Frequently Asked Questions
Navigating college admissions as a parent can feel overwhelming, especially when timelines shift, expectations evolve, and every decision seems high-stakes. Here you can find FAQs to answer your most common questions, whether you're exploring our college planning toolkit, building a custom college plan, or simply trying to understand the college prep timeline from freshman year to senior year.
We’ve organized our FAQs into two sections:
-
One focused on our resources and philosophy
-
One offering practical guidance for parents supporting their teens through the college planning process
About Our Tools and Philosophy
What's the difference between the College Planning Toolkit and your other offerings?
The College Planning Toolkit includes nearly a dozen templates, worksheets, and planning tools to help you build a custom college plan for your child, from 9th to 12th grade. It contains oodles of resources, but without the deeper strategy guidance you'll find in the self-paced videos. It’s perfect for DIY parents who want structure without committing to the full video roadmap.
Will this help my child get into their dream school?
College admissions is still a subjective process, not a perfect formula. Each school weighs criteria differently, and each student’s journey is unique. But with the help of our parent-focused resources, you’ll be far better positioned than if you had to piece it together yourself or assume the process still works the way it did decades ago. You’ll make more confident decisions, avoid common pitfalls, and provide the college admissions support only a parent can provide. That alone puts you ahead.
Why on earth would we start college planning in freshman year?
Because the biggest mistakes often happen early, when families don’t realize how course choices, personal brand development, and passion-driven activities can shape their child's college options later on.
Starting early builds awareness and helps you avoid those "I wish they told us that last year" moments. A little clarity in 9th or 10th grade makes everything smoother when junior and senior year hit.
What if my kid doesn’t seem motivated about college?
You’re not alone. Many parents worry that their child is missing the urgency or drive, especially when college seems far off or overwhelming.
Your child may also just be feeling anxious about the uncertainty of it all. They may not know how to begin, what’s expected, or whether they’ll measure up to your expectations (or their own). That’s why creating structure and sparking curiosity early can make all the difference, and no one can do it quite like you.
Our tools are designed to help you lead from a place of support, not pressure.
What about test prep services, essay help, or consulting?
We don’t offer any of that. And that’s one of the best reasons to trust what we do provide. College Admissions for Parents is built from years of research and experience; it was created to support families who haven’t had the time (or the desire to become a part-time researcher) to figure it all out alone.
We’re not selling coaching packages or high-ticket consulting services. We’re just here to share helpful tools, timelines, and guidance - from one parent to another.
College Planning Advice for Parents
How can parents support their high school students with college essays in the US?
College essays represent excellent opportunities for reflection and storytelling. Parents can help by asking thoughtful questions, listening closely, and encouraging their child to explore personal experiences that reveal growth and values. It’s also essential to offer feedback that sharpens clarity and structure without rewriting the student’s voice.
For families looking to guide this process like a pro, our self-paced video roadmap, From Freshman Year to Acceptance, includes strategies for helping your child approach college essays with the right mindset and preparation.
How to navigate college applications with parental support in the US?
You can play an invaluable role in helping your child build a college prep plan that feels manageable and aligned with their goals. This begins with open conversations, a clear understanding of what matters most to your child, and agreement about the specific areas where you can help your child achieve their dreams.
We recommend using structured tools to break the college planning process into steps and reduce decision fatigue. Our blog talks more about this, and our self-paced video series offers practical guidance for each stage of the process. You can use it to help walk you through the entire college planning timeline from freshman year to senior year.
Where can I find college admissions tips for parents in the US?
You’ll find a range of resources on College Admissions for Parents, including planning templates, worksheets, and interactive tools like our map of the Best Colleges by State, which helps you compare schools across the country. You can also subscribe for updates and access seasonal checklists, planning tips, and updates on new tools. Everything is designed to help you support your high schooler and give them the best chance of college admissions success.
What are the key steps for parents to support college admissions in the US?
Where do we start? 😊
Start early, build structure, and create space for your child to explore their interests. Encourage thoughtful course selection, meaningful extracurriculars, and honest conversations about college fit and affordability. Use planning tools to stay organized and reduce stress. We cover all of that and more in our full 4-year college planning roadmap, where you'll find checklists, templates, and detailed college planning strategies for each year of high school.
How can College Admissions for Parents help with college essays?
College Admissions for Parents offers tools that guide families through the essay process and every other aspect of the college prep process. Access insights and strategies to help your child write compelling essays that get attention and help move their application to the "accept" category. From Freshman Year to Acceptance includes dedicated modules that discuss essay strategy, so you can support and amplify your child's authentic voice.