The college application process is ever-changing, but the support families provide their students is always important. There’s a lot for students to navigate, and while they should remain in the driver’s seat, there are plenty of ways parents and family members can help along the way.
Starting With the College List
Sometimes, the first step can be the most difficult. In the college application process, that can look like simply figuring out where to apply.
A good starting point is creating a balanced college list with schools that fall into three general categories:
Likely: Schools where a student’s academic profile suggests they may have a stronger chance of admission.
Match: Schools where a student’s academic profile is generally in line with that of recently admitted students.
Goal: Schools that may be more selective or where admission is less predictable, but that the student is still excited about pursuing.
This is also a great time to start conversations with your student about what they’re looking for in college. Asking about potential majors, campus environments, location, or other priorities can help their ideas come to life. At the same time, be careful not to steamroll the process. Try not to discourage an academic interest or school simply because it isn’t what you pictured.
Choosing a major can feel like an especially big decision, but it doesn’t have to define the rest of your teenager’s life. Many college students change their major at some point. Give them room to explore what interests them now, knowing those interests may continue to develop.
Understanding What Goes into the Application
Once the college list starts taking shape, it can be helpful for families to understand what students will be responsible for submitting.
USC’s application, for example, includes an activities list and written responses, as well as academic records and recommendations that students will request from their school counselor and/or teachers. Students applying to certain majors may also be required to submit a portfolio through SlideRoom.
Application and financial aid deadlines can also vary depending on the admission plan a student chooses, such as Early Action, Early Decision, or Regular Decision. This is one area where family involvement can be particularly helpful, especially because financial aid applications may require personal and financial information that students need from their parents or guardians.
Families should also understand the differences between application plans before a student submits. Early Decision, for example, is binding, while Early Action is not. Those distinctions can have important financial and practical implications, so they’re worth discussing together ahead of time.
Helping With the Logistics Without Taking Over
There are a lot of moving pieces in an application, and students are managing all of them while still taking classes, participating in activities, and handling the rest of their senior year.
Checking in periodically and asking, “Is there anything I can help with?” can go a long way. Maybe they need help keeping track of a financial aid deadline, planning a campus visit or simply finding a quiet afternoon to work on applications.
At the same time, frequent questions about whether an essay is finished or if an application has been submitted can quickly become overwhelming. Finding that balance may take some trial and error. The goal is to make your student feel supported and not like the application process has become the only thing anyone wants to talk to them about.
Explore Campuses Together
If a college your student is considering is within driving distance, or you’re able to make a trip out of visiting it, look into its in-person tours and information sessions.
Campus visits can help students better understand what they’re looking for and picture what their day-to-day life might actually feel like. Even at schools like USC, where demonstrated interest and campus visits are not considered in the admission process, seeing a campus in action can help a student decide when making college decisions.
It’s also an opportunity for parents and family members to learn alongside them. Attend the information session, listen to the questions other families ask, and bring your own questions. You may leave with a much clearer understanding of the application process, financial aid, academics and campus life.
Give Them Ownership of Their Writing
We encourage students to build a support system and use the resources available to them as they work on their college essays. At the end of the day, though, the application should tell an authentic story in the student’s own voice.
Some students are comfortable sharing every essay with their parents. Others would rather not, and that can be completely normal. College application writing can become personal and vulnerable. If your student doesn’t want to share everything they’ve written, try not to take it personally. They can still know that you’re available if they want another set of eyes.
For students who do rely on their parents for feedback, proofreading spelling, grammar, or clarity can certainly be helpful. Just remember where editing should end. Parents should not be writing or rewriting any portion of a student’s essay. The finished application should sound like the student who will ultimately arrive on campus.
There’s no single perfect way to support a student through the college application process. Some students will want their families involved at every step, while others may want more independence. Paying attention to what your student needs and reminding them that you’re available when they need you can make an already busy process feel much more manageable!
Written by: Allegra Gutierrez, Assistant Director – USC Office of Undergraduate Admission