Let’s Be Honest About the College Process

I’ve seen it firsthand.

Another admissions cycle has wrapped.
More frustration.
More confusion.
More heartbreak.

If you're a parent of a high school student, I want to tell you the truth.

This process?
It’s not fair.
It’s not always logical.
And it’s definitely not built with your child’s best interest in mind.

Let’s break it down.

#1: Remember that rejection isn’t about your teen’s worth

Your child might get rejected from a dream school—even with great grades, test scores, and extracurriculars.

That doesn’t mean they failed.
It means the system is flawed.

One of my students had:

• A 1570 SAT
  

• Straight A’s
  

• Dual enrollment courses
  

• Stellar extracurriculars
  
  

Still rejected from multiple top schools.

Why?
Because selective colleges only have so many spots.
They’re looking at factors your child can’t control:

• Institutional priorities
  

• Geographic diversity
  

• Development (donations)
  

• Legacy status
  
  

Meanwhile, another student—barely in the top half of their class, no test scores, minimal rigor—got into the same school.
Their family had deep $$$$ connections.

Is that fair? No.
Is it reality? Yes.

#2: Submitting More Applications Doesn’t Mean More Options

Colleges are encouraging students to apply to their schools
Not because they want all those students.
But because it helps their rankings.

More applicants = lower admit rate = higher “prestige.”

So what happens?
Your child applies to 25 schools... and gets into 3.
Or none.

That hurts.
Not just your child.
But your household.

#3: TikTok is NOT a College Counselor

Your teen is getting advice from social media.
From peers.
From influencers.

Not from people who know what works.

And definitely not from people who know your child.

This is why you can’t afford to step back.
You must stay involved.
You must ask questions:

• What colleges are actually a good fit?
  

• What stories are they telling in their essays?
  

• Who is reviewing their application before it’s submitted?
  
  

#4: Your Teen’s Mental Health is On the Line

College pressure is triggering stress, anxiety, and even depression in teens.

You feel it in your home.
You hear the late-night tears.
You see the self-doubt creeping in.

This isn’t just about getting in.
It’s about your child feeling good about where they’re going.

And that starts with you.

So here’s what matters most and what I want you to focus on….

I want your teen to have:

• A strong college list with real options
  

• A compelling essay that tells their truth
  

• A story that highlights their impact
  

• A strategy that makes sense and that they can feel proud of
  
  

If you have a:

• 9th grader: Now’s the time to build strong habits and explore interests.
  

• 10th grader: Course selection, summer plans, and activities matter.
  

• 11th grader: College list, testing plan, essay prep—this is your moment.
  
  

Remember, waiting is not a strategy.

How We Help Parents Like You

At Strategic Admissions Advice, we guide families every day.

We’re not selling magic.
We’re offering truth, tools, and a plan.

We help with:

• College List Building
  

• Essay Coaching
  

• Application Strategies
  

• Timeline Management
  
  

And most importantly, we keep your teen’s mental health top of mind.

What Will You Do Differently This Year?

Will you follow the hype?

Or will you take control of your child’s process?

Let’s talk about your family.

📞 Book a free Discovery Call today at www.callwithsaa.com
 

📖 Learn more at strategicadmissionsadvice.com

Let’s do this the right way—for your child.