Surviving the College Application Process: A Parent’s Guide
As many of you know, my son is graduating high school this year, and navigating the college application process has been an eye-opening experience. If you’ve been through it, you’ll relate. If you have an underclassman, consider this your roadmap.
When I applied to college, it was simple: take the ACT, mail in an application, get an acceptance letter, and off I went. Those days are gone. Today’s process is a labyrinth of tests, applications, choices, deadlines, and decisions. Fortunately, my son’s high school provides excellent resources, and here’s what we’ve learned along the way.
The ACT: A Necessary Evil?
Remember when the ACT felt like a standard hurdle? Now, it’s an industry of its own. While some schools remain “test-optional” post-COVID, many still require it, and scholarships are often tied to scores. Test prep has become a strategy game, with tutors teaching test-taking techniques rather than just subject matter.
Ever heard of a super score? Neither had I. It takes the highest scores from multiple tests and combines them into one best overall score. Oh, and kids now choose between paper and digital versions. My son’s verdict? Math is better on paper, English is easier electronically.
The Application Gauntlet
Gone are the days of stuffing envelopes with individual applications. Now, there are multiple ways to apply:
The Common Application (Common App) – “One Ring to Rule Them All”
A single application used by over 1,000 colleges, streamlining the process (mostly).
✅ Pros: Saves time, widely accepted, some schools waive fees.
❌ Cons: Many schools require extra essays, and kids may over-apply (my son hit 20+ schools).
Individual Applications – “The Old-School Approach”
Some colleges, like MIT and Georgetown, still require their own applications.
✅ Pros: More tailored, potentially less competitive.
❌ Cons: Time-consuming, requires juggling multiple platforms.
Other Systems – Because One Wasn’t Enough
Schools like the University of California and University of Texas have their own platforms, adding another layer of complexity.
Application Deadlines: Choose Your Adventure
Once applications are in, the next decision is when to apply.
- Early Decision (ED) – “All In”
Commit to one school. If accepted, you must attend.
✅ Best for: Students who are 110% sure.
❌ Not for: Anyone needing financial flexibility. - Early Action (EA) – “Let’s Keep It Casual”
Apply early, get an answer sooner, but no commitment. My son chose this route.
✅ Best for: Students who want early results but options.
❌ Not for: Procrastinators. - Restrictive Early Action (REA) – “It’s Complicated”
Offered by highly selective schools (Harvard, Stanford). Non-binding, but limits other early applications.
✅ Best for: Highly motivated students aiming for top-tier schools.
❌ Not for: Those who like multiple options. - Regular Decision (RD) – “The Traditional Route”
Apply by January/February, hear back in March/April.
✅ Best for: Students who need more time.
❌ Not for: Those who hate waiting. - Rolling Admission – “First Come, First Served”
Schools review applications as they arrive, making fast decisions.
✅ Best for: Those who want an early answer.
❌ Not for: Students who wait too long (scholarships may be gone).
And scholarships? That’s another saga—one we’re still figuring out.
If you made it this far, congrats! If this process makes your eyes cross, you’re not alone. Say a prayer for the parents of high schoolers- they need them!
