Parent Tips: Helping your child manage the college search while keeping the peace at home
Parents often find themselves in a difficult position, trying to distinguish between being supportive and overbearing during the college search and application process. These tips aim to keep the peace at home and relieve some relationship stress.
Choose a time once a week to discuss how the college search is going. Limiting college discussions to a set time eases student and parent stress during the remainder of the week.
Let your child know that you understand the college admissions experience is far different than it was a generation ago, and try to avoid making comparisons.
Try to avoid using words like “safety” or “backup” to describe a college. Using words like “likely” or “strong targets” gives a more positive spin to schools with higher admissions outcomes that are still an excellent fit for your child.
Understand need-based financial aid and merit aid.
Gather financial information and complete the FAFSA and CSS profile.
Use the Net Price Calculators on college websites to gauge the cost of attendance at any college on your child’s list
Read everything your high school guidance department shares regarding their college application process.
Become acquainted with Naviance, Scoir, Xello, or the particular program your high school counseling department uses
Help plan college visits by taking a look at your family schedule. School breaks are a good time to tour campuses. Begin to turn the details of planning the visit over to your child by asking them to:
Register for tours and information sessions
Deciding where you will eat on campus
Finding out where the admissions building and visitor parking lots are located
After a visit, send a thank you email to admissions or the tour guide (if appropriate)
Assist with recalling activities that should be included on the resume or activities list
Talk up your child’s best qualities that they may want to highlight in their essays
Respect your child’s privacy by limiting discussions about applications, grades, and test scores to your immediate family.
Helpful Resources
Various resources covering financial aid, college research, virtual tours, and test prep websites can be found on my Resources page.
