The Parent-Student Relationship In College Searches

When beginning the college search process, understand that your child will likely need some direction, at least within the beginning of the process. While some students know exactly what they want to study in college, that’s not the case for many (or even most) high schoolers. Let your child know that it’s OK to be unsure but help them evaluate their options. This can be simple questions about what high school classes they enjoyed or what extracurricular activities engaged them most. These types of questions can help them identify potential major areas. In turn, this can help them create initial lists of colleges to consider. It is also OK for you to not have all of the answers or to feel overwhelmed trying to support your student. College search guidance and application assistance is available from a variety of sources. Leveraging some professional help can provide added peace of mind for both you and your student. Try to resist the temptation to provide answers or to tell your child what to do, and instead help guide them by asking them questions. Creating and managing expectations with your child can help you both navigate the college application process as a team. While it may feel uncomfortable to relinquish control, your child will ultimately benefit from taking a hands-on approach to their future. To learn more about how to best accentuate the process for your child, begin studying the information found in the resource below.