1. Source: encoura.org/the-parent-student-relationship-in-college-search | admissions.richmond.edu/features/article/-/20632/for-the-parents-by-the-parents-advice-on-navigating-
the-college-admission-process | stoodnt.com/blog/parents-mothers-roles-college-admissions-dos-donts | usnews.com/education/articles/tips-for-starting-the-college-search |
insidehighered.com/admissions/article/2022/06/06/parents-matter-more-admissions-decisions | hub.fullsail.edu/articles/talking-to-your-parents-about-college | fastweb.com/
college-search/articles/parent-guide-for-college-admission-month-by-month-timeline | collegeraptor.com/find-colleges/articles/college-search/10-things-every-high-school-junior-
should-do-in-the-spring-to-make-the-college-search-easier | affordablecollegesonline.org/college-resource-center/college-admissions
WHAT DOES THE DATA SHOW?
ON THE PARENT SIDE...
ON THE STUDENT SIDE...
Let your child take the lead while offering support
as needed.
Help organize to-do lists and other elements of
planning without micromanaging.
Discuss financial options or the parameters you’ll
be providing.
Encourage your student to search for and apply to
scholarships, grants and other means of financial aid with
you as early as possible.
Give a limited number of reminders on deadlines for
applications, personal statements, essays, etc.
Keep the search going in a positive light despite any
potential setbacks.
Start researching and planning early, such as sophomore
or junior year.
Reach out for help from your parents, counselors,
teachers and other trusted adults.
When choosing courses in high school, select classes you
will do well in and those that challenge you academically.
Update your resume or “brag sheet” regularly with
extracurricular activities, work experience, volunteer work
and other accomplishments.
Stay focused on your academics, including your grades
and preparing for the SAT or ACT if the colleges you’re
interested in request scores.
Attend local college fairs to explore options and
make inquiries.
Parental involvement in the college admissions
process is important, but there needs to be
a balance between students and parents in
managing the process from exploring college
options, setting expectations and parameters,
and meeting deadlines.
The Parent-Student
Relationship
In College
Searches
The college application process is stressful, with 74% of both
participating parents and students reporting “high” or “very high”
stress levels.
Studies show the process is also starting earlier, with 46% of
families exploring options as soon as high school begins.
55% of parents say they are in a 50-50 partnership during the
process; however, only 38% of students say the same.
Cost anticipations differ, with half of students willing to pay $30,000
per year and half of parents willing to pay $50,000 per year.