The Parent-Student Relationship In College Searches

As many parents and their children begin the college search and admissions process, it’s clear that there’s a power dynamic that often limits the children. To be sure, most parents in this situation believe that by driving the process, they are helping set their students up for success and creating efficiencies. While warranted, as some parents may have already gone through this process as a child themselves, this approach can have the unintended consequence of making the child feel that they have very little agency or control over their own future. This raises the question of how can parents and or guardians provide actual value for their students without creating an unintentional — but potentially devastating — rift in their relationship? Attempting to approach and navigate the college search and application process together in a more harmonious manner is accomplishable! Though it may require some sacrifices from both parent and student alike, with the right approach, it is possible. To learn more about said approach and the ways in which you and your student can handle the college search and application process, please continue reading to the infographic paired alongside this post.