Supporting Your Teen When College Planning Feels Too Soon

The start of the school year often brings a mix of excitement and uncertainty. And for juniors and seniors, some are ready to dive into college planning, and others are not. If your child hasn't engaged with the process yet and you feel like you're running out of time, it may be a sign that they need a little extra support to adjust.

Start with Low-Stakes Questions

Instead of pushing forward, consider asking what kind of environment helps your child feel confident. Ask what they hope their daily life will look like in college and beyond. Ask what they feel curious or unsure about. These questions open the door to meaningful conversations without creating stress.

Offer Tools Without Pressure

Introduce resources that support exploration. Our College Planning Toolkit and Interactive Map offer structure and clarity without requiring immediate decisions. It's like having a supportive college counselor in your corner, but without the hefty price tag.

Build Confidence Over Time

College planning should be a multi-year journey that unfolds gradually. By offering support and space, you can help your child move forward without the existential dread many kids feel when thinking about their college plans.

When your child is ready, our roadmap is waiting!

Explore the complete Self-Paced College Planning Roadmap to guide each year of high school college planning.