Beyond deadlines and dreams: A parent's role in the admissions journey

Economic Times

a day ago

2025 has been anything but ordinary. With two major global conflicts, economic volatility, AI disruption, climate anxiety, and teenagers growing up under the microscope of social media scrutiny, the world feels more chaotic than ever—and high school seniors are caught right in the middle of it.In the midst of this turbulence lies one of the most defining milestones in a student's life: college admissions. And this year's cycle isn't just academically demanding—it's emotionally, technologically, and strategically overwhelming.
Agentic AI—the new buzzword in education—is reshaping the process altogether. Tools like GPT, Grammarly, Devin.AI, and others are transforming how students write essays, conduct research, and even build college lists. But while the outputs may look flawless, students are increasingly feeling detached from their own voice and journey. Admissions outcomes are more unpredictable than ever, and for international families, navigating testing, visas, costs, and post-study careers has become a full-time job.
As an AI entrepreneur and counselor at heart, I've worked with students and families across Europe, the Middle East, and the U.S., helping them navigate the whirlwind of applications. I've seen the full range—from 3 a.m. anxiety spirals to blank portals that remain untouched out of fear. But I've also seen something else: behind every overwhelmed student is usually a parent trying to do the right thing—without a playbook. This article is for them. Because in 2025, your presence isn't just helpful—it's transformational.
The gap between intention and impact
A 2024 NACAC survey found that 66% of high school seniors listed parental pressure as one of their top three stressors during the college application cycle. In contrast, 81% of parents believed they were being 'helpful and encouraging.'This isn't about fault—it's about awareness. We're living in a new era where:Agentic AI tools can generate application-ready essays in minutes, yet students often feel disconnected and unsure of what their work actually reflects. Remember: a compelling application must feel original and authentic, not AI-assembled.Deferral is the new normal, and Early Decision now feels like a psychological chess game, demanding both courage and clarity.For international families, the complexity only multiplies: visa timelines, testing differences, financial aid eligibility, and career alignment all play a role.In this evolving landscape, your involvement can either empower—or unintentionally overwhelm. The impact doesn't come from how much you do, but how you show up.
What I've learned from families worldwide
One student in Dubai said to me, 'I wish my mom would just sit with me—not to talk about colleges, but just to be with me.' Her mother, meanwhile, had built a 15-tab spreadsheet to track every deadline. The intention? 100% love. The impact? The student felt micromanaged.In Delhi, another student confided, 'After my dad rewrote my essay, I didn't recognize my own voice.' He was trying to help, drawing from his Ivy League past. But the student lost ownership of the story—and confidence with it.What students need isn't perfection or precision. They need emotional steadiness and data-driven collaboration. When uncertainty arises, work as a team. If something's unclear—pause, ask, explore together.
The parent's toolkit for 2025
From working with over 400 families this year alone, these five strategies have proven most effective:1.Active Listening > Constant AdvisingAsk how they feel, not just what they've done.Students who feel heard report 19% higher emotional resilience (UCLA Youth Stress Lab, 2023).2. Validation > CorrectionCelebrate the first messy draft, the narrowed list, or a tough decision made with honesty.Progress > polish.3. Structure Support > HoveringOffer tools and timelines, but let your child lead.Structured students are 3x more likely to submit on time (Georgetown CDE, 2024).4. Financial Transparency > Last-Minute PanicIn 2024, 1 in 3 families adjusted their list due to late-stage affordability concerns (Sallie Mae).
Want to avoid this? Email me at [e-mail] and I'll send you our in-house shortlisting tool—free. No strings attached. 5. Trust the Process > Control the OutcomeSome of the most inspiring student journeys I've seen began after a rejection.Fit and growth matter more than prestige.
Final thoughts: Presence over perfection
In over a decade of guiding high-achieving, globally mobile families, I've learned this: the most successful students aren't the most accomplished—they're the most supported.When families collaborate—with all wins and failures seen as shared experiences—the pressure dissipates, and the student steps forward with clarity.The most valuable thing you can give your child isn't an Ivy League acceptance. It's the belief that they are already enough—with or without the perfect outcome.So as the 2025-26 cycle begins, take a breath. Step back. Tune in.Because when students feel steady, their applications don't just shine—they speak. And that's what truly makes them stand out. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of www.economictimes.com.)
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