You’re a busy, hardworking parent who wants your child to have the best opportunities and college experience. You’ve spent years helping with homework, cheering at games, and now you’re faced with the biggest decision yet, college planning. It can feel like a maze, and I know you want to get it right.

So much has changed since you applied to college, and you don’t want to miss anything important. I get it! I’ve worked with hundreds of moms who’ve been in your shoes, and I’m here to make this process easier for you. This article will help you avoid the biggest pitfalls as you help your child prepare for college!

Mistake #1: Waiting for your child’s first ACT or SAT score

This is one of the most common mistakes I see when families come to me for guidance: Jennifer thought waiting for her son’s SAT scores was the smart move, but by the time they were posted, they were scrambling to find schools, and the thought of college became overwhelming.

“Let’s just wait and see how their ACT score turns out first..." Sound familiar? A lot of moms tell me this seems like the logical first step. But here’s the problem: waiting until the spring of junior year when scores post means you’ll be cramming everything—college research, visits, applications—into just a few months. That’s when stress levels skyrocket! The earlier you start, the smoother the process (and the fewer meltdowns– for both you and your teen!)

ACT and SAT scores are still important for many college admission decisions and can help students demonstrate their academic rigor and potential in their admission application.

However, colleges look at more than scores to determine if a student is a good fit for their institution, so I cannot urge parents enough to start researching colleges and encouraging their children to develop their interests and involvement early on!

Solution A: Start planning for college early!

If your child is high-achieving, you will need to start as early as middle school to ensure college planning elements like choosing the right high school courses and sequencing that will open up more doors for them later.

If your child is a freshman: Focus on course selection and extracurriculars.

If your child is a sophomore: Research colleges, schedule visits, and consider ACT/SAT prep.

If they’re a junior: Create a shortlist of colleges now, in addition to the steps listed above.

Click here to learn more about the timeline for applying to college.

Regardless of where your child is academically, most students can fare well and take advantage of all the best opportunities if they start planning in their sophomore year of high school.

You can find loads of information online to organize a plan yourself or, consider working with an experienced Independent Educational Consultant (IEC). Parents can book a free strategy session on my contact page to learn more about my process and show you how to create a plan for college.

Mistake #2: Only using U.S. News and Forbes rankings to build a college list

U.S. News 2025 Rankings Criteria screen shot

I know how easy it is to Google "Best Colleges for Engineering" and assume those are the only good schools. But here’s the truth—those rankings are more about popularity than what’s actually best for your child, and many of those colleges accept less than 20% of students. There are thousands of fantastic schools that never make those lists. Instead of chasing a name, focus on what truly matters: does the school fit your teen’s needs, learning style, and future goals?

If you scour these top 50 lists to find information like the “best business schools” or “the top colleges for nursing,” you will often see the same schools pop up repeatedly. I could write a whole article on just this topic, but these lists are “rigged,” and a heavy portion of the rankings, 20%, is peer-based, which essentially means a big, biased popularity contest.

Still, there is valuable information within the ranking report descriptions. If you’re lost and unsure how to research colleges, the ranking lists can provide a solid launchpad and starting point.

Solution: Diversify your research when building a college list

Instead of relying on just one list, mix it up! Start by asking your teen: "What kind of learning environment do you thrive in? Big campus or small? Close to home or far away? Do you like the classes you see in the curriculum?" Then, use resources like College Board, Niche, and SchoolLinks to find schools that fit their answers—not just their ranking.

Mistake #3: Taking the ACT or SAT without any studying or prep

Imagine signing your teen up for a marathon without any training. They show up on race day, run a few miles, then realize they’re completely unprepared. That’s what happens when students take the ACT or SAT without practice—they waste time, energy, and confidence. The good news? A little prep goes a long way!

Especially with how busy high school students are these days, we don’t have time to waste on missed opportunities!

The highest level of math needed for the ACT or SAT is Algebra II, with only a couple of questions related to pre-calc and trigonometry. This means, if your child is taking Algebra II as a sophomore, they can start taking ACT or SAT practice tests in their second semester or the summer before junior year.

Solution: Take semi-full-length practice tests

After all the effort of signing up, waking up early, and sitting through a 4-hour exam, the last thing you want is for your teen to walk out feeling defeated. That’s what happens when they take the test ‘cold,’ without any prep.

The good news is that just one practice test can make a huge difference! Taking a practice ACT or SAT at home (or with a tutor) gives your teen a starting point. Once they know their baseline score, they can focus on improving the areas that need the most work—without wasting time studying the wrong things.

Ideally, have your child take their first practice test at least 8 weeks before their official exam date and engage with practice questions through a prep book, an online program, or with a tutor a couple of times per week. It’s a small investment that can pay off significantly by opening up opportunities for college admissions and merit scholarships.

Mistake #4: Skipping or delaying college visits

Imagine buying a house without ever stepping inside or touring other homes for comparison. Sounds crazy, right? Yet, so many students apply to colleges without truly researching or understanding what they are like! The campus atmosphere, the students, campus resources, and the specific curriculum make a huge difference in whether your teen feels at home. Visiting (even virtually) helps them picture themselves there—and that can be the difference between thriving and feeling stuck.

College visits are a vital part of the research process and allow students to visualize themselves on campus. It’s a powerful experience when kids get to walk across campus and imagine themselves as a college student. It often motivates them to do well in high school because they can see what they have to work for.

Even if your child is unsure what to study in college or even what schools they like, immersing themselves in the possibilities and exploring their options early is necessary for students to have confidence in what schools are right for them.

Solution: Start early, start local, and take advantage of virtual options

Freshman year might be too early for some students to make meaning out of a college tour, but sophomore year and junior year are prime times to schedule campus visits.

You don’t have to fly across the country tomorrow! Start simple: tour a local college just to get a feel for campus life. Even if your teen isn’t considering that school, seeing a campus in action helps them start picturing their future. If travel isn’t an option, check out virtual tours on college websites—it’s the next best thing to being there!

Visit options are typically available on a college’s website under the Admissions tab, so sit down with your teen and make a plan to explore your options now!

Mistake #5: Not asking for help!

Figuring out how to apply for college involves many moving parts. Don’t rely on your high school alone to get the best experience and outcomes in the process. High schools vary in resources offered, and the reality is that most counselors’ student loads are heavy, often responsible for hundreds of students at a time, and as much as they would love to, they don’t have the capacity to handhold your child through every step.

You wouldn’t plan a wedding, a big move, or a major home renovation without help—so why do so many families try to navigate college admissions alone? The process has changed A LOT in the last 20 years. It’s much more competitive, even for schools that were “easy” to get into back in the day.

You want your child to have every opportunity for success, and the best way to make that happen is by staying involved in their college journey. By guiding them through key milestones each year of high school, you’ll help set them up for a bright future—without the last-minute stress. The good news? You don’t have to do this on your own!

Solution: Create a plan or partner with a professional

Start by taking advantage of the college planning events and fairs your child’s high school offers—they’re a great way to gather valuable information and build awareness. Encourage your teen to check in with their school counselor regularly so they stay on top of important resources and next steps. When it comes to college advising, the families who ask questions and stay engaged often get the most support, so don’t be afraid to be proactive!

Do you feel empowered to craft your child’s own college plan after reading this article?

If so, there are plenty of resources available for parents to do their own research early on and piece together their own plans and timelines. My website offers a whole library of articles to help you along your journey, and you can also use sites like College Board and Niche for college planning tools and tips.

Do you feel overwhelmed thinking about creating a college plan for your teen?

I know this process can feel like a lot, but you don’t have to do it alone! I’ve helped hundreds of moms and teens navigate college admissions with less stress and more confidence. If you want personalized guidance, I’d love to chat—schedule a Free Strategy Session, and let’s make a plan that works for your family!

What’s Next?

Jackie Postelnick, Independent Educational Consultant, speaking with a parent

Just like finding the right college for your child, choosing the right college planning support can make all the difference in helping them reach their goals.

I invite you to explore the free resources on my website, learn more about my approach, and, if you’re looking for personalized guidance, schedule a Free Strategy Session—I’d love to chat and help make this journey smoother for you and your teen!