Support, don’t pressure, your teen through the college application process

As college application season begins, parents are wondering how they can support their teens. It’s a natural tendency to want to jump in but remember there’s a fine line between guiding them and taking control. Here’s how to be a steady presence without overshadowing your teen’s ownership of this pivotal process.

1. Let them take the lead on the planning

The college application journey marks an important transition toward independence. Let your teen research colleges, write essays, and communicate with admissions officers.

Encourage their independence by helping them set realistic goals and deadlines, but resist the urge to micromanage. When teens own the process, they gain confidence, clarity, and a stronger sense of direction.

2. Help them find, and trust, their authentic voice

One of the biggest hurdles in college essays is self-doubt. Teens often feel their experiences aren't valuable enough. They will write what they think admissions officers want to hear rather than expressing who they truly are.

Remind your teen that their voice and story matter. Help them recognize the value in their own experience, even the seemingly ordinary ones. Admissions officers are looking for authentic stories, not perfect experiences.

3. Recommend, don’t pressure

As a parent, it’s natural to draw on your own educational experiences. But when advice starts to sound like a directive, it can backfire and create tension. Instead of pushing your preferences, approach conversations with curiosity.

Ask open-ended questions about what excites and motivates your teen. Share your insights and reasoning, but keep the conversation collaborative. Help them explore options rather than steering them toward predetermined decisions.

Final Thought

The college application process can be stressful but it can also be a time of growth, self-discovery, and family connection. By providing encouragement without pressure, and guidance without control, you’ll help your teen approach this journey with confidence, clarity, and resilience.

Where do you begin?

Join Monica Verma, Expert College Counselor, for a webinar 3 Smart Moves for Juniors! on June 11th at 7 pm. Register on website.