Your child is a talented teenager preparing to apply to college. You want what’s best for them and realize that a little guidance, a boost, would go a long way to helping them get into the best college for them. And you want to give them that boost, that edge. But, they don’t want that guidance from you.

What can you do to support your child?

Here are 5 tips:

1. Discuss financial realities with your child at the beginning of the process.

If the budget is X and your child will need to get a scholarship or loans, let them know what the limits are. Up front.

2. Prepare for baffling behavior.

It’s possible that your child may do some things that perplex or irritate you. Perhaps it’s even likely. Leaving the nest is scary! And exhilarating. Welcome. And terrifying.

3. Remember who is applying to college.

Hint: it isn’t you. It’s your child, who is almost an adult. As the mother of five adult children and an admissions consultant for the last 20 years, I know how hard it can be to hold back and bite my tongue. But you need to take a back seat and play a supporting and supportive role at this time. Let your child take the lead.

4. Ask your child what kind of help they want from you.

Ask if they are open to additional suggestions from you regarding ways you can assist. These could include allowing them to bounce ideas off you, reviewing essay drafts, suggesting books, or arranging for them to work with an Accepted college admissions consultant.

5. Encourage your child to take responsibility for the process.

Maybe your child can set up a schedule for drafting the essays and getting everything in on time. But whatever you do, don’t nag.

Many parents find that having a skilled, knowledgeable third party, such as an Accepted college admissions consultant, can really help their teen successfully apply while minimizing stress and friction at home.

Here’s how a couple of parents whose kids worked with us reported on their experience (the names have been changed):

“It has been an exciting time! Mary got into Penn, Cal, Hopkins, the Rutgers honors college, BU, U Maryland honors, U Mass honors, IDC, UC San Diego, and I may be forgetting something. She got waitlisted at Cornell, Chicago, and UCLA and rejected from Princeton. Last night she decided on the Honors College at Rutgers where she got a huge merit scholarship. We are so proud. Thank you for all of your help!”

Or this one:

“I just wanted to let you know Jimmy’s early decision application to NYU Stern was accepted! I am very proud because this is an exclusive undergraduate program (ranked #5 in the nation) with an acceptance rate of 5%. Thank you for your contribution.”

To get an outstanding college admissions consultant for your applicant, just as these parents did for theirs, here’s what I’d like you to do:

1. Visit accepted.com/college/services/.

2. Get the professional support and guidance your child needs as he or she makes this major step in their lives.

3. Reduce the strain and tension on your relationship that the application process can create.

4. Help them get into the right college or university for them.

Our college advisors are ready to guide your child to acceptance. View our College Admissions Services for more information.

[xyz-ihs snippet=”College—SR—Guide-to-Preparing-for-College”]

[xyz-ihs snippet=”Accepted-sig-code—College”]

Related Resources:

• Ivy League and Common Application Tips: How to Get Accepted,  a free guide
• 3 Must-Knows When You’re Looking for an Admissions Consultant for Your Child
• 11 Tips for Visiting College Campuses