7 Tips for Parents: Navigating the US College Admissions Process

By Grey Joyner

Admission Consultant

The process of applying to US universities can be quite daunting to students, particularly those applying from overseas countries like Australia. But what about their parents? Often overlooked is how difficult it can be for parents to help their children navigate the process. This guide gives some practical tips for parents on what they can do (or not do) to put their children in the best position to get into their dream US university.

1. Tune Out the Noise

The college admissions landscape is filled with opinions, rumors, and misinformation, often propagated by other parents or internet forums. Much of this information is misleading or blatantly untrue. “Listen to the experts, don’t listen to the neighbor,” suggests Lee Coffin, Dartmouth Dean of Admissions. 

For example, one common rumor that many parents believe is that they need to send their students to schools that offer advanced courses (e.g. International Baccalaureate) in order to get into top US universities. This is not the case; admissions officers evaluate students based on the opportunities available at their school. Your child doesn’t need to attend a specific school or take exotic courses to stand out. Encourage them to pursue the most challenging curriculum their school offers and focus on doing the best they can in those courses.

2. Start Early and Keep the Final Months Sacred – The Key to a Calm Year 12

The application process has many moving parts—essays, recommendation letters, and standardized tests—and trying to juggle everything last minute creates unnecessary stress. “I would encourage them so strongly to complete their [personal] essay over the [US] summer,” offers Ronnie Burnett, former Assistant Director of Admissions at Connecticut College, who has recently gone through the process with her own son. Starting early will free up time later for coursework and the final touches on applications.

The months leading up to application deadlines are crucial. Your child should have space to focus on schoolwork and applications without distractions. Encourage them to plan ahead and don’t bombard them with extra activities in the months leading up to application deadlines.

3. Support Your Child’s College List – No Pressure Required

Every school on your child’s college list should be somewhere they genuinely want to attend. A balanced list includes a mix of reach, target, and likely schools—but all should align with your child’s academic interests, values, and personality.

It’s tempting to push for “dream” schools or prestigious names, but remember: college is about more than reputation. Your child will thrive in an environment where they feel comfortable and motivated.

4. Allow Your Child to Tell Their Story

A college application isn’t just about grades and extracurriculars—it’s about storytelling. The personal essay, in particular, gives admissions officers a glimpse into who the student is beyond their achievements. “A lot of people get stuck on the essay with this question of what do they [college admissions officers] want to hear?” says Coffin. “The better essay is what do I want to tell them about me?”

It’s essential that the story comes from your child’s voice, not yours. While it’s okay to guide and provide feedback, resist the urge to shape the narrative into what you think an admissions officer wants to hear. The most authentic applications stand out because they reflect the student’s true self.

5. Don’t Feel Pressured by Early Decision

Early Decision (ED) can seem like the magic ticket to admission, but it’s not always the right choice for every student. Only apply early if your child feels fully ready and confident in their choice. Regular Decision applications are just as valid, and the caliber of students accepted during both cycles is the same.

It’s also important to understand that the ED applicant pool includes recruited athletes. “That makes the acceptance rate seem higher than it actually is,” states Coffin. So, don’t feel pressured—your child will find the right path, whether they apply early or later.

6. Trust Your Child – They’ve Got This!

At the end of the day, the college application process is about your child—not you. This is their chance to put their best foot forward and demonstrate who they are to admissions officers. Trust that they are capable of managing the process and submitting thoughtful, compelling applications.

7. Relax After Submitting Applications

Once the applications are in, take a deep breath—it’s out of your hands. Stressing over every detail won’t change the outcome. Instead, focus on supporting your child emotionally through the waiting period. When the application process was over for Burnett and her son, they chose to take a moment to relax. “It was now out of our hands and we just moved on,” she said.

Also, remember that rejections are part of the process. Even students with stellar resumes don’t get into every school. Celebrate the acceptances and know that your child will end up where they are meant to be.

Final Thoughts

The college application process can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on these tips for parents, tuning out the noise, starting early, and trusting your child to take ownership of their story, you’ll have a smoother, more enjoyable experience.

At the end of the day, what matters most is that your child finds a college where they will thrive. Parents should encourage them to be themselves, help them manage the logistics, and then step back and watch them soar.

 

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