Parents often assume something that I wish were true: there's a magical checklist out there that, if followed to a T, will get your child into their dream school. In reality, college admission in the US includes a lot of "it depends&rdquo; scenarios. College admissions depend on the school, your child&rsquo;s major, your legacy status, their GPA and test scores, their interests and extracurriculars, and on where you attended high school. Getting into a dream school is messy, and messy work requires a human touch.
Passion Beats Polish Every Time
Students who treat college admission like a checklist, or who ask, "What should I do that will look good," often struggle the most. In contrast, high schoolers who do things out of genuine love, enthusiasm, and passion are always more successful.&nbsp;
If a student isn't interested in an activity, a class, a volunteer activity, or a project, we recommend having them move on to something that does engross them&nbsp;
Colleges don't care as much about the well-rounded student as they do about the well-rounded class. Allow your kids to go deep and geek out!
Get Involved Early and Then Let Them Do Their Own Thing
If you're going to get involved in your child's college search and application process, it should be more at the beginning, during junior year.&nbsp;
I have parents who wait until their kid is about to submit before they say they want to look over the essay or add a couple more schools to the list. This adds a ton of stress to an already overwhelmed student.&nbsp;
Help Them Narrow the Field
Help your child build parameters and guardrails to narrow their search. There are thousands of schools to choose from, and it's overwhelming.&nbsp;
It's cruel to allow your child to go through the hard work of applying to a $90K per year school only to tell them after they've been admitted that you can't afford it. Don't let them apply in the first place. The same goes for schools that are geographically impractical or don&rsquo;t offer their potential major.&nbsp;
Your child will be grateful that you've helped them narrow the field of options.
Remember, You Are Not Going to College With Them
Play dumb and show more curiosity than expertise. Ask questions; follow their lead. You're not just trying to get them admitted; you're trying to help them succeed as independent college students.&nbsp;
Be a resource, help them answer their questions, and be an advocate for them, but remember that you are not going to college with them. Your job is to get them ready for this first big leap into adulthood, not to plow the way for them.
Alex Ellison, Founder and Head Guide, Throughline Guidance
Alex Ellison launched her independent consulting practice in 2013 under the name Dunce, LLC, just to add some levity to what can be a stressful topic: college and career planning. She writes and lectures extensively on careers and college readiness and has been a featured speaker at SXSW and TEDx. She is the author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Your-Own-Way-Student-Centered-Experience/dp/1945028254" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Go Your Own Way: 7 Student-Centered Paths to the Best College Experience </a>and the creator of the Go Your Own Way Student Archetype Quiz used in schools and by individuals to jump-start their college search. She is a co-author of <a href="https://www.yourhiddengenius.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Your Hidden Genius</a>. Alex holds a BA from Northwestern University, a Master's in Public Policy from the University of Nevada, Reno, and a certificate in college counseling from UCLA Extension School. She lives in Santa Cruz, California. Learn more about her work at <a href="https://throughlineguidance.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Throughline Guidance</a>.&nbsp;

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Parents often assume something that I wish were true: there's a magical checklist out there that, if followed to a T, will get your child into...

What College Counselors Wish Parents Knew About the Application Process

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Monterey, CA — Looking for a thoughtful and elegant way to celebrate Mother’s Day this year? Rosemary &amp; Thyme High Teas is delighted to announce its Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea on Sunday, May 10, offering a charming and memorable experience for families, friends, and loved ones.
Guests will enjoy a beautifully presented, English-inspired tea service featuring delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones served with traditional accompaniments, and an assortment of handcrafted sweet treats. Each setting is styled with vintage china, creating a warm and refined atmosphere perfect for celebrating the occasion.
This limited-seating event is designed to provide a relaxed yet special way to gather and enjoy the afternoon together.
Event Details: 
What: Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea 
When: Sunday, May 10 
Where: Monterey Peninsula (location details provided upon booking)
Reservations: 
Advance booking is required, and seating is limited. 
Reserve your place here: 
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rosemaryandthymehighteas.com/shop/p/mothers-day-tea" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.rosemaryandthymehighteas.com/shop/p/mothers-day-tea<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" aria-hidden="true" data-rtl-flip="" class="block h-[0.75em] w-[0.75em] stroke-current stroke-[0.75]"><use href="/cdn/assets/sprites-core-0da2cb3c.svg#304883" fill="currentColor"></use></svg></a>
For those seeking a more intimate celebration, Rosemary &amp; Thyme High Teas also offers private in-home tea services, bringing the full afternoon tea experience directly to your home or chosen venue.
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a touch of elegance and a truly delightful tea experience.

Local Event: Mother's Day Tea

Monterey County

Monterey

Mother's Day Tea

Monterey, CA — Looking for a thoughtful and elegant way to celebrate Mother’s Day this year? Rosemary & Thyme High Teas is...

El Capulin Nursery

We offer a wide variety of plants/trees from fruit trees, flowers, palms, grasses and succulents, our property is over 3 acres full of plants ready to make your garden / backyard beautiful 595 green valley rd Watsonville ca Open Everyday 8am-5pm

We offer a wide variety of plants/trees from fruit trees, flowers, palms, grasses and succulents, our property is over 3 acres full of plants ready...

Illusive Comics & Games, LLC

All are welcome at Illusive Comics &amp; Games, located in Santa Clara. Woman owned and all spectrum friendly, we are a brightly lit, well organized, and welcoming shop. It's easy for anyone to come in and wander, and shop. Roll some gorgeous dice and play some boardgames if you have the time. We will you pick out the perfect item you're looking for! We have the largest selection of new comics in the Bay Area. You can also find Dungeons &amp; Dragons, Pokemon, Magic: the Gathering, and a huge selection of boardgames. We've got comic books for every age, starting with Superhero board books. We have a full weekend of events all of the time, which we update on our website each week. There's also space for free Boardgaming for you and your friends. Illusive has been a Santa Clara mainstay since 2007. We're on Stevens Creek at Lawrence Expy and 280, next to Harbor Freight, on the other end of the center from MicroCenter. Open every day of the year, our Holiday Hours for 2026/27 are Mon 11a-7p Tues 12p-7p Wed 11a-8p Thur 11a-7p Fri 11a-9p Sat 10a-7p Sun 11a-7p (Libraries, Teachers and Schools- contact us for bulk ordering discounts for your schools and fundraising options!)

All are welcome at Illusive Comics & Games, located in Santa Clara. Woman owned and all spectrum friendly, we are a brightly lit, well organized,...

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What College Counselors Wish Parents Knew About the Application Process

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