What Parents Can Do (and Shouldn’t Do) During College Admissions Season

Because your support is powerful—but so is your presence.

If you're the parent of a high school junior or senior, chances are you're juggling a mix of emotions: pride, excitement, stress, maybe even a little panic. The college admissions process has changed over the years, and it can feel hard to know how to help without hovering—or how to back off without disappearing.

Here’s the good news: you don’t need all the answers. You just need to know your role.

This season isn’t about controlling the process. It’s about creating space for your student to grow into it—with the safety net of your support.

What You Can Do

1. Be a sounding board.

Sometimes your student just needs to think out loud. Let them talk through their options, even if the logic is messy at first. You don’t need to solve it—just listen.

2. Help with organization.

Offer support in tracking deadlines, creating spreadsheets, setting calendar reminders, or printing checklists. Let them drive—but help them stay on the road.

3. Model calm confidence.

Your student is watching how you react to every email, acceptance, or rejection. Try to stay grounded and encouraging. Even if you’re stressed, your calm sets the tone.

4. Ask open-ended questions.

“What stood out to you on that campus visit?” is more helpful than “So, did you like it?” Help them think through values, not just logistics.

5. Trust the long game.

Admissions is one step in a much bigger story. Remind them (and yourself) that their future doesn’t hinge on a single decision.

What to Avoid

1. Focusing on prestige.

Your student needs a place where they can grow—not just impress others. Avoid pushing big-name schools over right-fit ones.

2. Micromanaging essays or applications.

You can proofread—but don’t rewrite. Admissions officers want to hear your student’s voice, not yours.

3. Comparing them to others.

What worked for their friend, sibling, or cousin may not be right for them. Stay focused on their strengths and needs.

4. Treating it like a checklist.

College admissions isn’t just about getting in. It’s about discovering the next step in your student’s journey. Let them wrestle with that—it builds maturity.

How We Partner with Parents

At College and Career Collective, we view parents as partners in the process—not project managers. We offer 1:1 consultations to help you better understand your role, get clarity on timelines, and find peace of mind in a season that can feel anything but peaceful.

We’re here to reduce anxiety, not add to it. And we’ll always advocate for your student with empathy and experience.