What are the most effective ways parents can support their child during college applications?

Cheerleader, not captain. That’s your role. Help your teen stay organized with calendars or reminders, but let them be the one filling out applications and emailing admissions. Offer feedback on essays, not rewrites. Be available for venting sessions, late-night panic, and the occasional victory dance. Most importantly, keep the pressure in check. Your support should feel like a safety net, not a tightrope. A calm, steady presence can do more for your child’s confidence than any pep talk. You don’t have to know everything about the process. Just knowing when to step in and when to step back is already a superpower.