A Parent’s Guide to Back‑to‑School College Planning
Despite a drop in international applicants, the uber-competitiveness of college admissions isn’t easing up. College Board data continues to show high application volume, with students competing more intensely than ever for limited spots.
That’s why back-to-school is a perfect time to focus on college prep. The start of the school year is your window to get organized, step in, and set the tone for what lies ahead.
Here’s how to approach back-to-school college planning in a way that supports your high schooler, no matter what year they’re in:
9th Grade: Build Good Habits Early
Freshman year sets the stage for everything that follows. Kids walk into high school with a mix of excitement and uncertainty, and they often need help finding their footing. You can encourage routines that make school feel manageable, like consistent study habits and a quiet place to work. This is also a good time to help them explore activities that genuinely interest them. Early involvement gives students room to try new things and discover what they enjoy.
Even if your kid isn’t the type to sit down and write, a guided journal offers an effective outlet for reflection and sorting through new experiences. In fact, parents tell us that our This Is My Year journal helps their kids think more clearly about what they want from high school and how they can plan for college applications and beyond.
10th Grade: Support Exploration and Independence
Sophomore year is a natural time for students to stretch and challenge themselves. They should be taking more rigorous classes, filling leadership roles, and deepening their involvement in activities they’ve already started. You can help by asking about their interests and encouraging them to explore opportunities that match those interests.
This is also a good year to start talking about summer plans. Pre-college programs, volunteer work, and part‑time jobs all do a great job of helping kids learn more about themselves and build skills they’ll use in college and their professional life.
11th Grade: Start Looking Ahead to Applications
From a college prep standpoint, junior year carries more weight than any other year of high school. Grades, course choices, scores, and special projects all matter, and at the same time, students should begin thinking seriously about where they might want to apply. You know your child in a way no one else does, which makes you especially well-equipped to help them stay organized and give their best effort to the things they care about most.
This is also the ideal time to begin comparing colleges, whether you start in-state or begin with other locations. And when you’re planning visits, our College Visit Companion can help you make the most of each trip.
12th Grade: Stay Organized and Steady
Senior year isn’t for the faint of heart (but neither is junior year, TBH). Essays, deadlines, interviews, and decisions all arrive faster than many families expect. However, you can be the calm in your kid’s storm by keeping track of key dates and offering support for those times when it all seems too much.
Reflection continues to matter here, too. At a time when it’s so easy to get caught up in constant admissions portal checks and competitive talk among their peers, journaling is an excellent tool for stepping away from the screens and focusing on their hopes, fears, and future plans. Even a few minutes of writing can help them feel more settled as they move toward the next stage of their education.
Back-to-School Season is the Perfect College Planning Season
The admissions landscape may change from year to year, and lately it’s only getting more rigorous with each cycle. But the heart of back-to-school college planning stays the same: kids do their best when they feel supported and encouraged. With the right tools and resources, you can help make it all possible, one small step at a time.
