How to Get Your Student on Board With the College Application Process

getting your student on board with the college application process

How to Get Your Student on Board With the College Application Process

Published October 11, 2019

getting your student on board with the college application process

It’s time to apply for colleges, scholarships, financing and more…why does it seem like you’re the only one who cares? Your senior is facing their future, but getting them to participate is like pulling teeth.

It’s infuriating!

As a parent, you may wonder what to do. Should you just take over? Keep nagging your student? Give up and hand them an application for McDonald’s?

I have good news. You don’t have to do any of those things. Instead, you can help them get on board with the college process with some understanding and encouragement.

Realize Where Your Teen Is Coming From

There are three things many parents forget when it comes to their teen’s perspective on college admissions.

  • They think they have all the time in the world
  • They are nervous about college
  • They don’t have the perspective to realize what a big deal this is for their future

This is simply part of the reality of being 17 or 18. Life looks very different from their angle. It will help to realize they’re not just trying to irritate you!

Seniors are also under a lot of pressure socially and academically. They want to impress their friends, they don’t want to leave everyone behind, and they probably have a heavy class load. By pretending college isn’t happening yet, they can avoid pressure and put off the idea of leaving their friends for one more day.

By talking to your teen gently and without judgment, you may be able to get them to explain their specific perspective. Ask them how they feel about college. Ask them what they think the application process is like. Ask them how they think they will afford it.

These questions alone may be enough to jar them out of their complacency!

Break the Process Down Into Bite-Sized Pieces

You find the college application process overwhelming, and you’re an adult! As a student, it seems even larger and more complex. Many students simply shut down.

Take a look at the application and funding process and break it down into small parts. Talk to your teen about one part at a time. Do they know what they want to study? If not, start there.

From there, you can move into creating a list of schools, getting the SAT or ACT nailed down, and more. But remember, each step should be small and hopefully fun. It benefits both you and your student to keep it small!

Have Some Fun!

Somewhere between childhood and adulthood many of us stop having fun and start being “serious” and “professional.” If your teen feels this pressure in the college process, they will resist like crazy!

Too many parents see college as so central and important that they lose all their joy. If your child sees you as upset, stressed, and angry, they won’t want any part of it!

Both you and your student will enjoy the process more if you make it fun. Be silly about it, look for funny facts about colleges, and find reasons to laugh. It will keep things light and you’ll both feel much better about it!

Consider College Alternatives

If you’re having fun and keeping it small but your student still isn’t interested, you may consider alternatives to college. If your student is halfway through senior year and still hasn’t committed to the college process, think about a gap year or simply transitioning straight to work.

A year off can relieve a lot of pressure, give your student time to work and save money, and help them think through what they really want. You may find they’re eager to go to school after they hear about the fun their classmates are having!

On the other hand, college simply isn’t right for every single person – at least when they’re 18. Yes, it’s harder to get a degree when you grow up and have responsibilities. But it’s not impossible, and they may be in a better personal and financial position at that time.

Keep the College Process Manageable and Affordable

If you’re frustrated with your teen and not sure what’s next in the college process, you’re not alone. Why don’t you join our Facebook group, Paying for College 101? You’ll meet professionals and families just like yours, and be able to share tips, tricks, and more.

Take a deep breath. Your student will be OK, one way or another!

CONNECT WITH OTHER PARENTS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT

HOW TO PAY FOR COLLEGE 

JOIN ONE OR ALL OF OUR FACEBOOK GROUPS:

PAYING FOR COLLEGE 101

PAYING OFF STUDENT LOANS 101

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

In this article:

Upcoming Events

Similar Articles for You

The Common Black College Application Lowers Costs and Stress

Advice

The Common Black College Application Lowers Costs and Stress

Parents dish about how the Common Black College Application makes it easy to apply to more schools and earn more scholarships.

10 Reasons to Consider Smaller Schools With High Acceptance Rates

12th Graders

10 Reasons to Consider Smaller Schools With High Acceptance Rates

A version of this story was first published in our Paying for College 101 Facebook community and on U3k4college.com. It’s...

High School Is Stressful: A Mom Expresses Concern and Our Community Responds

Advice

High School Is Stressful: A Mom Expresses Concern and Our Community Responds

A Stressed Mom Speaks Out (A version of this story was first published anonymously by a mom in our Paying...

Become a Member

At Road2College you’ll find everything you need to make the admissions and paying for college process less stressful and more transparent.

TOOLS

Explore College Insights™ — your source for finding affordable colleges and merit scholarships.

Coaching

Get coaching on admissions and college financing.

Community

Join Road2College where parents and experts work together to inform and inspire college-bound families.