Advice for Parents

The college application process can be daunting and stressful — for students and for parents. While there is no magic pill to eradicate this stress, the past 20 years have shown me that the best outcomes arise when parents and students focus their attention and efforts on certain key topics along the way.

Let Your Child Take Initiative

Admissions officers want applications to reflect students, not parents. Your role is to guide and encourage, but let your child make the final decisions about what to write, where to apply, and how to present themselves. This builds independence and confidence — qualities colleges are looking for.

Stay Organized Together

Help your child manage the many moving parts: application deadlines, test dates, financial aid forms, and scholarship opportunities. A shared calendar can keep the process from feeling overwhelming. Breaking tasks into smaller steps also reduces stress for everyone.

Provide Guidance, Not Control

Offer advice, motivation, and support — but avoid writing essays or completing applications for your child. When you step back, your child steps up. Remember, this process is their chance to demonstrate readiness for college-level responsibility.

Discuss Finances Early and Honestly

Before applications go out, have an open conversation about budget, affordability, and realistic options. That being said, don’t rule any college out without putting in your due diligence. Help your child research scholarships and financial aid. Think outside the box about you can make cost of college work for you. This reduces disappointment later and ensures your family is applying to schools that are both exciting, inspiring and practical.

College Visit Do’s and Don’ts

College visits are for students and parents for a reason. Each of you has different priorities and preferences when visiting an institution for the first time. Have a shared plan for what to pay attention to and which questions to ask. While there is a lot to take in, let your student take the lead. Admissions staff notice when students are overshadowed by parents.

Encourage Resilience and Independence

College is a big adjustment. Encourage your child to take responsibility for their own schedule, communication, and problem-solving. This doesn’t mean withdrawing support — it means gradually stepping back so they’re ready to thrive on their own once they arrive on campus.

Keep the Big Picture in Mind

A single admissions decision does not define your child’s worth or future success. The “best” school is not always the most famous one — it’s the place where your child will grow, be challenged, and find community. Remind them (and yourself) that there are many great-fit colleges out there.

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.

Sessions are available in person in Hackettstown, New Jersey or virtually on Zoom.