INTRODUCTION What if the biggest threat to your child’s college application isn’t competition from other students — but the strategy most families are still using? It’s a provocative question, but one I ask parents often. Because while thousands focus on grades, clubs, and test-prep cycles, admissions offices increasingly prioritize evidence of intellectual initiative  and proof of real-world capability . Here’s the second question parents rarely ask — but should: If every “

Introduction: Help your High School Student during College Application Seasons College application season is stressful for both students and parents. Most teens feel overwhelmed, and most parents want to help but don’t know how much to get involved. The truth is simple: The best thing a parent can do is give their child structure, clarity, and expert guidance not pressure. Here’s what actually helps. 1. Give Your Teen a Structured System (They Won’t Build One Alone) High scho