visits, take advantage of opportunities to tour in-state schools or colleges that are nearby when you’re traveling for other reasons. These visits will help your teen develop a clearer sense of what they’re looking for in a college environment and allow them to articulate what’s most important to them when the time comes to narrow down their options.
3 Essential Steps for Parents of High School Juniors and Seniors to Prepare for the College Admissions Process
1. Empower Your Teen to Take the Lead
This is the year for your teen to start taking ownership of their college journey. Offer your support and guidance, but let them drive the process. Encourage open, ongoing conversations about their goals, aspirations, and what they envision for their future. Help them identify the qualities they want in a college—whether that’s size, location, campus culture, or academic offerings—but allow them the space to research and choose schools that align with their values and interests. This fosters independence and decision-making skills, which are essential as they move forward.
2. Help Them Stay Organized
The college admissions process can feel overwhelming, especially as your teen juggles schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and standardized testing. Assist them in managing their time and staying on top of deadlines by helping them create a well-organized calendar and to-do list. Track important events such as SAT/ACT dates, college fairs, application deadlines, and financial aid steps. This will reduce stress and ensure they stay on track without feeling buried by the demands of the application season.
3. Have Honest and Practical Conversations
This is a crucial time to discuss the financial aspects of college. Be open about what your family can afford and any budgetary constraints that may impact college choices. Having transparent conversations about financial aid, scholarships, and potential college costs will help manage expectations and ensure that your teen considers schools that align with both their academic and financial goals. This step also encourages realistic decision-making as they begin to narrow down their college list.
By empowering your teen, keeping them organized, and having honest discussions, you’ll be setting them up for a smoother, more confident college application process.
